Pectin in its natural state is found in the cell walls of terrestrial plants, and between these cell walls. It is a product that keeps the plant rigid and upright. As the plant ages, the stem wilts as the structure of the pectin product disintegrates.
Pectin is also found in fruits, particularly citrus fruits, apples, pears, plums, and gooseberries and others. Small quantities are found in the softer fruits such as strawberries, cherries and grapes.
Within plants and their fruits, pectin binds the plants' cells together. As the fruit ripens, the pectin breaks down leading to the fruits' flesh getting softer. Eventually when the pectin breaks down completely, the fruit loses its structure and resembles an inedible mass of over-ripe fruit.
Pectin used today in the making of jams and jellies is manufactured in powdered form from apple pomace or the peel of oranges. Whilst it does not add any flavor to the products in which it is used, it is a product that's used as a thickening agent in making jams, jellies and such. It is also a stabilizer in foods such as fruit juices and milk products.
It is also used in the cosmetic industry to stabilize ingredients; the medical profession to combat diarrhea; the production of medical confectionary; and included in the preparation of products to heal wounds.
Pectin is also a rich source of dietary fiber, which is a necessary product for achieving optimum health.
Fruits are low in calories and fat, low in sodium, and contain many of the essential vitamins and minerals necessary for good health. Fruits of all types are rich in fiber, which is vital for the health of a person's indigestion and bowel system. For optimum health, the medical profession recommends that a person should eat at least two pieces of fruit per day.
The nutritional qualities of fruits mean that they are important in weight loss programs. As fiber is slow to be digested, it stays in the stomach longer and reduces the effects of hunger.
Therefore, a person eats less in between meals. Fiber is a well-known appetite suppressant and is also found in fresh vegetables.
Whilst pectin does not contribute significantly to nutrition, it is a natural part of a person's diet even though consumed in very small quantities. The amount of pectin contained in a large apple is about 2.8 grams.
During the process of digestion, pectin binds itself to cholesterol in the stomach and slows the absorption of carbohydrates, meaning that pectin is a soluble dietary fiber product.
Pectin is known to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood. It works by increasing the thickness or density of the food being digested in the stomach, resulting in less cholesterol being absorbed.
As pectin is recognized as a strong binding agent, it is useful in the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and attacks of diarrhea. In fact, pectin is regarded as one of nature's best medicines. It is used in some medicines to over come these troublesome health problems.
However, the really big breakthrough as far as pectin is concerned is the discovery that it's a product that is clinically seen to be beneficial for weight loss. In fact, any food product that contains large amounts of dietary fiber is a must to be included in a dieter's daily food intake.
Dieticians and health experts have come to the conclusion that diet plans based on a high intake of fiber are far more beneficial than the multitude of 'fad' diets around. As fiber content is high in all fruits and vegetables, a daily diet consisting of five cups of vegetables and two cups of fruit will go a long way to achieving optimum health, together with a mandatory one hour a day brisk walk.
Pectin is a natural product that has a secondary benefit of being helpful to those people wanting to lose weight. Its fiber content makes it an appetite suppressant product that reduces the pangs of hunger. In addition, pectin has many other characteristics that help to improve a person's quality of life.
The consumption of pectin, achieved by eating a recommended quantity of fruit, is vital for optimum health and a satisfactory quality of life.
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