Bitter gourd is characterized by its jagged, smooth ridges and elongate shape. It is a low-calorie vegetable, providing just 19.36 kcal per 100 grams. Rich in essential nutrients, bitter gourd offers 1.61 g of protein, 0.26 g of fat, and 2.29 g of carbohydrates. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (3.72 g), helping to support digestive health, and contains minimal sugar (0.08 g).
Key minerals found in bitter gourd include calcium (17.62 mg), iron (1.28 mg), magnesium (31.58 mg), phosphorus (40.21 mg), potassium (356 mg), and zinc (0.36 mg), all of which contribute to maintaining healthy body functions. It also provides copper (0.1 mcg), manganese (0.23 mg), and selenium (3.72 mcg).
In addition to its mineral content, bitter gourd is a great source of Vitamin C (54.3 mg), supporting immune health. It also contains small amounts of B vitamins, including thiamine (0.06 mg), riboflavin (0.04 mg), niacin (0.3 mg), and vitamin B6 (0.05 mg), along with folate (60.03 mcg).
Bitter gourd has negligible amounts of fat, with only 0.142 g of saturated fat, and provides a trace of Vitamin E (0.03 mg) and Vitamin D2 (0.00183 mcg).