CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING

Introduction

The Philippines is abundant in Ampalaya vegetable which is

known as a very nutritious vegetable. Ampalaya is the Tagalog

word for bitter melon, or bitter gourd or bitter cucumber. Its

scientific name is Momordia charantia. It can be found in China,

Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam and India. It is a greenish, oblong-

shaped fruit that grows on vines to about 20 centimeters long,

with tapering ends. Sour in taste, it has many culinary and

medicinal uses in Asia and parts of South America and the

Carribean.

Filipino centenarians will remember being forced as children

to eat ampalaya sautéed with egg. They will also remember seeing

"beef ampalaya" on the menus of old and new Chinese restaurants,

and the bitter taste in the ancient Ilocano mixed-vegetable dish

called "pinakbet."

Because of its bitterness, researcher came up of a project

that use ampalaya as the main ingredient despite of its bitter

taste. Some believed that this project may not work because of

its complicated flavor. Others say that it will outcome good

result that most children would benefit.

This investigatory project will identify if truly the

bitterness of Ampalaya would not exist. Also through this, we can

know what are its great effects in our lives including its

benefits in food economy and healthcare.

Statement of the Problem

In our modern day, health condition of the country is slowly

deteriorating because of the widespread of non nutritious foods

consumed by people.

The researcher believes that she could provide a product that

would best answer on the aim of improving the health condition of

our country.

This investigatory project aims to determine and to find out

how the bitterness of Ampalaya will work out on the product’s

desire flavor and also on the benefits that can make for our

country.

Specifically, this project will seek to answer the following

question:

1. What are the components of Ampalaya candy that makes it

nutritious?

2. What are the ingredients of the product that make the bitter

taste of ampalaya lessened?

3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of making the

Ampalaya candy?

4. What is the level of acceptability of the product to the

consumer by considering the following variables:

a. Taste

b. Odor

c. Texture

Significance of the study

This research project is worth making because it will help in

improving the health condition of our country. Also in our

economy, we can raise and recover it as well. Diabetes, one of

the certain and major diseases in the country, can be prevented.

Through this project, we can learn the benefits the Ampalaya

candy can produce for ourselves and for the others. Non

nutritious foods that are fellow men were eaten will be

lessening. It can be suitable equipment for our future’s

generation food frugality.

Delimitation of the study

This paper will talk about the production of Ampalaya candy

with its advantages and disadvantages to our country and to us.

This will also provide information on determining Ampalaya candy

for its acceptability to the consumer by its taste, odor and

texture. It will discuss how the bitterness of Ampalaya consumed

on making this project.

This paper will not include the parts of Ampalaya, kinds of

candy and other sources that you can use on making this project.

This will only talk about Ampalaya candy and its information.

Definition of Terms

To make this investigatory project more understandable to

those who might come across it, the researcher includes the

definition of some term which will enable to have aa clearer

understanding of the problem they seek to answer. The following

are some of the words with their corresponding meanings and

explanation.

1. Ampalaya- a vegetable grown throughout the Philippines. As

the English name suggests (bitter melon), the melon has a

bitter taste due to the presence of momordicin.

2. Vigor- means physical strength and good health

3. Glucose- a variety of sugar occurring in nature very

abundantly, as in ripe grapes, and in honey, and produced in

great quantities from starch, etc., by the action of heat

and acids

4. Adjunct- a thing added to something else as a supplementary

rather than an essential part

5. Antineoplastic- Any of several drugs that control or kill

neoplastic cells; used in chemotherapy to kill cancer cells;

all have unpleasant side effects that may include nausea and

vomiting and hair loss and suppression of bone marrow

function

6. Hypoglycemia- any of various agents that decrease the level

of glucose in the blood and are used in the treatment of

diabetes mellitus

7. Favism- anemia resulting from eating fava beans; victims

have an inherited blood abnormality and enzyme deficiency.

8. Gastrointestinal- of or relating to the stomach and the

intestines

9. Placebo- A harmless pill, medicine, or procedure prescribed

more for the psychological benefit to the patient than for

any physiological effect

10. Diabetes Mellitus- The commonest form of diabetes,

caused by a deficiency of the pancreatic hormone insulin,

which results in a failure to metabolize sugars and starch.

