Pectin: harm and benefit. Application and properties of pectin

A substance called "pectin" was isolated in the early 19th century by the French academician of chemistry Henri Bracconnault. The first product, from which the scientist received this element, was the apple. In mass production the substance was received in the 1930s.

Pectin: properties and production

This is a plant-based substance. It has binding properties. From the scientific point of view, it is a polysaccharide that has undergone preliminary purification and obtained by extracting citrus and apple pulp. In the food industry is known as an additive E440. It has the properties of stabilizer, gellant, clarifier and thickener. In addition to fruits, it is found in some vegetables and root vegetables. In citruses, a very high level of a substance such as pectin. Harm and benefit from it can be equal. About this - later in the article. The production of pectin requires expensive and complex equipment. By and large, practically from any fruit by extraction it is possible to extract Е440. After preparation, the extract of pectin is subjected to careful processing by special technology, until the substance acquires the necessary properties.

In Russia, the production of E440 is very significant. Pectin is most often extracted from apple and beet. According to statistics, about 30 tons of substance are produced annually in Russia.

Pectin composition

The supplement E440 is extremely common in dietetics. For 100 g of product energy value does not exceed the level of 55 calories. In a teaspoon - 4 cal.

It's no secret that the most low-calorie polysaccharide is pectin. Properties and its nutritional value speak for themselves: 0 g of fat and 0 g of protein. The most part is occupied by carbohydrates - up to 90%. The composition of pectin includes ash, disaccharides, organic acids and water. The remaining percentage is occupied by dietary fiber. Of the vitamins should be allocated niacin equivalent of PP. As for the mineral components, in pectin they are abundant: phosphorus, potassium, iron, magnesium and calcium. A high content of sodium (up to 430 mg) gives a special value to the substance.

Benefit from pectin

Many experts believe that the substance E440 is the best organic "sanitarar" of the human body. The fact is that the pectin, the harm and benefit of which each inhabitant is evaluated in different ways, removes harmful microcomponents and natural poisons from tissues, such as pesticides, radioactive elements, heavy metals , etc. At the same bacteriological background of the body is not violated.

Also, one of the best stabilizers of the oxidative processes of the stomach is pectin. The use of this substance is to normalize the metabolism. It not only improves blood circulation and intestinal function, but also significantly lowers cholesterol. Pectin can be called soluble fiber, because it practically does not split and is not digested in the digestive system. Passing through the intestines along with the rest of the products, the E440 absorbs cholesterol and other harmful elements that are hard 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 overall microflora of the intestine, has an anti-inflammatory effect on its mucosa. Pectin is recommended for ulcer diseases and dysbacteriosis.

Per day, the optimal dose of the substance will be 15 g.

Harm from pectin

The additive E440 practically has no negative consequences. It should be understood that this is a poorly digestible substance (concentrate-pectin). Harm and benefit from it - a fine line, joining for which, the consequences of a long wait will not have to. When an overdose of pectin comes a strong flatulence, caused by an imbalance of the intestinal microflora. Also, excessive intake of a purified additive or products with a high substance content can cause diarrhea accompanied by painful colic. In case of an overdose, pectin interferes with the absorption of useful minerals such as magnesium, zinc, iron and calcium into the bloodstream. Poorly digested and proteins.

A similar side effect, together with a skin rash, may also occur with an individual intolerance to the polysaccharide.

Application of pectin

In recent years, the substance has become widespread in the pharmaceutical and food industries. In the medical industry, it is used to create physiologically active drugs. Such medicines have many properties useful for a person. Leading pharmaceutical companies use pectin for the preparation of capsules.

Application in the food field is carried out as natural additives and thickener. Pectin is often used in the manufacture of jelly, marshmallow, marmalade, ice cream and some kinds of sweets. At the moment, there are two forms of matter: powder and liquid. In the free-flowing form, pectin is used in the manufacture of jelly and marmalade. The liquid polysaccharide is added to the hot mass, which is then poured into molds.

Products with high levels of pectin

The substance can be obtained only from fruits, berries or vegetables. Additive E440 is a natural product, so it should be made exclusively from plants. As you know, a substance such as pectin, harm and benefit - the question is in many ways a sense of proportion. Therefore, you should know in which products its content is higher, in order to subsequently vary the amount of use.

Most of all pectin is found in orange, beet, lemon, apple, apricot, cabbage, cherry, melon, cucumber, potato, carrot, peach, mandarin, pear and a number of berries such as cranberries, gooseberries and currants.