CHAPTER 2

AMPALAYA WITH SQUASH PANCAKE

hypothesis

H 1.1) The bitterness of ampalaya could not be lessened or reduced.

1.2) Ampalaya with squash pancake is not acceptable among the children.

1.3) Ampalaya with squash pancake have more health benefits.

1.4) Squash are brightly colored like fruit, but taste mild or savory, like vegetables.

1.5) Ampalaya is the most bitter of all vegetables and it is very confusing if it is a fruit or

Vegetable.

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE (LOCAL)

 According to Henrylito D. Tacio, Davao City, Business Mirror There is one natural weapon
against diseases that can be found in your kitchen. It’s that wrinkly green vegetable with a
distinctive bitter taste. Yes, you’re right, it’s ampalaya, known in the science world as
momordica charantia and in English-speaking countries as bitter gourd or bitter melon. In
terms of nutritional contents, the fruits and leaves of the ampalaya are reportedly rich in
minerals and vitamins. Here’s what livestrong.com said: “Containing only 21 calories for an
entire fruit,ampalaya is a nutrient-dense food that has significant nutritional value at a low-
caloric cost.” Unknowingly, ampalaya is one of the best sources of vitamin C. “One ampalaya
fruit contains 174 percent of the average daily requirement for vitamin C,” livestrong.com
says. “Vitamin C has multiple functions in the body. It is a key factor in the synthesis of the
protein known as collagen, a major component of the connective tissue, and also is a powerful
antioxidant. Like other antioxidants, it helps safeguard the body’s cells from damage from the
dangerous free radicals believed to play a role in chronic disease.” Ampalaya is also one of the
good sources of folate; it contains 22 percent of the average daily requirement for folate.
Folate, called folic acid in its synthetic form, can help prevent spina bifida and anencephaly,
also known as neural tube defects, or birth defects that impact the spine and the brain. Folate
might be protective against strokes, breast cancer and colon cancer, according to the Harvard
School of Public Health.
 According to Henrylito D. Tacio ampalaya is a nutrient-dense food that has significant
nutritional value at a low-caloric cost.” Unknowingly, ampalaya is one of the best sources of
 vitamin C. “One ampalaya fruit contains 174 percent of the average daily requirement for
vitamin C,” livestrong.com says. “Vitamin C has multiple functions in the body. It is a key
factor in the synthesis of the protein known as collagen, a major component of the connective
tissue, and also is a powerful antioxidant. Like other antioxidants, it helps safeguard the
body’s cells from damage from the dangerous free radicals believed to play a role in chronic
disease.” Ampalaya is also one of the good sources of folate; it contains 22 percent of the
average daily requirement for folate. Folate, called folic acid in its synthetic form, can help
prevent spina bifida and anencephaly, also known as neural tube defects, or birth defects that
impact the spine and the brain. Folate might be protective against strokes, breast cancer and
colon cancer, according to the Harvard School of Public Health.
 The epidemiology of squash injuries, According to Caroline F Finch, Rochelle M Eime Squash is
a popular, high-intensity, competitive sport. This article presents a critical review of the
literature relating to the epidemiology of squash injuries published from 1980 to 2000,
inclusive. Of all injuries in squash, players most often sustain musculoskeletal soft-tissue
injuries. Most of the literature, however, relates to the severe injuries, that is, those to the eye
and head region. The squash-injury literature is mainly retrospective squash-injury studies
conducted by reviewing hospital, casualty, or emergency-department patient records and
