CONTENTS:

• Pectin in the food industry
• Health-promoting properties of pectin

Pectin is a type of natural, soluble fiber of plant origin. This is the so-called polysaccharide or polysaccharide. It is found in fruits, including apples, pears, quinces, oranges, grapefruits, currants, blackberries, and peaches, but vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and zucchini can also be its source. Pectins prevent fruit from drying out and protect them from microbes and disease. Due to their gelling properties, they are primarily used in the food industry. They are added to jams and jellies, which get their characteristic semi-solid consistency from pectin in combination with sugar and acid. Pectin is also used in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. Let's take a closer look at why it's worth taking a closer look.

Pectin in the food industry

Pectin is perfect for the food industry because it contains:

• Thickening,
• stabilizing,
• emulsifying,

Thanks to these properties, pectin is particularly suitable for the production of jellies and jams, but also for other canned fruit and vegetables such as juices, beverages and concentrates, ketchup, and dairy products such as cottage cheese and processed cheese, as well as confectionery. Pectin powder with gelling properties can also be added to homemade jams.

Health-promoting properties of pectin

Pectin has beneficial properties for our health and can support the body's proper functioning. Among other things, it supports:

• Weight loss – When pectin combines with water, food swells in the stomach, creating a feeling of fullness, making us feel fuller for longer and less likely to snack. This facilitates the weight loss process. Pectin also helps with diarrhea, shortening its duration.
• Lower levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol thanks to pectin's ability to bind cholesterol in the intestines, preventing its absorption into the bloodstream. Pectins help reduce fat absorption,
• the process of removing toxins from the body, including heavy metals such as mercury,
• Prevention of arteriosclerosis,
• Preventing the formation of gallstones,
• Reducing the risk of diabetes and insulin resistance because it helps prevent sugar spikes by inhibiting the activity of enzymes that break down simple sugars and starches.

Because pectin has many valuable health-promoting properties, you should definitely include it in your daily diet. Simply remember to eat your daily portion of fresh vegetables and fruit. This is the easiest way to increase your pectin intake. Pectin powder is also available in health food stores. It can be added to homemade jams. Consuming pectin is safe, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.