Short answer
Pectin isn’t bad for you. It’s common in jams and other high-sugar foods, however, and you should be careful about consuming too much sugar.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Pectin is a substance that makes cell walls rigid in plants. It's most often used in the preparation of fruit preserves like jam - add pectin to jam while cooking, and you'll need less time. It'll also help to preserve the color and consistency of the jam without compromising the flavor or requiring artificial preservatives.
Pectin is a soluble fiber. Like most fibers, it can help with incontinence and re-establish regularity in your bathroom routine. If you're experiencing digestive problems, talk to your doctor about pectin as a possible solution.
In lab settings, pectin has been shown to help with diabetes and high levels of bad cholesterol in rats. That's good news if you suffer from either of those conditions or have a family history that indicates you may develop them in the future. Studies in rats, however, are insufficient - we don't yet have the evidence that proves pectin can help combat diabetes or lower cholesterol in people. Still, if you're the optimistic sort, you may want to look to pectin for help in combating diabetes or high cholesterol levels.
Pectin is often made from fruits and vegetables that are GMO or non-organic, which are still very controversial and lacking in long-term research. If you've made the choice to eat GMO-free or organic, you'll want to check the label before using pectin in your jams.
Pectin requires a lot of sugar to work - somewhere between two-thirds and one-half of the jam that you're using it in. High sugar content is standard for jams and jellies, but that sugar is still bad for you: it'll rot your teeth, increase your body weight via blood sugar spikes, and put you at risk of developing long-term diseases like diabetes. When consuming a product with pectin, be aware of your sugar intake and use your best dietary judgment. Pectin is a fiber, of course, so it'll mitigate some of that high sugar content.
Possible short-term side effects
- gas
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diarrhea
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loose stools
Commonly found in
- citrus fruits
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jams / jellies
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fillings
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medicines
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sweets
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fruit juices
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milk drinks
Ingredients to be aware of
- gmos (depending on the source of the pectin)
Benefits
- promotes healthy digestion
-
may help combat diabetes
-
may help combat high cholesterol
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Written by Sean McNulty
Published on: 10-10-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Sean McNulty
Published on: 10-10-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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