Pectins are natural polysaccharides that are found in the cell walls of plants and perform a structural function. They’re especially rich in apples, citrus fruits, beets, pumpkins, and carrots. Due to their ability to form gels in an aqueous environment, pectins are widely used in the food industry, medicine and pharmaceuticals.
The main benefit of pectins for the body is associated with their ability to improve digestion and cleanse the intestines. They act as natural prebiotics, promoting the growth of beneficial microflora and improving the gastrointestinal tract. Pectins also help lower “bad” cholesterol (LDL) levels, normalize blood sugar levels, and remove toxins, heavy metals, and radionuclides, making them useful for detoxifying the body.
In the food industry, pectins are used as thickeners, stabilizers, and gelling agents in marmalades, jams, yogurts, and other products. In medicine, they are part of drugs for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders and detoxification complexes. Due to their properties, pectins are a valuable component of a healthy diet and the prevention of many diseases.