Abstract

Micronutrients are mainly vitamins, minerals and other related phytochemical molecules which are needed by the body in very small quantities. They are found in a variety of plant and animal foods and supplements which are consumed daily to maintain a healthy body. However, a deficiency in any of them can cause severe and even life-threatening health conditions. Micronutrients perform several physiological and biochemical functions enabling the body to produce enzymes, hormones and other regulatory substances needed for normal growth, development and good health. Deficiencies in some micronutrients, including iron, magnesium, several essential vitamins (A, C, D, E and B1), iodine and others, are the most common in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) globally, especially among children and pregnant women. In addition to abnormal health conditions and diseases, micronutrient deficiency results in reduced energy level in the body, severe mental health conditions and inability to think leading to reduced education outcomes and to perform efficiently resulting in reduced work productivity. The economic cost globally for deficiency in micronutrients is enormous. This study investigated the beneficial effects of the plant Momordica charantia or bitter melon (BM), both as food and plant-based phytomedicines in health and diseases. The results reveal that BM is rich in several essential micronutrients and phytochemical compounds which exert numerous cellular regulation processes in the body and maintaining normal growth, development and good health. The micronutrients and phytochemical compounds of BM can prevent and treat diseases as diabetes, obesity, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, cancer, dementia, skin disorders and many others. It is concluded that BM should be consumed in physiological amounts daily to enjoy a better quality of healthy life.