surveys of nonrepresentative, small samples of players. As a result, the more common and less
severe injuries tend to be underreported. A summary of the methodological comparisons and
limitations of the existing studies is presented. The need for prospective squash studies
identifying and reporting all squash injuries in a representative, well-defined squash
population, with clear injury definitions and appropriate statistical analysis, is evident.
 Squash (Cucurbita spp.),also known as calabasa or pumpkin, from theCucurbitaceae family, is
a genus of gourd plants grown for their fruit. 'tis related to the family of melons and
cucumbers(O’Brien,2009). It is a cool-to-moderate-weatherrootvegetable with long, lacy
leaves reaching about 0.3m (1ft) inheight (2Grolier Encyclopedia of Knowledge, 2002). It is a
very good sourceof vitamins A and C,calcium and iron. It has very low calories (Nutritional
Value of Squash |Healthy Leaving Tips, 2009). It is also rich in fiber, which lowers rates heart
diseases, and protects fromcolon cancer by working to get rid the body of harmful
substances(O’Brien,2009)Vegetable powders are used to“tuck more nutrition and flavor into
thethingspeople cook” (Willson, n.d.). These days some vegetables and other fruits -mostly
spices - like tomato, chili, pepper, and onion, are made into powder for easyuse. Vegetable
powder can be added to juices or as a base for soups tomake it more nutritious (Sundstorm,
2011). It provides values added thickening for soups(Willson,n.d.). For example,
squash.Scientific evidence is scant about bitter melon’s effectiveness or safety for
hypertensionor high blood pressure (Tanaka M, et al, 2006) or other conditions that this fruit
is used to treat based on tradition or scientific theory, according to Aetna Intelihealth. Other
conditions treatedtraditionally by bitter melon include high blood-lipid levels, skin infections,
tumors,gastrointestinal issues, sinusitis, herpes, high cholesterol and respiratory
infections( Torres W.,2004;) Bitter melon does have blood sugar-lowering properties, but
research on its effectivenessas a diabetes treatment is lacking
  According to landrace diversity by farmers activities in mexico Squash (Cucurbita spp.) is a
common component in traditional cropping systems in Mexico, mainly in the agroecosystem
known as the “milpa”, in which squash is cultivated in association with maize (Zea mays), the
main crop. Using a questionnaire, 80 farmers were interviewed about crop production and
selection practices in order to understand how these factors affect genetic diversity of local
squash populations. We found that the most of the farmers who cultivate squash were elderly
59.8 ± 14.5 (mean ± SD; n = 78) years old. Squash varieties in the area were exclusively locally
adapted landraces, and had not been replaced by modern squash cultivars. Two cultivated
squash species, C. argyrosperma ssp. argyrosperma and C. moschata, had been grown
intercropped with maize by 97.5% of the interviewed farmers, but only 50.0% were still
producing squash at the time of the study. Farmers recognize typical characteristics of
particular varieties within each of the local cultivated squash species, and selection is directed
to maintain their identity. Nearly two thirds of the farmers (62.0%) had exchanged seeds of
squash for planting, a practice that serves to increase genetic variability in the populations. All
of the interviewed farmers were conscious of the possible hybridization between the wild
gourd (C. argyrosperma ssp. sororia) and their cultivated squash. Despite various natural and
human managed factors identified as contributing to enhancement of genetic diversity in
these populations, results of the study show that genetic erosion of Cucurbita is likely in the
region in the near future.

