Many people know that pectin is in apples . This is a plant polysaccharide of complex structure, contained in various fruits. Today we want to talk about the properties of pectin substances, as well as how we can get them. The largest number of them is found in the fruits of citrus fruits, apples, apricots, plums and black currants.
general description
Pectin substances are the most harmless and effective natural detoxifiers. It helps to cleanse and protect the body, removing toxins from it. Because of this, vegetables and fruits are called the main orderlies of the human body and the gift of the plant kingdom.
To date, 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 - without them, any production will rise. However, numerous studies have established that pectin has no negative effect on the body. That is why its use is permitted in all countries of the world without any restrictions.
What is famous for pectin substances
This is the main component of a plant cell, which regulates the elasticity of its walls, as well as its fullness with moisture. They provide the characteristic juiciness of the fruit. Pectins are contained in the outer coverings of fruits, in particular it is the peel of apples. It is squeezes from these fruits that are the main raw material for the production of pectin.
Basic properties
In nature, it is contained in an insoluble form. As we have said, it makes little sense to try to extract pectin at home. For this, industrial plants are needed that will successfully extract pectin from squeezed apples, beet pulp, and citrus peel. The properties of the 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 pectin concentrate, which is an opaque viscous liquid. The smell will match the feedstock. 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 Health Organization. The daily therapeutic dose of pectin is 15-16 g, and the prophylactic one is 4-5 g.
- Student-forming ability. It is widely used in the production of marmalade and marshmallows, jellies and marshmallows, as well as diet confiture and jams. Excellent fruity 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 beet 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 for food. No one eats fruits and berries a few 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 bring benefits. But with excessive enthusiasm for biologically active additives 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 pectin. Among the leaders can be noted rose hips and plums. Pectin fibers are found in beets and watermelons, as well as pineapples. Citrus zest should also not be forgotten, it is not in vain that it goes to such a large number of recipes. But in most cases, apples or beets are taken as sources in production. This is a cheap product that can be obtained in large quantities in season.
For 100 g of beets, currants or apples, 1.1 g of pectin. Plum, apricot and peach will give about 0.9 g, and oranges, pear, 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 blanks for the winter. For overweight and severe intoxication, doctors recommend including at least 25 g of pectin daily in the diet. This will cleanse the body and normalize weight.
Application area
First of all, it is the food industry. Pectin is used as a stabilizer for beverages, a thickener of fillings for cakes and sweets, or an emulsifier for the production of mayonnaise and margarines. In bakery production, it is added as an improver of product quality. It is the perfect stabilizer for fruit yogurt and ice cream, safe and natural. Pectin is widely used in the production of canned food as a bactericidal substance.
Healthcare
We have already touched on this topic a bit. Pectin is extremely beneficial for our health, so its sources should be on the table every day. It is used to treat wounds, helps the most complete 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 is experimentally proven evidence that pectin lowers cholesterol. Thanks to this, he becomes an assistant 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.
Guardian of Beauty
Pectin helps maintain human health from the inside out, but the beauty industry has taken on its properties for the production of external skin and hair care products. It is widely used as a bactericidal agent. But that is far from 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 add a little pectin to home masks to achieve a similar result. To prepare a hair conditioner, you can take egg yolk and liquid concentrate, mix them together and apply to clean hair for 15-20 minutes, then rinse. For skin, a puree of fresh apple with honey and pectin concentrate will be an excellent option. Apply as a mask and leave for 20 minutes.
Instead of a conclusion
As you can see, pectin substances are very beneficial for our body. This food is a source of health 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 you can replace them with concentrates. This is not exactly the same thing, but much better than nothing.