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