Pectin

Pectin substances, or pectins (from other Greek. Πηκτός - coagulated, frozen) - polysaccharides formed by the remains of mainly galacturonic acid. Present in all higher plants, especially in fruits, and in some aquatic plants - an example is sea-scuttle. Pectins, being a structural element of plant tissues, contribute to the maintenance of turgor in them, increase drought tolerance of plants, and the stability of vegetables and fruits during storage. They are used in the food industry - as structure formers (gelling agents), thickeners, and also in the medical and pharmaceutical industries - as physiologically active substances, also in the form of modified pectin, with properties useful to the human body. On an industrial scale, pectin substances are obtained mainly from apple and citrus squeezes, sugar beet pulp, baskets of sunflower, pumpkin.

Pectins are practically not absorbed by the human digestive system, are enterosorbents.