11. Diarrhea- a condition in which feces are discharged

from the bowels frequently and in a liquid form.

12. Nausea- a feeling of sickness with an inclination to

vomit

13. Tepid- Only slightly warm; lukewarm

14. Pectin- A soluble gelatinous polysaccharide that is

present in ripe fruits and is extracted for use as a setting

agent in jams and jellies

CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter reviews the work of the researcher on studies

closely related to the present day, as follows:

According to Daniel Paul Pascual, a student of Baguio City

National High school, ampalaya, amargoso or bitter gourd was one

of the most important commercial and backyard fruit vegetables in

the country today. It has both nutritive and medicinal use. These

were rich in calcium,phosphorous, iron, carbohydrates and

vitaminB. It was also known to cure diabetes, arthritis,

rheumatism, asthma, warts, and ulcer. Making a candy within

ampalaya was said to be nutritious and delicious because of the

nutrients that ampalaya have.

According to Dr. Galvez, the former secretary of the

Separtment of Health, ampalaya cannot cure diabetes, but it can

help control the diseases. The action of ampalaya on blood sugar

is equivalent to the action of the medicine. In response to the

study, the Department of Health has elevated the status of

ampalaya from a mere nutritional supplement to a real medicine.

People find ways to counteract the bitter taste of ampalaya

by cooking it together with other recipes. Mixing the chopped

ampalaya with eggs can turn its taste delightful to the taste

buds and at the same time reaping the many health benefits of

ampalaya.

Analyses of the fruit show that it is a good source of iron

and calcium, and a good source of phosphorus. Despite its bitter

taste, extracts from plant parts has become a popular drink for

boosting vigor. In fact, the bitterer, the better, as it is

believed that the bitterness is proportionate to its potency

according to Galvez.

According to Dr. Raman and Dr. Lau of Pharmacognosy Research

Laboratories Department of Pharmacy King’s College London, United

Kingdom, oral administration of fruit juice or seed powder of

ampalaya causes a reduction in fasting blood glucose and improves

glucose tolerance.

R. Rosales, MD and R. Fernando, MD, said that Ampalaya fruit

prepared as a tea is well- tolerated and may be a useful dietary

adjunct in the treatment of type-2 diabetes. It has minor

gastrointestinal side effects of increased bowel frequency but

beneficial to those diabetic patients who are constipated.

According to Basch, Gabardi and Ulbricht, Bitter melon

(Momordica charantia) is an alternative therapy that has

primarily been used for lowering blood glucose levels in patients

with diabetes mellitus. Components of bitter melon extract appear

to have structural similarities to animal insulin. Antiviral and

antineoplastic activities have also been reported in vitro. Four

clinical trials found bitter melon juice, fruit and dried powder

to have a moderate hypoglycemic effect. These studies were small

and were not randomized or double-blind, however. Reported

adverse effects of bitter melon include hypoglycemic coma and

convulsions in children, reduced fertility in mice, a favism-like

synrome, increases in γ-glutamyltransferase and alkaline

phosphatase levels in animals and headaches. Bitter melon may

have additive effects when taken with other glucose-lowering

agents. Adequately powered, randomized, placebo-controlled trials

are needed to properly assess safety and efficacy before bitter

melon can be routinely recommended.

According to Jea Joy A. Muñoz of DOST in Region III,

Momordica Charantia or ampalaya is known for its power to improve

numerous infections, cancer and leukemia. It also has the ability

to help a person recover from having a deadly disease known as

Diabetes Mellitus. These days, diabetes mellitus is a disease

that contributes to more than 25,000 deaths per year. It is

caused by hypoglycemia and the inability of the body to utilize

insulin. People from the different walks of life suffer from its

harmful and dreadful effects. Many studies regarding medicines

against it were performed yet less were reached by ordinary

people and those who usually die amongst those unfortunate.

