Lose weight with LEMON PECTIN
Pectin is a structural heteropolysaccharide (soluble fiber) present in most primary cell walls and in the non-woody parts of terrestrial plants. It is mainly extracted from citrus peels (lemons, oranges, and grapefruits), apples, carrots, cherries etc. Typical levels of pectin in these plants are:
- Apples: 1–1.5%;
- Apricot: 1%;
- Cherries: 0.4%;
- Oranges: 0.5–3.5%;
- Carrots: 1.4%;
- Citrus peels: 30%.
Since the citrus peels are the most consistent source of pectin, lemon peels can be used to obtain high quantities of pectin. The substance is obtained from the lemon peels through the process of aqueous extraction.
Pectin is available for buying from food stores as a fine, whitish powder; in drugstores, pectin is available in the form of nutritional supplements. You can extract your own homemade pectin, from the lemon peels left after you have prepared lemonades.
Uses
Pectin is usually used to thicken various types of foods (gelling agent, especially for jams jellies, stabilizer for fruit juices, milk drinks and…cosmetic products), but it is also has many other uses, including in pharmaceutical/medical applications.
- Pectin reduces bad cholesterol or LDL in the blood; due to its effect on cholesterol, pectin also helps to lower blood pressure;
- It helps to reduce blood sugar levels;
- Pectin increases the viscosity and bulk of the stools and thus helps to relieve diarrhea and constipation.
- It is an excellent source of ‘good’ bacteria in the colon and thus helps to repair damages tissue in the large intestine.
- Pectin also stimulates the production of synovial fluid which protects the joints and enables them to function properly it also interferes in the process of chelation, helping the joints to clean out themselves of the damaging heavy metals, which make them stiff and painfull.
- Pectin is an efficient demulcent and has a soothing effect on an itchy, irritated throat.
- It can prevent the formation of gall stones.
Pectin, as a weight loss accelerator
This soluble fiber can help you lose weight. During the process of digestion, pectin absorbs water from the digestive tract increasing its volume inside your stomach. The created mass of soluble fiber exerts pressure on the stomach walls and receptors sending an “I am full” signal to the brain, so you will eat less. Everyone knows that eating less means in time weight loss.
On another hand, pectin encourages weight loss because turning into a sticky gel while ingested it slows down the absorption of carbohydrates. This keeps the blood glucose levels stable and keeps hunger and cravings away.
The recommended dosage
The recommended dosage of pectin supplements is 15 grams per day. Pectin supplements should be taken with plenty of fluid.
Secondary, unwanted effects on health
Ingesting too much pectin can lead to some unpleasant effects on your health, such as:
- gas formation and bloating;
- abdominal pain and cramps;
- diarrhea;
- low levels of calcium, zinc, iron and magnesium (it blocks their absorption in the blood stream);
- allergic reactions in people allergic to citrus fruits.
Pectin may also disrupt the absorption of other medications, so it is highly recommended to consult your doctor before combining it with other medications.
- Homemade lemon pectin
Choose underripe lemons: they have thicker peels and will produce more pectin than a fully ripe lemon. You can also use the lemon peels and the seeds left after you have prepared lemonades- nothing should be lost!
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb white part (pith) of lemon peel
- 2 cups of water
- 4 tbsp. of lemon juice
Instructions:
- Dice the lemon peels.
- Mix the diced peels with lemon juice and leave them for 1 hour. Add 2 cups of water and set it aside for another hour.
- Boil everything for 10 minutes. Switch off the heat, cover and let the pot cool.
- Test the pectin with denatured alcohol (70% rubbing alcohol): 1 teaspoon of cooked, cooled pectin juice is mixed with 1 Tablespoon of alcohol in a cup. Shake the cup and then pour the mixture on a plate. Juice rich with pectin will form a solid jelly-like substance that is dense enough to be lifted with a fork. If the pectin is not thick enough, the peels and water can be boiled more.
- Pectin can be kept in jars, in the fridge, for a few days. For later use, it can be freeze. A little space should be left in the jar, because the pectin will expand as it freezes.