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE (FOREIGN)

 Ampalaya has insulin-like polypeptides, called p-insulin, in its fruits and seeds. Insulin helps
your body use and store blood glucose when you eat food, advises the American Diabetes
Association. The plant also contains leptin, a hormone that can play a role in insulin
resistance. While bitter melon has a scientifically proven track record for improving insulin
resistance in the body, the exact mechanism by which the plant works remains unknown
(Qixuan Chen, lead author of a study published in the Journal of Nutrition,2008). According to
Chen (2008), The plant’s ability to lower blood-glucose levels might be the result of its ability
to create a metabolic environment in the body that reduces body fat, specifically visceral fat,.
Alpha and beta-momorcharin, both proteins, are found in the fruit’s seeds. These produce fat-
reducing activity in the body. (C.P. Khare’s “Indian Medicinal Plants: An Illustrated
Dictionary.”)
 According to VE salutan, MW Cabfilan, B Van haperen, M van lujik Philippine Entomologist
(Philippines), 2003 In recent years," namamarako" has become a serious production
constraint in ampalaya. Plants affected with" namamarako" produce mainly male flowers
(hence the term namamarako) the leaves become thicker with veins banding and shiny, giving
them a plastic appearance. Depending on the severity, plants could become stunted and bear
hardly any female flower. The syndrome was first observed sometime in 1996 and now
common in many ampalaya-producing areas particularly in La Union, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan,
Quezon and Cavite [Philippines]. In an attempt to determine the possible cause and minimize
or reduce disease incidence, several studies were conducted to determine whether the
 syndrome has a physiological cause, soil-borne or due to a parasitic agent. Infected samples
were also sent to local and foreign research institutes to get independent diagnosis of the
possible cause. Preliminary results showed some partial recovery of infected plants with
improved cultural management practices (eg boron supplementation, use of plastic mulch,
etc.), however, the physiological cause is not yet fully established and remains only a
possibility. The possibility of soil-borne transmission was also eliminated and so far, seed
transmission was not observed. Likewise, ELISA tests did not positively detected any
commonly known virus infecting cucurbits. Preliminary pathological studies on transmission
indicated that the syndrome is difficult to transmit mechanically. To date, no conclusion can
be made yet as to the etiology of the pathogen. Further experiments will be undertaken to
prove or disprove the hypothesis that the syndrome is caused by a pathogen
 According to Foodofy, there are two varieties of bitter gourd or Ampalaya: onethat is oblong
in shape, pale green and it grows to 20cm in length. The other variety issmaller, measuring 10
cm, oval in shape and has a darker shade of green. According to Borro and Gemora (2016), the
baked cakes that have no gratedsquash and 120 grams of grated squash were moderately
liked by the respondentswhile those baked cakes with 240 grams and 380 grams were well
received by therespondents. Also, they observed that there are significant differences in the
level ofacceptability of the different baked cakes based on their appearance, taste,
color,texture and the general acceptability of the baked cakes 9In contrast to the study to be
conducted by the researchers, the cited sourceused squash baked cake as their product. They
also used a different experimentalmodel to determine the overall acceptability of their
product. According to Aspi (n.d.), the ampalaya candy formulated by the research hasbeen
found delicious and nutritious. It is considered more valuable than an ordinarycandy because
it contains essential nutrients that are need by the body. Also, thesignature bitter taste of the
ampalaya has been lessened. It is well received by therespondents, taking consideration the
taste, odor and texture of the product.In contrast to the study to be conducted by the
researchers, the cited sourceused another type of recipe for the same ingredient. Also, they
used a similar criterion toevaluate its acceptability.Banasihan, Tamban and Tan (2016)
observed that the dried young makopa leaves tea’s color, odor and aftertaste were well liked
by the respondents. Also, the taste of the dried young makopa leaves tea was extremely liked
by the respondents. Onthe other hand, all the factors were well liked by the respondents
when they used driedold makopa leaves. Also, they recommended to improve the packaging
of the product toimprove its marketability.marketabili
 According to Francispaul, Squash (or Cucurbitaceae for you Latin buffs out there) belong to the
gourd or melon family and are divided into two main types, summer and winter squash.
Summer squash are the more fragile of the two – they’re not suitable for storing over long
periods and while less nutrient-dense than winter squash, due to their high water content,
still provide some important health benefits. Examples of summer squash include courgettes
and the aptly-named yellow summer squash. Winter squash are hardier than their summer
cousins and are available from August to March, but they’re at their best from October to
November, and they can be stored for extended periods ranging from 1-6 months. Winter
