A substance called "pectin" was isolated in the early 19th century by the French academician of chemical sciences Henri Braconno. 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 substance is of plant origin. It has adhesion properties. From the point of view of science, it is a polysaccharide that has undergone preliminary purification and obtained through the extraction of citrus and apple pulp. In the food industry it is known as E440 additive. 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 has a very high level of a substance such as pectin. Harm and benefit from it can be equally. More about this later in the article.
The production of pectin requires expensive and complex equipment. By and large, E440 can be extracted from virtually any fruit by extraction. After receiving the extract, pectin is subjected to thorough processing according to a special technology until the substance acquires the necessary properties.
In Russia, E440 production volumes are very significant. Pectin is most often obtained from apples and beets. According to statistics, about 30 tons of the substance are produced annually in Russia.
Pectin composition
Additive E440 is extremely common in dietetics. Per 100 g of product, the energy value does not exceed the level of 55 calories. In a teaspoon - 4 cal.
It is no secret that pectin is considered the lowest caloric polysaccharide. The properties and its nutritional value speak for themselves: 0 g of fat and 0 g of protein. Most of them are carbohydrates - up to 90%.
Pectin contains ash, disaccharides, organic acids and water. The remaining percentage is occupied by
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 substance is especially valuable due to its high sodium content (up to 430 mg).
The benefits of pectin
Many experts believe that the E440 substance is the best organic "orderly" of the human body. The fact is that pectin, the harm and benefits of which are assessed by each inhabitant differently, removes harmful microcomponents and natural poisons from tissues, such as pesticides, radioactive elements, heavy metals , etc. In this case, 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 improves blood circulation and intestinal function, but also significantly reduces cholesterol.
Pectin can be called soluble fiber, since it practically does not break down and is not absorbed in the digestive system. Passing through the intestines along with other products, E440 absorbs cholesterol and other harmful elements that are difficult to excrete from their body. In addition, pectin is able to bind ions of radioactive and heavy metals, normalizing blood circulation and stomach activity.
Another advantage of the substance is that it improves the general intestinal microflora, has an anti-inflammatory effect on its mucous membrane. Pectin is recommended for peptic ulcers and dysbiosis.
Per day, the optimal dose of the substance is 15 g.
Pectin Harm
Additive E440 practically does not have any negative consequences. It should be understood that this is a poorly digestible substance (concentrate-pectin). Harm and benefit from it - a fine line, defending it, the consequences do not have to wait long.
With an overdose of pectin, severe flatulence occurs, caused by an imbalance in the intestinal microflora. Also, excessive consumption of a purified supplement or foods high in substance can cause diarrhea, accompanied by painful colic. In case of an overdose, pectin interferes with the absorption into the blood of useful minerals such as magnesium, zinc, iron and calcium. Proteins are also poorly digested.
A similar side effect, coupled with a skin rash, may occur with individual intolerance to the polysaccharide.
Pectin application
In recent years, the substance has been widely used in the pharmaceutical and food industries. In the medical industry, it is used to create physiologically active drugs. Such medicines have many beneficial properties for humans. Leading pharmaceutical companies use just pectin to make the capsule.
Application in the food field is carried out as natural additives and a thickener. Pectin is often used in the manufacture of jelly, marshmallows, marmalade, ice cream and some types of sweets.
At present, there are 2 forms of substance: powder and liquid. Pectin is used in bulk in the manufacture of jelly and marmalade. The liquid polysaccharide is added to the hot mass, which is then poured into molds.
High Pectin Products
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, a substance such as pectin, harm and benefit - a question in many ways, a sense of proportion. Therefore, you should know in which products its content is higher, in order to subsequently vary the volume of use.
Most pectin is found in orange, beets, lemon, apples, apricots, cabbage, cherries, melons, cucumbers, potatoes, carrots, peaches, tangerines, pears and in a number of berries such as cranberries, gooseberries and currants.