What is pectin, what are its properties and methods of use?

Hello, my dear readers!

For about a year now I have been eating or drinking apple pectin every day.

Now all my friends, husband and mother also take it.

Today I will try to tell you why it is so useful and why I advise everyone to eat it.

So, apple pectin - what is it, how to use it correctly and why should you do it? Let's figure it out

Types of pectin and its calorie content

Pectin is considered a low-calorie product because its value is 52 kcal/100 g. It contains virtually no proteins and no fat at all, consisting mainly of carbohydrates. The polysaccharide is not absorbed in the body, but only removes harmful substances.

All types of pectins are divided into three groups:

• HM;
• LM;
• LMA.

HM – highly methoxylated pectins. The most popular and widely used. They account for 70% of the total market volume and are used for the production of various confectionery products (marshmallows, marmalade, jams, etc.)

LM – low methoxylated pectins. Their manufacturing process is more complex, so they are more expensive. Used for products with bio additives.

LMA – amidated pectins. During manufacturing, they undergo additional processing that changes their functional properties. More often, such substances are present in the compositions of low-calorie jams and in fillers for yogurt or preserves.

In industry and at home, this substance is used in two forms: powder and liquid extract. They are not interchangeable and each of them is used differently. The powder is dissolved in juice or mixed with fruit, and the liquid extract is added only to hot foods. In stores, pectin can often be bought in powdered bags.

Pectin price on iHerb

A fairly wide range of supplements containing pectin is presented on iHerb. All of them are of the highest quality and maximum safety. It is worth highlighting the best of them:

1. Solgar, Apple pectin powder, 113.4 g - 983 rubles.
2. Now Foods, Apple pectin, 700 mg, 120 capsules - 715 rubles.
3. Source Naturals, Grapefruit Pectin, 240 tablets - RUB 1,831.

The concentration of the substance in additives differs significantly. This point is extremely important to consider when choosing a drug.

The benefits and harms of pectin

Like any product, pectin can bring both benefits and harm. From a medical point of view, the following advantages of using this substance can be noted:

• improving the metabolic rate in the body;
• lowering blood cholesterol levels;
• improvement in the functioning of the circulatory system;
• normalization of the gastrointestinal tract (anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect);
• removal of heavy metals, toxins and other harmful substances from the body;
• reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer;
• normalization of intestinal microflora;
• participates in the process of accelerating the breakdown of fats, which leads to weight loss.

Taking pectins in quantities exceeding the norm is also harmful. This may lead to the following consequences:

• increased fermentation process and excessive flatulence in the intestines;
• impaired absorption of substances such as zinc, magnesium, iron and calcium;
• the appearance of constipation;
• pain in the intestinal area;
• impaired absorption of proteins and fats.

An overdose of pectin can only occur with additional intake of dietary supplements. In its natural form, as part of fresh fruits and vegetables, this polysaccharide will not cause harm. People who regularly consume pectin have healthy, elastic, clean skin.

How to cook aromatic roast with meat, potatoes and mushrooms in pots according to a homemade recipe.

If you don’t have enough time to cook, cook soup with sausage for the first course - it’s tasty, satisfying and simple.

Take note of the recipe for incredibly delicious muffins that cook in the microwave in just 5 minutes.

Indications and instructions for use

Among the indications for the use of dietary supplements are:

• excess body weight;
• disturbance of intestinal microflora;
• increased concentration of cholesterol or glucose;
• diarrhea;
• diabetes;
• joint pathologies;
• problems with the heart and blood vessels;
• problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

When taking supplements for therapeutic purposes, you should consult your doctor first. Self-medication is unacceptable.

Release form

Supplements are available in the form of capsules and tablets with precisely selected dosages. IHerb also has pectin in powder form. It must be diluted in water or juice before use. The dosage directly depends on the concentration of the substance. It is indicated in the instructions that come with the dietary supplement.

Storage

Supplements are stored at room temperature no more than 25 degrees. It is extremely important that the drug is not exposed to direct sunlight. For storage, choose a place inaccessible to children. The expiration date is indicated on the packaging. After its expiration, the dietary supplement cannot be used; it is disposed of.

Products high in pectin

The recommended intake of pectin is 25 g per day. It is better to consume it in its natural form. Then it will be better absorbed by the body and bring only benefits. Record holders for the content of this useful polysaccharide: apples and oranges. In their fiber the content of this substance reaches almost 2%.

There are other, no less healthy fruits that must be included in the diet of a person who cares about their health, these are:

• lemon, grapefruit, lime;
• banana;
• pear;
• melon;
• quince;
• carrot;
• persimmon, mango;
• blueberries, strawberries and cherries;
• apricots;
• fresh pineapples;
• plum berries;
• dates and figs.