squash include varieties such as pumpkins, acorn, butternut and spaghetti squash. Most of us
 are familiar with pumpkins as they are carved into scary looking jack-o’-lanterns at Halloween.
The type of pumpkins used for the lanterns are less edible and it’s typically the smaller, sugar
pumpkins that are used in cooking. The dried seeds are also a favourite in many dishes.
Squash history Squashes are originally native to Central and South America and pumpkins in
particular were one of the staples in the Central American diet. The name pumpkin is derived
from the old French word ‘pompion’ meaning ripe or cooked by the sun. Over time, squash
cultivation spread across North America, the Native Americans called them ‘askutasquash’
which is where the modern name ‘squash’ originates. Squash was once such an important part
of their diet that they buried them along with the dead to provide nourishment on their final
journey. The US tradition of eating pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving originates from the kindness
shown by Squanto, a native American who taught the Pilgrims how to cultivate squash, saving
them from almost certain starvation following their first harsh winter in the New World.
Columbus introduced squash to the European court on his return from his travels and today
Europe is one of the major squash producers. Squashes also demonstrate interesting findings
in the potential to protect against the development or control of type 2 diabetes, with
pumpkin consumption thought to be the best candidate for conferring protection for this
condition. A number of animal studies over the last five years have investigated this potential
health benefit. In one study, type 2 diabetic rats were fed a pumpkin paste and showed
markedly improved glucose tolerance over a 60-minute interval compared with the placebo
group. In 2005, a study found that polysaccharide extracts from pumpkins improved glucose
uptake into the cells, helping blood glucose balance. Researchers in a 2003 trial found that
carotene in squash helped control glucose metabolism in men at risk of developing type 2
diabetes.
 Related Literature Simoun Martinez (2005) States thatSquashes are nativeto the Americas and
Columbus supposedly carried seed back toEurope, but if all squash is native to the Americas,
they spreadquickly in some cultures, because some of the oldest survivingcookbooks have
recipes for winter squash/pumpkin typevegetables. There must have been varieties native to
parts ofEurope as well as the Americas. Pliny, Galen (ca. 131-200),Dioscorides (ca. 40-90 AD),
and others describe vegetablesthought to be winter squashes well before Columbus. The
squashplant is indigenous to America and was cultivated to a largeextent by the Iroquois and
other eastern stocks. The word‘squash’ is derived from the Algonquin‘akuta squash or
‘isquoter squash (Colonial spelling). Roger Williams writing onthe agriculture of the New
England Indians says: Askuta squash, their vine apples, which the English from them
callsquahes, are about the bigness of apples of several colours, asweet light wholesome
refreshing’ Squash may be the catalyticplant that graduated ancient peoples from hunter /
gatherer togrower. Remnants of Curcurbita seed found in caves in Ecuadorprove to be 12,000
years old. This predates the previously knowndawn of agriculture by hundreds of years and
the advent ofcultivated corn by 2,000.But why squash? They say the largefruits of wild squash
were easy to find. They offered flesh,nutritious seed, edible flowers and even containers. The
firstceramic pots were formed to resemble commonly used vessels madefrom a hard-shell
squash known as gourd. Native American farmersalso harvested squash flowers. Each squash
plant bears longvines that produce many male and female flowers. After enoughyoung fruit is
developing, they pinched off new flowers toeliminate further fruit production. This ensured
that eachpumpkin or squash reached its maximum size. This practice alsoprovided a plentiful
supply of freshly cut flowers throughoutthe growing season. Buffalo Bird Woman's Garden is
perhaps themost important book ever written on the details of NativeAmerican gardening on
the Missouri River flood plain. In it welearn that the Hidatsa and their neighbors also
harvested theflowers on a daily basis. The flowers would be boiled , often with corn and other
wild seed.But the farming tribes alsopreserved the blossoms for later use. Bird Woman would
lay themout carefully onto "deer hair" grass to create a largehomogenous mass. When dry,
she'd roll it all up and store inbags for winter. There is no doubt that all other tribes whogrew
the three sisters did much the same thing.Today the squashblossoms are brought fresh into
Mexican markets every morning.In regions close to the point of origin for the species, acheese
quesadilla of squash blossoms is still a popular festivalfood.Two sources offer exciting Native
American winter squashand pumpkins for next year's garden. Order catalogs or perusetheir
online stores. From nonprofit Native Seed/SEARCH come overa dozen different varieties from
indigenous tribes of the desertSouthwest and northern Mexico. They are great choices for
hot,dry climates. Take a look at the oldest variety, Magdalena BigCheese, plus Acoma
Pumpkin, Striped Pima Bajo Sequalca and many others.

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