2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14
A substance called "pectin" was isolated in the early 19th century by the French academician of chemical sciences Henri Braconnot. The first product from which the scientist obtained this element was an apple. The substance entered mass production in the 1930s.
Pectin: properties and production
This is a plant based substance. Has adhesive properties. Scientifically, it is a pre-purified polysaccharide derived from the extraction of citrus and apple pulp. Known in the food industry as additive E440. It has the properties of a stabilizer, gelling agent, clarifier and thickener. In addition to fruits, it is found in some vegetables and root crops. Citrus fruits contain a very high level of a substance such as pectin. Harm and benefit from it can be equally. More on this later in the article.
Pectin production requires expensive and complex equipment. By and large, E440 can be extracted from almost any fruit by extraction. After receiving the pectin extract, it is carefully processed using a special technology until the substance acquires the necessary properties.properties. In Russia, the production of E440 is very significant. Pectin is most commonly extracted from apples and beets. According to statistics, about 30 tons of the substance are produced annually in Russia.
Composition of pectin
Additional E440 is extremely common in dietetics. For 100 g of the product, the energy value does not exceed the level of 55 calories. A teaspoon contains 4 cal. It's no secret that pectin is considered the lowest calorie polysaccharide. The properties and its nutritional value speak for themselves: 0 g fat and 0 g protein. Most of the carbohydrates - up to 90%.
The composition of pectin includes ash, disaccharides, organic acids and water. The rest is dietary fiber. Of the vitamins, the niacin equivalent of PP should be distinguished. As for the mineral components, there are plenty of them in pectin: phosphorus, potassium, iron, magnesium and calcium. The high sodium content (up to 430 mg) gives the substance a special value.
Benefits of pectin
Many experts believe that the substance E440 is the best organic "orderly" of the human body. The fact is that pectin, the harm and benefits of which are assessed differently by each layman, removes harmful microcomponents and natural poisons from tissues, such as pesticides, radioactive elements, heavy metals, etc. At the same time, the bacteriological background of the body is not disturbed. Also, pectin is considered one of the best stabilizers of the oxidative processes of the stomach. The benefit of this substance is to normalize metabolism. It not only improvesblood circulation and bowel function, but also significantly lowers cholesterol levels.
Pectin can be called soluble fiber because it is practically not broken down and absorbed in the digestive system. Passing through the intestines along with other products, E440 absorbs cholesterol and other harmful elements that are difficult to remove from the body. In addition, pectin is able to bind radioactive and heavy metal ions, normalizing blood circulation and stomach activity.
Another advantage of the substance is that it improves the overall intestinal microflora, has an anti-inflammatory effect on its mucous membrane. Pectin is recommended for peptic ulcers and dysbacteriosis. The optimal dose of the substance per day is 15 g.
Harm from pectin
Additive E440 has practically no negative consequences. It should be understood that this is a poorly digestible substance (pectin concentrate). Harm and benefit from it is a fine line, stepping over which, the consequences will not have to wait long.
In case of an overdose of pectin, severe flatulence occurs, caused by an imbalance in the intestinal microflora. Also, excessive consumption of a refined supplement or foods with a high content of the substance can cause diarrhea, accompanied by painful colic. In case of an overdose, pectin interferes with the absorption of beneficial minerals such as magnesium, zinc, iron and calcium into the blood. Proteins are also poorly digested. A similar side effect, coupled with a skin rash, can also appear whenindividual intolerance to the polysaccharide.
Use of pectin
In recent years, the substance has become widespread in the pharmaceutical and food industries. In the medical industry, it is used to create physiologically active drugs. Such medicines have many useful properties for humans. Leading pharmaceutical companies use pectin to make drug capsules. Use in the food field is carried out as a natural additive and thickener. Pectin is often used in the manufacture of jelly, marshmallows, marmalade, ice cream and some types of candies.
Currently, there are 2 forms of matter: powder and liquid. In loose form, pectin is used in the manufacture of jelly and marmalade. The liquid polysaccharide is added to the hot mass, which is then poured into molds.
Foods high in pectin
The substance can only be obtained from fruits, berries or vegetables. Additive E440 is a natural product, so it should be made purely from plants. As you know, for such a substance as pectin, harm and benefit is largely a matter of a sense of proportion. Therefore, you should know in which products its content is higher in order to subsequently vary the volume of consumption. Most of all pectin is found in oranges, beets, lemons, apples, apricots, cabbage, cherries, melons, cucumbers, potatoes, carrots, peaches, tangerine, pear and a range of berries such as cranberries, gooseberries and currants.
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