It is difficult to consume the daily norm in its natural form; to do this you need to eat almost a kilogram of fresh fruits or berries. But even with regular intake of at least 15 grams, a person will feel a significant improvement in his condition. It is very useful to drink fresh juices, and it is recommended to consume them together with pulp. In order not to lose healthy pectins.

What is apple pectin?

PECTIN is a high molecular weight polysaccharide that is a soluble dietary fiber (fiber) and is present in all cell walls of plants and their tissues.

Pectin provides fruits with the ability to retain water, thereby preventing its loss and increasing their safety during storage.

Almost all plants can contain pectin, just in different concentrations. There is a lot of it in grapefruit, orange, plum and apricot.

But apples have a particularly high level of pectin; they are its main industrial sources.

It is present in their skin and pulp, giving this fruit a lot of beneficial properties.

Areas of application of pectin, and how to make it yourself at home

Pectin is obtained from fruit and berry squeezes. In the food industry it is used to prepare: jam, preserves, jelly, marmalade, mayonnaise and ketchup. This polysaccharide is also a good preservative. In pharmacology, jelly-like capsules for powder are made from it. This substance is also included in many face masks and creams. And in the tobacco industry it is used as glue to join damaged tobacco sheets.

You can buy it at the store, but making it at home has many benefits. Firstly, you can be completely confident in its environmental friendliness and quality. Secondly, it will be a 100% natural product, without chemical impurities. The preparation itself is simple and does not take much time.

Apple pectin

To prepare it, it is better to take apples from your own garden or buy fruits from your region.

Ingredients:

• water – 120 ml;
• fresh apples – 1 kg.

Cooking sequence:

1. Washed and dry apples should be cut into 8 slices. There is no need to clean them;
2. Place the chopped apples in a thick-bottomed pan and add water;
3. Cook over low heat, without bringing to a boil, for 30 minutes, stirring constantly;
4. We take another container, cover it with a nylon sieve, and transfer the boiled apples into it;
5. The juice that drains into the container contains pectin. It can be preserved in jars or frozen in ice cube trays.

When is it recommended to take fiber?

1. For weight loss and obesity prevention.
2. For the prevention of constipation, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, varicose veins of the lower extremities.
3. For the prevention of malignant neoplasms of the large intestine, prostate, mammary gland and other tumors of organs and tissues.
4. For the prevention of gastric and duodenal ulcers, neurotic dyspepsia, flatulence
5. For the treatment of dysbiosis
6. For the prevention of diseases of the cardiovascular system (atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, stroke, hypertension)
7. For the prevention and treatment of cholecystitis and cholelithiasis
8. For the prevention of diabetes mellitus
9. With a decrease in immunity of any etiology

How to take powdered pectin correctly

There is now a selection of powdered pectin on sale. It can be made only from apples or with the addition of citrus fruits. For allergy sufferers, it is better to focus on substances obtained only from green varieties. Like any other adsorbent, pectin should be taken between meals. To achieve a positive effect, you must adhere to the following rules:

1. Before you start taking it, you need to read the instructions;
2. ½ tsp. Completely dissolve spoons of pectin in 500 ml of boiling water;
3. The cooled solution should be drunk in a glass, twice a day;
4. It is important to drink more fluids during the day to avoid pain in the intestinal area.

The positive effects of the supplement can already be seen and felt after one week of regular use.

Side effects

Negative changes due to the use of pectin are observed only if this substance is supplied in excess quantities. For adults, it is enough to consume only 15 g. If the concentration is exceeded many times, the following problems may occur:

• bloating;
• fermentation in the intestines and, as a consequence, excessive flatulence;
• disruption of the gastrointestinal microflora;
• deterioration in general health;
• dizziness;
• rash on the skin;
• insufficient absorption of nutrients;
• problems with the absorption of fats and proteins.

For such symptoms to appear, you need to eat an incredibly large amount of foods containing pectin. Most often, negative changes are observed when taking supplements without following the recommended dosage.

Therefore, it is so important to consult a doctor before starting to use the drug, choose the optimal course and exclude all possible contraindications. Only in such a situation will therapy be safe and effective.

Basic rules for preparing dishes with pectin and popular recipes

Using pectin as an ingredient in a dish is beneficial. But there are rules and culinary tricks that you need to know before you start cooking:

1. It is necessary to strictly follow the instructions indicated on the industrial packaging of the polysaccharide;
2. Do not use a supplement that has expired;
3. Prepare dishes with this substance over high heat, stirring constantly; it is not recommended to leave them on the stove unattended;
4. To reduce the amount of foam during cooking, you can add half a spoon of butter;
5. To store jams and preserves with pectin, you need to choose small jars. And the place should be cool and dry. This will extend the shelf life.

