What is pectin and how is it useful

Pectin is a substance that is actively used in the modern world. The benefits and harms of pectin are known to almost everyone, but not to everyone. It is used in both cooking and medicine.

What is Pectin

Pectin is a vegetable product that has binding properties. In other words, it is a pure polysaccharide that is obtained by extracting apple pulp.

There are 2 types of this product: powder and liquid extract.

Where is pectin found

The substance is found in large quantities in berries and fruits. For example, currants, rose hips, apples, citrus fruits.

Citrus peel has excellent gelling properties. Sweets also have this element, namely: marshmallows, marshmallows and others.

Table of substance content in products:

Pectin chemical composition

The energy value of the substance is 52 kcal. The amount of BZHU per 100 g of product:

• proteins - 3.5;
• fats - 0 g;
• carbohydrates - 9.3.

The substance consists of the following elements: ash, mono- and disaccharides, water, organic acids and dietary fiber.

Of the vitamins, the product contains niacin (vitamin PP).

There are much more minerals: iron, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium and calcium. Of the above, potassium and sodium prevail.

The benefits of pectin for the body

The benefits for the body are as follows:

• improves metabolism, takes an active part in metabolism, normalizes redox reactions;
• reduces the amount of cholesterol in the blood;
• controls the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
• restores intestinal microflora;
• eliminates toxins, salts and other harmful substances.

Laboratory studies have established that the substance is capable of activating the processes of hematopoiesis. A significant intake of the required substances into the human body can strengthen the immune system.

It was found that regular intake of food with pectin in diabetic patients decreases the rate of glucose formation. This property is due to the fact that the viscosity of food masses increases in the gastrointestinal tract.

A decrease in the amount of cholesterol in the circulatory system is directly related to a decreased absorption of lipids. It is the property of binding with stomach acids that makes it possible. There are also benefits of pectin for joints, especially in old age.

The presence of polysaccharides gives pectin antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Due to this, the intestinal microflora is normalized.

Daily intake of pectin

The acceptable rate of pectin consumption per day for a healthy person is 4-10 g.If a person lives in an area with increased radiation, or his work is associated with increased harmfulness, then consumption should increase to 15 g per day.

To replenish the daily amount of polysaccharides, a person needs to consume 500 g of fruits and berries per day.

How to take pectin for weight loss

Today, many girls use the beneficial properties of the substance in order to lose weight. There is a special 7-day pectin-based diet. It is considered to be the most beneficial in comparison with other types of diets. The thing is that the substance is capable of acting on fats that have been accumulated over the years.

This product has the ability to remove toxins and toxins from the human body.

The seven-day diet is that the girl should eat the required amount of fruit all week. The diet for every day is almost the same:

• breakfast: fresh salad of grated apples and chopped walnuts, from the dressing - lemon juice;
• lunch: salad of boiled chicken eggs, apples and herbs;
• dinner: 5 apples of various varieties.

Such a diet involves the use of apple pectin, which also benefits the body.

How pectin is used in medicine and cosmetology

The product is widely used in cosmetology and medicine. And due to the properties of this substance, it is used for the manufacture of drugs.

Medicines based on this substance are aimed at:

• treatment of ailments of the gastrointestinal tract;
• prevention of diabetes and obesity development;
• normalization of metabolism;
• cleansing cells of toxins.

In cosmetology, a substance obtained from sunflower baskets is used.

The use of pectin in cooking

Culinary experts use pectin and its properties as a thickener, clarifier and gelling agent.

On the basis of this substance, such products are made as:

• candy fillings;
• marmalade;
• paste;
• jam and jelly;
• marshmallow.

It is also used at home. Due to the properties of this polysaccharide, the preparation of jam and preserves takes much less time than when using sugar.

How to make pectin at home

Despite the fact that pectin is found in large quantities in citrus peel, at home, the most popular and simplest way is to prepare the substance from apples.

For cooking, you need the following ingredients:

• apples - 1 kg;
• clean water - 120 ml.

Cooking method:

• Rinse apples, dry and cut into 7 pieces;
• put the slices in a saucepan, cover with water and bring to a boil, but do not boil, simmer over low heat for half an hour;
• should now be removed from the fire;
• put a nylon sieve on another pan and put cooled apples in it, juice will drain from them, in which the required substance will be contained;
• after all the juice has drained, place the pan in the oven, heated to 100 degrees, hold the pan until all the liquid has evaporated.

The resulting brown powder is pectin. Apple pectin has the same benefits and harms as the original product.

Harm of pectin and contraindications

The product has a lot of useful characteristics, but it can also harm the body, but this is possible only with excessive use. This will affect the absorption of minerals. Because of this, fermentation in the intestines and flatulence occurs.

What can replace pectin

If the nearest store does not have pectin, then you can replace it with the following products:

• apple peel;
• other fruits with a high substance content;
• corn starch;
• gelatin;
• lemon juice;
• agar agar.

How to choose and store pectin

To choose a quality pectin, you should carefully study the composition. Synthetic products are not of high quality.

It should be stored exclusively in a dry place away from sunlight. The storage period is 12 months, and in an open bank - no more than six months.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of pectin are known to many, the product is actively used not only in cooking, but also in medicine and cosmetology. It is in great demand in weight loss. In general, the substance is harmless, but before buying it is worth familiarizing yourself with its composition.