Learn about water-soluble fiber (pectin)

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Water-soluble fiber (pectin) is a type of soluble fiber found naturally in fruit. Pectin is believed by some to improve, prevent, or treat digestive and metabolic disorders. When it mixes with water in the intestines, pectin forms a gel-like substance that can make bowel movements easier.

1. What is water-soluble fiber (pectin)?

Water-soluble fiber (pectin) is white to light brown in color and is extracted from the peels of citrus fruits. Because most of it is extracted from fruit, it is also known as fruit pectin.
Pectin is used as a food additive mainly in the form of a gel. In addition, pectin is used as a stabilizer in juices and dairy beverages. Liquid pectin or powdered pectin is used to make jam at home.

2. Where does Pectin come from?

Pectin found in fruit is the most common. Apples have 1-1.5% pectin; dream 1%; cherry 0.4%; orange pulp contains 0.5-3.5%; The peels of citrus fruits contain 30% pectin.
The main part of fruit pectin is obtained from the peels of citrus and apples. To extract pectin from these sources, hot dilute acids with a pH of 1.5 - 3.5 are added to them. During pectin extraction, some of the chain lengths and branches of propectin are lost and enter solution, which is then removed by filtration. This is followed by concentration of the extract under vacuum and the precipitation of pectin with the help of ethanol or isopropanol. The precipitated pectin was then separated from the alcohol, washed and appropriately dried.

3. Uses of Pectin

Water-soluble fiber (pectin) is a food additive used as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and thickener. Besides, it also has the following uses:
Pectin is used as a gelling agent. Used as thickener and stabilizer. Pectin is used in jams to give it a jelly-like appearance. Used to combat constipation and diarrhea by increasing the viscosity and volume of stools. In particular, this fiber can also help reduce nausea. It is also used in cosmetic products as a stabilizer.

4. Health Benefits of Water Soluble Fiber (pectin)

Pectin is an acid found in the cell walls of plants composed mainly of sugar acids (galacturonic acid). Pectin in its natural form cannot be digested by human enzymes, but it can be broken down by bacteria in the gut. When modified in the laboratory with chemicals such as acetic acid and calcium chloride, pectin is easier to digest. Here are the significant health benefits of Pectin:

4.1. High fiber source Pectin fiber helps lower cholesterol and promote digestive health. This is a soluble fiber, which works by binding to fats in the digestive tract, including cholesterol and toxins, and promoting their elimination. Therefore, pectin can improve gut health and digestion.
4.2. Lowers Cholesterol Pectin is a water-soluble fiber that can bind cholesterol in the intestines, thereby preventing its absorption into the bloodstream. Research shows that the appropriate dose for high cholesterol is 15 grams of pectin per day. Plus, these healthy foods are known to lower cholesterol because of their overall fiber content.
Concentrations of cholesterol are determined in the waste (faeces) after one, two and three weeks of treatment. Waste cholesterol concentrations showed a significant increase by the third week in rats fed 5% orange or apple pectin. Liver cholesterol levels were significantly reduced in all groups that ate pectin.

4.3. Control of diarrhea Pectin works to increase stool viscosity and volume. Therefore, it is often used to relieve constipation and diarrhea naturally.
Several studies have evaluated the beneficial gut effects of green banana fiber or pectin in children with persistent diarrhea. In the study, 62 boys, aged 5-12 months, were randomized to a rice-based diet containing cooked green bananas, pectin, or a rice-only diet showed, on the third day after treatment, many children recovered from diarrhea.
Results indicated that, green banana and pectin significantly reduced stool volume, oral rehydration solution, intravenous fluids, frequency of vomiting and duration of diarrhea. Therefore, pectin is an important step to take to stop diarrhea.
4.4. Fights Diabetes Pectin is known to slow down the action of enzymes that break down starches and sugars. The absorption of carbohydrates and sugars is slowed down due to the fiber content. This helps prevent blood sugar spikes, which cause glucose intolerance, weight gain, and diabetes.
Several studies have evaluated the effects of pectin consumption on 12 non-insulin dependent type 2 diabetic patients. Participants were tested for gastric emptying, glucose tolerance, and hormone response after being placed on a 2,400-calorie, low-fiber diet for two weeks, followed by four weeks of supplementation. 20g apple pectin.
The results showed that eating pectin continuously slows down the gastric emptying rate and improves glucose tolerance.
4.5. Pectin is a water-soluble complex carbohydrate used as a fat-burning food. Because of its gum or gel-like consistency, when you eat fresh fruits and vegetables that contain pectin, the cells absorb it instead of fat. Feeling full will make you eat less throughout the day. Pectin gel can reduce appetite.
4.6. Promotes detoxification Research shows that pectin consumption promotes the detoxification of heavy metals and other toxins that contribute to chronic disease and hinder the body's ability to recover from illness. Because pectin has a gel-forming structure, it can bind with heavy metals (including lead and mercury) as they pass through the digestive tract and remove them from the body in the stool.
In summary, water-soluble fiber (pectin) can improve digestive disorders, metabolism, promote detoxification, fight diabetes and aid in weight loss... Therefore, the Using pectin daily with appropriate doses will help the body improve resistance and fight disease.

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