Often in the composition of the products we find such a component as pectin. What is this product? Natural or artificial? Useful or harmful? Consider where and how pectin is extracted and what it contains.
Concept and general properties
Translated from the Greek "pektos" means frozen, curled up. In Russian, the meaning of the word "pectin" is defined as a natural substance, structure-forming, contained in the walls of the cell and the intercellular space of plants. Fruits, berries and vegetables contain pectin. What does this mean? And the fact that this substance is a binder component, performs physiological functions and regulates the water metabolism of the plant. When extracted, pectin practically does not lose its valuable properties. In addition to use in the food industry, pectin is considered important for the human body. Thanks to it, the metabolism is stabilized, the level of cholesterol in the blood decreases, intestinal motility improves. One of its main properties is the ability to cleanse a living organism from harmful substances. Speaking about the technical advantages of pectin, it is worth noting its high solubility, temperature stability and gelling strength. For industry, pectin is used in the form of powder and liquid. Powder is used for cold fresh fruits and juice, and liquid pectin is used for hot products. What is this in the finished product, you can find out
looking at the consistency of marmalade, jelly, mayonnaise, yogurt.
It is worth noting that the substance in its pure form is neutral. When used in the body does not create energy reserves. This is one of the differences between pectin and other polysaccharides. Due to the content of pectin, marmalade is considered one of the most useful sweets that are consumed in small quantities even during weight loss.
Pectin in apples
It is the neutrality of pectin that is its main advantage for people who are following the figure or trying to lose weight. What effect does pectin have on the body? What are these benefits? Firstly, pectin is an excellent natural remedy for constipation. It also slows down the absorption of sugar and fat. Thanks to pectin, a feeling of hunger is dulled, since when interacting with water
it turns into a viscous gel that fills the volume of the stomach and creates a feeling of fullness. Some eat dry pectin thickener. For example, there is such a technique: 4 grams of pectin powder diluted in 300 grams of water and taken before meals. Drink plenty of fluids. Otherwise, there is a risk of obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract. Do not assume that this substance is a panacea for excess weight. At the initial stage of losing weight with pectin, you will be able to lose a few pounds, but taking it for a long time is not recommended. It is best to get pectin in a natural way - from fruits. An overdose of pectin can only occur if you consume too many dietary supplements.