Apples-C.Cancler

What is Apple “pectin”? It’s a soluble fiber derived from apples. You can buy it as a dietary supplement from your local health store as a natural aid to help improve digestive health and treat digestive disorders.

What can apple pectin help treat?

Medicinal applications of apple pectin include treatments for:

  • metabolic syndrome
  • irritable bowel syndrome
  • high chlorestoral
  • heartburn
  • diarrhea
  • diabetes
  • constipation
  • ulcerative colitis
Apple pectin may also help stave off certain forms of cancer, such as colon or prostate cancer, and can be used to help regulate bowel movements.

Three natural benefits of apple pectin:

1)  A healthy heart

Studies show that pectin may reduce risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. In research done on rats, it was observed that the animals treated with apple pectin showed a decrease in triglycerides (associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease), a decrease in blood sugar, and in total cholesterol. A more recent study showed that pectin was found to protect against ischemia, a condition which blocks the coronary arteries and results in decreased blood flow to the heart.

2)  Digestive health

Are your kids having problems with diarrhea? A simple combo of apple pectin and chamomile extract has been shown to help relieve diarrhea symptoms according to a study published in Drug Research in 2006. 255 patients ranging from six months to six years old were given either a placebo or an apple pectin/chamomile combination to help treat acute diarrhea. The study found that the children treated with chamomile and apple pectin showed great improvement in symptoms compared to those given a placebo.

3)  Cancer

Certain preliminary research has suggested that apple pectin possesses properties which may help fight cancer. Researchers found that rats given a diet rich in apple pectin had significantly decreased incidence of colon tumors.

Side effects

Pectin may cause some side effects, such as gas or diarrhea, you should see your doctor and ask them about taking apple pectin to help treat chronic digestive conditions.

Alternatives 

Other natural substances which are rich in soluble fiber are grains like oats and barley, legumes, and fiber rich fruits like pears and blueberries.

Other sources of soluble fiber:

  • psyllium
  • carob
  • flaxseed
  • glucomannan
  • acacia fiber
  • nopal

By having a diet rich in soluble fiber, you can keep cholesterol levels down, keep a healthy digestive system, and help reduce chances of developing heart disease into old age.

Look for apple pectin supplements at your local drugstore or natural food market.