Tangerine jam recipe

Tangerines always remind me of the New Year holiday. Therefore, when you open a jar of this jam, you plunge into the magic of winter.

Preparation:

1. We clean the tangerines and squeeze the juice out of them (preferably with a juicer);
2. Pour juice and water into a saucepan in a ratio of 1:3. After boiling, reduce the heat and evaporate the moisture for another 10 minutes;
3. Mix pectin with sugar and add to the boiled juice;
4. Cook the jam for another 14 minutes. It should become darker and more viscous, but fluid;
5. Transfer the jam into small sterilized jars and seal.

Mechanism of weight loss

It contains a lot of dietary fiber and valuable substances, but at the same time it is low in calories and lacks fat. Pectin is considered one of the best dietary products. According to nutritionists, by adding only 20-25 g of pectin to your daily menu, you can lose 300 g of body fat per day.

Weight loss occurs due to improved microcirculation and cleansing of the body. Fats are actively broken down and quickly eliminated.

Such a diet will not be harmful to your health, of course, if you are not subject to contraindications for its use.

Pectin diet

The diet has been approved by doctors and has already helped many people lose weight. With its help, you can get rid of years of excess weight accumulation. To lose weight, it is enough to eat according to a certain menu for a week. Moreover, in 7 days you can lose from 5 to 10 kg, and some lose weight by 15 kg if the initial weight was more than 100 kg.

The most important rule of the pectin diet is to strictly follow the menu and not make arbitrary changes to it.

Day 1

• For breakfast, grate 3 apples, add 2 walnuts (chop them) and 1 tbsp. l. lemon juice. Stir and the salad is ready.
• For lunch, grate an egg and an apple, add chopped herbs (onion and parsley).
• For dinner, you can eat 5 apples in any form: chopped, raw, baked.

Be sure to read the article, because they are often present in various diet menus.

Day 2

• For breakfast, grate 3 apples and eat with rice without salt (100 g).
• For lunch, boil the same amount until the fruits soften, sprinkle with lemon juice and add lemon zest. Along with this dish you can eat 100 g of boiled rice without salt.
• For dinner - only boiled rice (100 g).

Day 3

• For breakfast, grate 2 apples and mix with low-fat cottage cheese (100 g).
• For lunch - 3 apples with chopped walnuts (2 pieces) and 2 tsp. honey Add all this to a salad bowl or eat 100 g of cottage cheese separately.
• For dinner - cottage cheese (100 g).

Day 4

• For breakfast, grate a salad of 3 carrots and an apple.
• For lunch, make the same salad, but add 2 tsp to it. honey and lemon juice.
• For dinner, eat 4 baked apples.

Day 5

• For breakfast, grate a salad of beets and carrots.
• For lunch, eat 3 tbsp. l. unsalted oatmeal, boil beets and a couple of eggs.
• For dinner 2 tsp. honey and carrots (unlimited quantities).

Day 6

Duplicates the menu of the first day.

Day 7

Eat the same as on the second day.

Drink 6 glasses of clean water or unsweetened tea every day. It is forbidden to drink coffee and alcohol during the pectin diet. Upon completion of the mode, you must smoothly return to the regular menu so as not to spoil the result.

Now you can see how beneficial pectin is and how widely it is used. The polysaccharide is used in medicine, the food industry and in the dietary field. At the same time, it is available to everyone, and its use does not cause harm to health.

Feel free to add the right foods to your diet and enjoy the results!

Translated from Greek pektos - curled, frozen - is a polysaccharide that is naturally found in all vegetables and fruits. Citrus fruits and apples are richest in it, with the largest percentage contained in the peel and seed pods.

In the additive classifier it has the number E - 440. It looks like a fine, cream-colored powder, odorless.

Home cooking

Pectin can be prepared at home

Apple pectin is available for purchase as a dietary supplement in pharmacies. You can also get it yourself at home, more often from the core and peel. In the absence of a sufficient amount of raw materials, they are prepared as they become available, frozen in the refrigerator.

Unripe fruits, in which the proportion of polysaccharide content is much higher than in sweet and overripe fruits, are suitable for cooking.

For 1 kg you will need 2 liters of water.

