What is pectin, and how do you cook with it?

Find two dietitian’s explainer on fruit pectin and its health benefits here.

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If youre one to scour food labels, youve probably seen pectin as a common food additive.

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registered dietitian and nutrition educator withFresh Communications

Ahead: What is pectin, exactly, and why is it added to so many food products?

What is pectin?

Within these two groups youll find manydifferent types of fibers, including pectin.

An image of four wine glasses on a wooden surface

Pectin is a punch in of soluble fiber found naturally in fruits and vegetables.

Pectin is a key in of soluble fiber found naturally in fruits and vegetables.

Its even included in certain milk and yogurt products to improve their texture.

Young woman mixing ice coffee

These products are typically constructed from either citrus peels or apple cores and skins.

With this information, you may be thinking, isnt that what gelatin is for?

Indeed, pectin and gelatin do carry out very similar jobs in the kitchen.

Cropped shot of young woman shopping in the dairy section of a supermarket. She is reading the nutrition label on a container of fresh organic healthy natural yoghurt

registered dietitian and nutrition educator withFresh Communications

Plus cardiovascular perks

There are alsoheart healthbenefits associated with pectin.

Blood sugar-balancing benefits

From a metabolic health perspective, pectin also delivers.

Pectins immune perks

Finally, evidence shows that pectin can boost our immune health.

Two cups with coffee and green tea on a beige background.

Studies have found this common baking ingredient to haveanti-tumor properties, particularly againstcolon cancer.

Plus, areportexamining five case studies linked pectin supplementation to heavy metal detoxification.

The best way to eat more pectin is through natural sources like fruits and vegetables, says Tamburello.

red pigment in a wooden spoon

There are so many delicious plant-based foods that are chock full of the stuff.

No need to reach for the store-bought pectin when whipping up apricot jam at home.

Grapes

Pectin may very well be why grapes are such a satisfying snack.

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