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Pectin – what are these, useful properties. The composition and use of pectin

Pectin is a polysaccharide found in the cell walls of certain foods, and it is widely utilized due to its unique properties. It is composed of linear chains of galacturonic acid, which have complex molecular structures that make it a highly effective thickening agent and stabilizer for products such as jams, jellies, preserves, dairy products, and sauces. Furthermore, pectin has excellent water-binding properties which makes it an ideal food ingredient for providing healthy, low-fat foods and beverages. In addition to its many culinary uses, pectin can also be used in a variety of industrial applications. To summarize, pectin is a versatile component with a range of uses, it is highly effective at coating, emulsifying, and thickening, it provides health benefits, and it is suitable for industrial-scale applications.

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The substance pectin is often called the body’s orderly. It is able to absorb toxins and harmful substances, while maintaining the intestinal microflora. A large number of positive properties made this supplement a sought-after product in the pharmaceutical industry and for domestic use..

What is pectin?

For the natural cleansing of the body, many experts advise taking the food supplement E440 or pectin, the beneficial properties of which have long been used for recipes and in the medical field. From Greek, the substance is translated as “frozen”. This feature determined the use of this product in cooking. Many modern people are interested in the question, pectin – what is it and how can it be consumed?

For the first time, the description of the beneficial properties of a nutritional supplement was made by the French scientist A. Braconno. Pectin is a polysaccharide (a chemical compound) that some plants contain. Especially a lot of substance in fruits and seaweed. For the food industry, this additive is actively used as a thickener of gelling products. Marmalade, marshmallows, confiture, jelly, jelly – all these goodies contain pectin substances.

Pectin – benefits and harms

Additive E440 is a purified hydrocarbon, thickener, stabilizer, sorbent. Pectin is used for the production of fruit fillings, jelly confectionery, desserts, dairy products. In medicine and pharmaceuticals, the polysaccharide is used as an active substance, useful for digestion and necessary for encapsulating drugs..

Many versions have been put forward about what pectin is – the benefits and harms of this product, but they all boil down to the fact that the supplement brings triple benefits to a person, having a beneficial effect on the general condition of the body.

Apple pectin

Why pectin is useful

In medicine, the active supplement E440 is used for the production of capsules. It is often included in many medications that cleanse the body. In cosmetology, the substance is used for the manufacture of creams and masks, which can be bought at any pharmacy. This polysaccharide is indispensable for the production of jelly, pastille, jam, jam, marmalade, ketchup and mayonnaise. It is recommended to take the substance pectin separately (as a preparation) – the benefit for the body will only be higher, since this supplement can:

  • improve peripheral blood circulation;
  • stabilize metabolism;
  • lower cholesterol;
  • normalize intestinal motility;
  • show itself as a natural anti-inflammatory agent for peptic ulcers, and also as a light painkiller;
  • clean from harmful substances (antidote for poisoning);
  • bind heavy metals (removes ions of mercury, copper, iron, lead from the body);
  • remove anabolics, biogenic toxins, metabolic products, bile acids, urea;
  • reduce the risk of cancer and diabetes;
  • activate microorganisms responsible for the production of vitamins;
  • help the natural rejuvenation of the body (especially in women), thanks to the galacturonic acid found in the polysaccharide;
  • contribute to the breakdown of fats, which helps to get rid of extra pounds.

Apple pectin is especially known today, which is the most useful and the highest quality. For widespread use, this product is produced in two forms – powder and liquid. A pure substance when consumed with food does not create an energy reserve in the body, it is neutral. This additive is functionally different from many other polysaccharides..

Girl with weights and apple

Pectin – harm

This polysaccharide can have a harmful effect on the body if a person has abused a substance. At the same time, the absorption of important trace elements such as magnesium, iron, zinc, and calcium is markedly reduced. A person may be allergic to pectin, but products containing a natural substance are not capable of causing it, because in fruits, berries and vegetables it is very small. Only those products where there is an additive obtained by artificial means are dangerous. If an overdose of pectin occurs, the harm from it can significantly affect the whole body:

  • cause severe flatulence;
  • provoke fermentation in the colon and bowel obstruction;
  • reduce the digestibility of proteins and fats.

Where is pectin contained?

If you need to cleanse the body using the popular E440 supplement, you can buy a special drug in a pharmacy, but it is better to focus on the level of substance in plant products. Having learned the detailed list, you can significantly increase the daily use of such products, thereby improving your well-being. Here is a short list of what pectin contains:

  • cabbage;
  • beet;
  • carrot;
  • gooseberry;
  • black currant;
  • cranberry;
  • raspberry;
  • peaches;
  • Strawberry;
  • plums
  • apples
  • cherry;
  • cherries;
  • apricots
  • pears
  • lemons;
  • grapes;
  • oranges
  • tangerines;
  • melons
  • eggplant;
  • cucumbers
  • watermelons;
  • bow;
  • potatoes.

Pectin Fruit

Pectin production

The polysaccharide was first isolated from apple juice. Now for the production of substances used vegetable raw materials with a high content of pectin. The resulting active additive is widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic industries, as well as for home cooking recipes. The polysaccharide can be found on store shelves; it is perfectly capable of replacing gelatin. As a rule, four main types of raw materials are distinguished, from which pectin is made:

  • citrus peels;
  • pomace;
  • sunflower baskets;
  • sugar beet cake.

Pectin – instructions for use

You can buy special pectin sorbents containing the additives you need at any pharmacy. In addition to regular, active use along with products, pectin can be taken in its pure form. Many overweight people are interested in the question, what is pectin – how to use a substance for weight loss? Pay attention to the recipe for a fat-burning drink. You will need:

  • pectin powder – 1 tsp;
  • hot water – 500 ml.

Cooking method:

  1. The powder must be poured into a container and dissolved in hot water.
  2. Mix everything thoroughly.
  3. Cool slightly.
  4. Take a drink should be 200 ml twice a day between meals.

Attention! The information presented in the article is for guidance only. Materials of the article do not call for self-treatment. Only a qualified doctor can make a diagnosis and give treatment recommendations based on the individual characteristics of a particular patient.

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Comments: 2
  1. Magnolia

    Can you provide more information about pectin? What exactly is it, what are its useful properties, and how is it composed and used?

    Reply
  2. Mia Campbell

    What exactly is pectin, and what useful properties does it possess? Can you provide information about its composition and how it is commonly used?

    Reply
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