Pectin: what it is and what are the benefits to know

Pectin is a substance that occurs naturally in plants and that can be used in the food sector for various purposes. Let’s find out what its benefits are.

When we talk about petcina we mean that substance famous for being part of fruit and vegetables. It is in fact a carbohydrate with glueing and gelling properties that vary according to the type of fruit in which it is found. In fact, its quantity tends to vary from one to another. Often used as an additive, pectin has gelling properties for which it is also used to thicken. Not for nothing is it one of the main ingredients of jam, including homemade jam.

Pectin: what it is for and how to use it

When it comes to pectin, what it is is undoubtedly the first question to answer.

In fact, few people know it and above all know how to distinguish the chemical one from the so-called fruit pectin. In fact, to respond to market demand, pectin is often extracted artificially, losing many of the innate qualities that belong instead to the fruit pectin gelling agent.

That said, it is good to know that fruit pectin does not hurt, as long as it is natural or derived from fruit. A very simple thing to do. Suffice it to say that for a good homemade jam you can add petcina obtained from the peel of apples to obtain the desired gelling effect.

Pectin: in which fruits it is found

Another problem related to pectin is where it is found. In fact, not everyone knows the foods to use to use it at its best. Among the most important are, without a doubt, apples, pears, apricots and lemons. Before using them to give more body to your dishes, however, it is important to remember to buy them only untreated and possibly organic.

Going, instead, to the benefits of pectin, among the best known are that of reducing cholesterol , counteracting constipation and preventing atherosclerosis . Petcine is also useful in cases of hyperglycemia or diabetes. What matters is never to exceed the quantities that should be around 15 grams per day. Dose that is normally reached through the regular consumption of fruit and vegetables.