Pectin. What it is?

Often in the composition of products we meet such a component as pectin. What is this product? Natural or artificial? Useful or harmful? Consider where and how to extract pectin and what it contains.

Concept and general properties

In translation from Greek, "pektos" means frozen, curled. In Russian, the meaning of the word "pectin" is defined as a natural substance, a structure-forming substance, contained in the cell walls and the intercellular space of plants. Fruits, berries and vegetables contain pectin. What does this mean? And the fact that this substance is a binding component, performs physiological functions and regulates the water metabolism of the plant. When extracted, pectin practically does not lose its valuable properties. In addition to its use in the food industry, pectin is considered important for the human body. Thanks to it, the metabolism is stabilized, the level of cholesterol in the blood decreases, the intestinal peristalsis improves. One of its main properties is the ability to purify a living organism from harmful substances. Speaking about the technical merits of pectin, it is worth noting its high solubility, thermal stability and gelling force. For industry, pectin is used in the form of powder and liquid. For cold fresh fruit and juice, powder is used, and for liquid products - liquid pectin. What does it represent in the finished product, you can find out,
Looking at the consistency of marmalade, jelly, mayonnaise, yogurt.

It is worth noting that the substance in its pure form is neutral. When it is used in the body, there is no creation of an energy reserve. This is one of the differences between pectin and other polysaccharides. Thanks to the content of pectin, marmalade is considered one of the most useful sweets, which in small amounts are consumed even during weight loss.

Pectin in apples

It is the neutrality of pectin that is its main advantage for people who follow a figure or try to lose weight. What effect does pectin have on the body? What is this good? First, pectin is an excellent natural remedy for constipation. It also slows the absorption of sugar and fat. Thanks to pectin, the feeling of hunger is dulled, because when interacting with water It turns into a viscous gel that fills the stomach and creates a feeling of satiety. Some eat dry pectin thickener. For example, there is such a technique: 4 grams of pectin powder diluted in 300 grams of water and taken before meals. It is necessary to drink a large amount of liquid. Otherwise, there is a risk of getting an obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract. Do not assume that this substance is a panacea for excess weight. At the initial stage of losing weight with pectin you will be able to lose a few pounds, but taking it for a long time is not recommended. It is best to get pectin in a natural way - from fruits. Overdose with pectin can occur only if you consume too much biologically active additives.