From the article “Super Food Ampalaya”, it was said that

ampalaya was a super food eaten by people of other countries as

well as Filipinos because it resembles a big cucumber with wartd

on it. It is native to the trophics just like mallunggay and

always seen as one of the ingredient of pinakbet and also in

bagoong. It also said that the medical uses of ampalaya are more

important than the culinary uses because it’s bitter taste has

different its nutrients that is very helpful in our body.

In our country, there are areas of malnutrition in different

provinces. The State of the World’s Children says it is due to

financial problem and also to the food they eat. Children now

seldom eats vegetables and fruits because of many junk foods in

the store that they are tempt to buy because of its delicious

taste, not knowing that it has bad effects on their health,

especially if they eat too much sweet which can cause tooth

decay, tonsillitis and may turn out to be diabetes, and if too

much sour, it can also cause U.T.I and or kidney failure. It is

not advisable to each too much junk food because it will turn out

to be very bad on your health.

The researcher found out some disadvantages of ampalaya and

ampalaya candy such as:

Lars Tramilton said that the most common side effects from

consuming bitter melon are digestive problems. These side effects

generally are minor and no cause for alarm. They usually subside

within a few days. They include diarrhea, stomachache and

bloating. There are some medications that have the potential to

bring upon negative interactions when taken alongside bitter

melon. Bitter melon might lower insulin and glucose levels, so

people who have diabetes should not take their diabetic

medication simultaneously with bitter melon.

Upon its initial harvest, bitter melon is yellow-green in

appearance, though it turns yellowish-orange in color as it

ripens. The inside of the melon is seedy, with seeds of high

fibrous content. However, according to InteliHealth, these

fibrous seeds and rind are extremely bitter and toxic if

consumed, causing headache and nausea.

Bitter melon has a primary use for effectively lowering high

blood glucose levels in diabetes mellitus patients, as it

contains components with structural similarities to insulin.

Although bitter melon aids in the natural lowering of the high

blood glucose levels in diabetic patients, too much of it can

lead to hypoglycemic coma, among other serious health issues.

Bitter melon is also used as an "anti-viral and anti-neoplastic

activities," as well as an anti-oxidant, according to Zhion

Health. Bitter melon juice is often consumed in its natural fruit

form, juice or added with water as a dried powder.

According to Zhion Health, there have been reported adverse

effects of bitter melon consumption, which included convulsions

in children, reduced fertility in mice, and headaches, in

addition to coma. Bitter melon may also interfere with normal

glucose levels in non-diabetic individuals. Pregnant women should

abstain from consumption of bitter melon, as such may cause

spontaneous abortion, fetal-deformities and/or future

infertility.

CHAPTER III

RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES

The research study uses the combination of quantitative

analysis of documentary materials such as records that already

exists and experimental method to determine the making of

ampalaya candy. The researcher focused mainly on the basic

research process to gather necessary data and information for the

study. The completion was based mainly on the gathered

information from books and web pages from computer researchers.

Methodology

These are the methods and things that the researcher used in

making Ampalaya candy such as follows:

Things you will need:

11-by-7-by-2-inch baking dish

Aluminum foil

Butter

1 1/2 cups white sugar

1 1/2 cups corn syrup

Large saucepan

Candy thermometer

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons tepid water

7 1/2 tablespoons pectin

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 cup fresh grated ampalaya

3 tablespoons ampalaya powder

5 teaspoons flavored extract (your choice)

Corn starch

Sharp knife

Airtight container

Procedures:

1. Line the baking dish with aluminum foil. Fold the foil over

the outside edges of the baking dish. Grease the foil

generously with unsalted butter and set aside.

2. Grease the bottom and sides of a large saucepan heavily with

unsalted butter.

3. Combine 1 1/2 cups white sugar and 1 1/2 cups corn syrup in

the buttered saucepan.

4. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring

syrup/sugar mixture to a boil. Stir constantly until sugar

is completely dissolved.

5. Cook the sugar mixture until it reaches the soft-crack stage

(270 to 290 degrees Fahrenheit). Keep track of the

temperature with your candy thermometer.

