Pectin substances: properties and composition

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Many people know that apples contain pectin. It is a complex plant polysaccharide found in various fruits. Today we want to talk about the properties of pectin substances, as well as how we can get them. The largest amount is found in citrus fruits, apples, apricots, plums and blackcurrants.

General Description

Pectins are the most harmless and effective natural detoxifiers. It helps cleanse and protect the body by removing toxins from it. Also because of this, vegetables and fruits are called the main orderlies of the human body and the gift of the plant kingdom.

Today, pectin substances are exclusively natural compounds, which are designated as E 440. They belong to the class of consistency improvers. Stabilizers, thickeners and gelling agents - any production will fail without them. At the same time, numerous studies have established that pectin does not have a negative effect on the body. That is why its use is allowed in all countries of the world without any restrictions.

What are they famous forpectins

This is the main component of the plant cell, which regulates the elasticity of its walls, as well as moisture content. It is they who provide the characteristic juiciness of the fruit. Pectins are found in the outer integument of fruits, in particular, the peel of apples. It is pomace from these fruits that is the main raw material for the production of pectin.

Basic Features

It is found in nature in an insoluble form. As we said, there is not much point in trying to extract pectin at home. This requires industrial plants that will successfully extract pectin from apple pomace, sugar beet pulp, and citrus peel. The properties of pectin substances obtained in such a production are somewhat different. Most often it is a powder, the color of which varies from almost white to beige, depending on the raw material. A colloidal solution is formed in water.

There is also a pectin concentrate, which is an opaque viscous liquid. The smell will match the original raw material. The properties of pectin substances are used both in production and in the household:

• The complexing ability of pectin to bind and remove heavy toxins. Due to this ability, pectin is recommended by the World He alth Organization. The therapeutic daily dose of pectin is 15-16 g, and the preventive dose is 4-5 g.
• Glue-forming ability. It is widely used in the production of marmalade and marshmallows, jelly and marshmallows, as well as diet confiture and jams. Excellent fruit taste and aroma is preserved in the finished product due to the fact that pectin substances were used. The composition of such products is exclusively natural and beneficial for the body, so you can safely give it to children.

Everything needs a measure

We have already said that the main raw material for the production of pectin is beet, apple or citrus pulp, which means fiber. Pectin substances retain its natural properties. With excessive use, they lead to a decrease in the absorption of minerals, and also provoke fermentation in the colon. As a result, flatulence appears and protein digestibility decreases.

However, you can not be afraid if you use natural sources in your food. No one eats fruits and berries several kilograms in one sitting, which means there is no chance of harming the body. The content of pectin substances in the same apples is not so high and will only benefit. But with excessive enthusiasm for dietary supplements or industrial pectin in the form of a concentrate, an overdose of this substance can be achieved.

Source Products

Not only apples are rich in pectins. Among the leaders are rose hips and plums. Pectin fibers are found in beets and watermelons, as well as pineapples. One should not forget about citrus zest, it is not in vain that it goes into so many recipes. But in most cases, in production, apples or beets are taken as sources. This isa cheap product that can be obtained in large quantities in season.

For 100 g of beets, currants or apples, there are 1.1 g of pectin. Plum, apricot and peach will give about 0.9 g, and oranges, pears, raspberries - 0.5 g each. This substance has a positive effect on the body, and to make up for its deficiency, it is enough to eat fresh vegetables and fruits every day, as well as preparations for the winter. With excess weight and severe intoxication, doctors recommend including at least 25 g of pectin in the diet daily. This will cleanse the body and normalize weight.

Scope of application

First of all, it is the food industry. Pectin is used as a stabilizer for drinks, a thickener for fillings for cakes and sweets, or an emulsifier for the production of mayonnaises and margarines. In bakery production, it is added as a product quality improver. It is an ideal stabilizer for fruit yoghurts and ice cream, safe and natural. Pectin is widely used in the production of canned food as a bactericidal substance.

He althcare

We've already touched on this topic a bit. Pectin is extremely beneficial for our he alth, so its sources should be on the table every day. It is used to treat wounds, helps to maximize the absorption of nutrients. This is important for expectant mothers and people weakened after a serious illness. Regular and sufficient use of pectin treats diarrhea and constipation, favorably affects the development of beneficial bacteria in the intestines. There are experimentalproven evidence that pectin lowers cholesterol. Thanks to this, he becomes a helper for the elderly.

In modern practice, pectin is prescribed as a treatment for radiation sickness, as well as in the treatment of various intoxications. It is extremely effective in the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and joints.

On guard of beauty

Pectin helps maintain human he alth from the inside, but the beauty industry has taken its properties to the production of external skin and hair care products. It is widely used as a bactericidal agent. But that's not all. Pectin is used to eliminate peeling and cracking of dry skin. Very often this component can be found in a series of lifting creams.

You can also add a little pectin to homemade masks to achieve a similar result. To prepare a hair rinse, you can take an egg yolk and a liquid concentrate, mix them together and apply to clean hair for 15-20 minutes, then rinse. For the skin, fresh apple puree with honey and pectin concentrate is an excellent option. Apply as a mask and leave on for 20 minutes.

Instead of a conclusion

As you can see, pectin substances are very useful for our body. This food is a source of he alth for the digestive tract, a natural antioxidant and even a medicine. Therefore, it is worth taking care that there are enough sources of pectin in the diet. If in winter they are sorely lacking, then they can be replaced with concentrates. It's not exactly the same, but much better thannothing.