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Home Food Database Balsam-pear (bitter gourd)

Balsam-pear (bitter gourd), leafy tips, cooked, boiled, drained, without salt

Per 100 g edible portion
Vegetables
Higher riskBalsam-pear (bitter gourd) is rated Higher risk. Potassium is 30% of its limit, beyond the safe line - individual cases need medical advice.

Phosphorus / Sodium / Potassium (rating basis)

Phosphorus77 mg8%
Low
Sodium13 mg<1%
Low
Potassium602 mg30%
High

About this food

Balsam-pear (bitter gourd) sits in the Vegetables group. Vegetables are a key source of fiber and vitamins and are beneficial in CKD. Some are high in potassium, but slicing, boiling and discarding the water can remove about 30-50% of the potassium - a practical step.

Nutrient insight

Potassium is the highest of the three at 30%. With reduced kidney function, blood potassium can rise, so spread high-potassium foods across the day rather than in one large serving.

Other nutrients

Protein3.6 gNot part of rating
Fiber1.9 gBeneficial for CKD (core plant-based nutrient)
Sugar (total)1 gNatural sugar
Alcohol0 gAlcohol-free
PurineNo dataNot rated · reference for those with high uric acid
OxalateNo dataNot rated · reference for those with kidney stones
Phosphorus source: Natural plant source (lower absorption) · Potassium form: Whole food

Practical tips

How to eat it more safely: Slice, boil and discard the water to remove roughly 30-50% of the potassium - a practical method for high-potassium vegetables.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Balsam-pear (bitter gourd) safe for kidney disease?

By our rating standard (CKD stage 3-4), Balsam-pear (bitter gourd) is Higher risk. Main consideration: Potassium at 30% of the daily limit. Data is for reference; consult your care team.

Why is Balsam-pear (bitter gourd) rated Higher risk?

Balsam-pear (bitter gourd) is rated Higher risk because Potassium is 30% of its limit (602 mg) - the only mineral reaching the >30% range.

How much Potassium is in Balsam-pear (bitter gourd)?

In every 100 g of Balsam-pear (bitter gourd), Potassium is about 602 mg - roughly 30% of the daily limit (2,000 mg).

Is Balsam-pear (bitter gourd) safe on a low-potassium diet?

For people watching potassium, Balsam-pear (bitter gourd) exceeds 300 mg per 100 g, with Potassium at 602 mg. Confirm your personal limit with your nephrologist or renal dietitian.

How does Balsam-pear (bitter gourd) compare to other vegetables foods?

Against the Vegetables average, Balsam-pear (bitter gourd) shows more Potassium (602 mg per 100 g). The tier shown here comes from its own numbers, not the category.