by What is Citrus Pectin?
It is composed of polysaccharides and helps give fruit its texture. Commercially, it is extracted from citrus peels using hot water or diluted acids and is used widely in food processing as a gelling agent.
Health Benefits
It possesses various health benefits due to its properties as a soluble fiber. Some key benefits include:
Cholesterol Reduction
Studies have shown that it is effective at lowering LDL or “bad” cholesterol levels in the body. It binds to cholesterol in the digestive tract and helps flush it from the body before it can be absorbed. This reduces cardiovascular risks over time.
Blood Sugar Control
The soluble fiber in it helps slow the absorption of sugars into the bloodstream. Citrus Pectin This results in a more gradual rise in blood glucose and insulin levels after eating, providing benefits for diabetics and pre-diabetics. Some research indicates it may help manage appetite as well.
Digestive Health
As a prebiotic soluble fiber, it feeds the beneficial bacteria in our gut. This promotes regular bowel movements and digestive health. It can also help relieve constipation by adding bulk to stool. The fermentation of pectin by gut bacteria also produces short-chain fatty acids that nourish colon cells.
Detoxification Support
The fiber content of it binds to heavy metals, toxins and other compounds in the digestive tract, preventing their absorption through the gut wall into circulation. This helps remove toxins from the body and maintain overall detoxification.
Uses
Beyond its nutritional properties, it has various applications and uses:
Jam and Jelly Making
It is commonly used as a gelling agent in making homemade jams, jellies and fruit preserves. When heated with fruit juices and sugar, pectin causes the mixture to gel as it cools through a process called gelation. This gives spreads their thick, spreadable texture.
Baked Goods
Small amounts of it are sometimes added to baked goods such as pies, cobblers and fruit crisps. It helps thicken the filling and prevent oozing while baking. Pectin can be sprinkled onto fresh fruit before sautéing or roasting as well to create a light glaze.
Skin Care Products
Some natural skin care products contain citrus pectin for its benefits. Applied topically, it may help exfoliate dead skin cells, improve hydration and support the skin’s natural detoxification. Pectin forms a film on skin that soothes irritation and locks in moisture.
Weight Management
Due to its dietary fiber content, it promotes fullness after eating and gradual digestion. It carries some potential for helping manage appetite and weight when consumed as part of an overall healthy diet and lifestyle. One 2006 study found pectin supplements aided small amounts of weight loss over time.
Forms of Citrus Pectin
Its products are available in several forms:
– Powder: Dried powder form that needs to be dissolved in liquid for use. Works well for jam/jelly making and baked goods but powder may clump.
– Capsules: Easy to consume it in portable capsule or pill form. Good for supplementing dietary fiber intake.
– Extract: More concentrated liquid extract provides the soluble fiber and gelling benefits of citrus pectin. Often used in natural skin/hair care recipes and supplement blends.
– jam and jelly mixes: Pre-packaged gelling mixes containing it for easy homemade fruit spreads.
How Much to Take
A typical supplemental dose is 1-10 grams of it powder per day to aid digestion and health. This fiber source is generally safe, but excessive amounts over 20 grams daily may cause digestive discomfort in some individuals.
It extracted from citrus fruit peels offers benefits as a soluble fiber in the diet. Consuming citrus fruits for their natural pectin content or choosing a citrus pectin supplement makes it easy to enjoy the nutrition for gut, heart and overall health this functional fiber provides.
*Note:
1.Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2.We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Ravina Pandya
Ravina Pandya,Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. LinkedIn
