Nutrients From Bitter Melon

Although the name "bitter melon" might not win any marketing awards, the nutrition punch that this strong-flavored vegetable packs needs no selling. Naturally rich in calcium, vitamin C and iron, bitter melon is a nutrient-rich addition to any meal. If you can handle the taste bud tickling flavor that bitter melon brings to your mouth, you'll be getting a hearty dose of essential nutrients.

Background

Bitter melon --also commonly referred to as bitter gourd -- is a popular side dish in Asian cuisine, including Chinese, Thai and Burmese. Additionally, bitter melon is a common ingredient used in Eastern medicine. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, bitter melon is commonly used to treat or prevent cancer, infections and digestive problems.

Vitamins and Minerals

Bitter melon contains large amounts of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, dietary iron, vitamin A and calcium, the National Bitter Melon Council reports. Vitamin C is essential for immunity and cartilage production. Dietary iron is needed to transport oxygen around the body. The vitamin A in bitter melon, as beta-carotene, is a highly absorbable form that promotes healthy vision and immunity. Calcium helps your body's muscles contract and bones to form.

Macronutrients

Like most fresh vegetables, bitter melon is naturally low in calories and dietary fat, but bitter melon also contains a large amount of dietary protein, a nutrient essential for tissue production. According to the National Bitter Melon Council, a 3.5 g serving of bitter melon contains nearly 6 g of dietary protein -- significantly more than other vegetables such as spinach and carrots.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are constituents of certain plant foods that fight a harmful process in your body known as oxidation. If your body's levels of oxidation get too high, damage to your cell's DNA can occur, boosting cancer risk. A study published in the March 2008 issue of " LWT -- Food Science and Technology" found that wild bitter melons grown in Taiwan had high levels of potent antioxidants known as flavanoids and polyphenols.

Considerations

Although healthy, a large intake of bitter melon can cause low blood sugar levels, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Bitter melon can be added to a number of healthy dishes, including stir fries, casseroles and salads. If you don't care for the taste of bitter melon, you might want to consider a bitter melon extract dietary supplement. Before taking bitter melon extract, talk to your doctor to make sure it's safe for you.