6. Combine 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of tepid water, 7 1/2

tablespoons of pectin, and 3/4 teaspoon of baking soda in a

separate saucepan. It will produce a head of foam.

7. Place pectin mixture over high heat, stirring constantly,

until it boils (three to five minutes). Continue to stir

until foam disappears. Lower heat to medium. Keep the pectin

mixture simmering until the sugar mixture reaches the soft-

crack stage.

8. Pour the pectin mixture into the sugar mixture as you

continue to stir. Once the mixtures are combined, stir

constantly for another three minutes.

9. Remove candy mixture from heat. Immediately stir in 1/4 cup

of fresh grated ampalaya, 3 tablespoons of ampalaya powder,

and 5 teaspoons of the flavored extract of your choice.

10. Pour the mixture into the foil-lined baking dish. Allow

the candy to set at room temperature for three and a half

hours or until firm.

11. Dust your work surface with corn starch. Lift the candy

from the baking dish using the aluminum foil. Turn it out

onto the dusted work surface.

12. Slice the candy into 1/2-inch squares with a sharp

knife dusted with cornstarch.

13. Pour 1 cup white sugar into a shallow bowl. Roll each

ampalaya square in the sugar. Store at room temperature in

an airtight container.

CHAPTER IV

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

1. Ampalya candy is made up of such nutritious ingredients such

as ampalaya, honey as the alternative substance for corn

syrup and apple pectin. Ampalaya is rich in soluble fiber, as

well as potassium, iron, folic acid, calcium and phosphorus.

It also contains high levels of vitamins A, B and C as well

as in honey. On the other hand, apple pectin assists in

reducing bad cholesterol because it forms a fiber barrier in

the intestinal wall preventing the absorption of cholesterol

and other fats, and it reduces the absorption of glucose.

2. The ingredients of the product that makes the bitter taste of

ampalaya lessened are the sugar and the honey. Because of the

sweetness of these two, less bitterness were tasted. Also

there are more substances of it that were use than in

ampalaya.

3. Making Ampalaya candy can be an improvised material for

anyone who doesn’t eat ampalaya directly. It helps kids and

fellow man to eat ampalaya in a delicious way. It is very

nutritious because of the substances and some of the

alternatives we use. Unlike other candies, its nutrients are

natural and good to our body. On the other hand, too much

consuming of Ampalaya candy is harmful. It can lead to

diabetes, diarrhea and some digestive problems.

4. As we tasted it to others, most people rated the product very

good. From its color, they say it’s good and more like a

chocolate. On it’s odor, they say it’s like a true candy and

can smell the sweetness and on it’s taste it’s good. A little

bit sticky but nutritious.

CHAPTER V

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Conclusion

Based on the observationof the researchers, the ampalayacandy is delicious but also nutritious that is valuable than the

ordinary candy. It contains nutrients needed by the body. The

product is favorable for them and its bitter taste as been

lessened. Most of the people liked the product considering its

taste, odor, and texture. It is easy to made and very convenient.

Recommendation

Based on the results of this product, the following

recommendations are hereby given:

1. Add some vegetables on the Ampalaya Candy or more nutrients

and best effect.

2. Determine the nutritional contents of Ampalaya Candy.

3. The making of Ampalaya Candy is another way to earn a living

4. Ampalaya candy is an excelent substitute for imported prunesor other delicacies.

Sources:

http://www.charantia.com/ampalaya_archive/Advanced%20Search.htm

http://www.charantia.com/about-ampalaya/

http://www.untwistedvortex.com/super-food-ampalaya/

http://www.ehow.com/how_5732555_make-ampalaya-candy.html

http://www.ampalaya.com/

http:// www. globalpinoy.com/pinoyhealth/ph_gamotpinoy/ampalaya.htm

http://region3.dost.gov.ph/index.php?

option=com_content&view=article&id=215:momocha-momordica-

charantia-chips&catid=22:medicine-and-health&Itemid=45

http://www.ehow.com/about_5041044_bitter-melon-side-effects.html

http://www.ehow.com/list_7456604_bitter-melon-disadvantages.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_5732555_make-ampalaya-candy.html