• the remains of the apples are cut into 2-3 cm pieces and placed in a suitable enamel container;
• add water and bring to a boil;
• reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour, stirring regularly to avoid burning;
• when the apple waste becomes soft, the mixture is removed from the heat, cooled and filtered through several layers of gauze, for which a colander is lined with gauze and left for a couple of hours until the thick liquid flows.

The resulting preparations are stored frozen or canned.

• the strained pectin juice is heated to boiling point;
• pour into sterilized glass jars up to 1 cm from the top;
• cover with lids and additionally keep in a water bath for up to 10 minutes.

Useful properties of pectin

Pectin has complex-forming ability. The pectin molecule interacts with heavy metal ions and radionuclides. Pectin products are included in the diet of people working in hazardous industries. Prophylactic dose - 5–8 grams per day.

Pectin fiber improves intestinal motility and helps relieve constipation. It is not absorbed in the intestines, so it can be used as a sorbent. Fiber serves as a nutrient medium for lactobacilli, which helps normalize intestinal microflora.

Preventive properties of the product:

1. Taking 15 grams of pectin cocktail daily for 4 weeks reduces cholesterol levels by 7-10%.
2. Fiber, as well as the active substances of pectin, help prevent colon cancer.
3. Soluble fiber normalizes blood sugar levels. The product is useful for diabetes.
4. Pectin, which quickly swells in the stomach, creates a feeling of fullness. This property allows the product to be used for weight loss.
5. Pectin absorbs water, so it can be used to treat diarrhea.

Children under 6 years of age are better off consuming natural pectin - that is, fruits, vegetables and berries.

Promising scientific hypotheses

There are also a number of scientific studies about the special benefits of apple pectin. Not all of them are well proven, but there is a certain grain of truth in them.

It is likely that our hero is capable of the following.

• Acts as a sorbent for food poisoning. Although, in search of an urgent detox, you should not forget about enterosgel. We have used this effective sorbent more than once as an ambulance. The dosage and use of enterosgel are well studied by medicine.
• Pectin also traps and removes a variety of toxins from the body. This includes particularly dangerous and frequent enemies - the heavy metals mercury and lead.
• Our hero helps restore kidney health and improve their function in diabetes mellitus. ()
• Can remove radionuclides (such as cesium-137) from the body. ()
• In combination with other means, it can be useful in nutrition for oncology - for general support of microflora and gentle cleansing.

Table. Comparison of properties of different sorbents

The table shows that pectin is a powerful sorbent. Its active surface area is tens of times higher than that of activated carbon and an order of magnitude greater than that of lignin. In addition, its other advantages over different types of sorbents are obvious.

Benefits of Pectin

1. Chemical binding of heavy metals

   . Most of these drugs bind harmful substances through physicochemical interactions. For many metals, this bond is too weak to retain them on the sorbent. Pectin works differently. It reacts chemically with heavy metals, including toxic ones (lead, mercury). As a result, metals form complex salts with it. Chemical bonds are stronger than physical-chemical interactions. Therefore, it removes heavy metals 6-10 times better than other sorbents.

2. Soft enveloping effect

   . Unlike some drugs, the particles of which can scratch and irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa (for example, fragments of activated carbon), pectin, after dissolving in water, has a jelly-like consistency, due to which it envelops the mucous membrane and protects it from irritation.

3. Safety

   . According to most instructions for modern sorbent drugs, they all have one possible side effect in common - constipation. Clinical studies of Liquid Charcoal showed that it did not cause any side effects, including constipation.

4. Fast action

   . Pectin dissolves in water, which allows you to take the sorbent in liquid form. Drugs in liquid form work faster than tablets because they do not need to dissolve in the stomach.

5. Pleasant organoleptic properties

   . As can be seen from the table, most sorbents are obtained from non-food sources. Their taste and consistency can hardly be called pleasant. As a rule, they are a suspension of small particles in water with an unpleasant taste, or tablets that should be taken in large quantities, preferably after chewing. What is pectin made from? It is a highly purified polymer extracted from apple pomace. It does not have an unpleasant aftertaste, and when dissolved in water it acquires a pleasant jelly-like consistency. As a result, Liquid Charcoal tastes like thick, pulpy apple juice. Many consumers note that they take the drug with pleasure.

Where is pectin found in an apple?

One of its best sources is apples. But if you just eat an apple or even a few, you still won’t get as much absorbent substance as is required for a therapeutic effect.

The fact is that its content is no more than 1% of the mass of plant materials, while the most sorbent is contained in apple peels, partitions and seeds. Agree, these are not the most delicious parts of the apple. Moreover, we don’t even eat seeds and partitions. And this is natural! Our bodies lack the enzymes to break down the cellulose walls of tough plant cells and extract pectin from them.