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 mixedvegetable 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 glucoselowering 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 ampalaya candy 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 prunes or 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:momoc
ha-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