Pectinase

Pectinase

Pectinase helps break down pectin, a carbohydrate found in plant cell walls and is known to possess various health benefits. Commonly found in apples and bananas, pectinase plays a major role not only in healthy digestion, but also, in general well-being and anti-aging. This health-enhancing fiber is also available as supplements in many health food stores.

Health Benefits of Pectinase

This digestive enzyme has diverse proven health benefits such as:

Healthy Digestive System

Pectinase helps provide favorable pH conditions for beneficial bacteria in the gut, allowing them to grow and multiply.^[1-2] This in turn boosts digestive health and prevents various gastrointestinal symptoms.

Improved Blood Sugar Levels

Improving the body’s absorption of pectin through pectinase supplements can help lower high blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for patients with diabetes. In one study, researchers found that diabetics who consumed a diet supplemented with 20 grams of apple pectin per day had a significant reduction in their blood sugar levels.^[3] 

Improved Cholesterol Levels

The benefits of pectinase supplementation go beyond digestion. By improving the absorption of the highly soluble fiber pectin, pectinase can help lower cholesterol levels even without lifestyle modifications. According to a study conducted at the University of Florida College of Medicine, researchers reported that volunteers who consumed a grapefruit pectin-supplemented diet without change in lifestyle for 16 weeks, experienced a significant reduction in blood cholesterol (7.6%) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (10.8%).^[4]     

Weight Loss

With more pectinase in your body, more pectin will also be absorbed effectively. As a highly soluble fiber, pectin can aid in weight loss by helping you feel full for longer periods of time. This in turn can limit your food intake and boost your weight loss efforts. One study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition proved this effect of pectin.^[5] The study involved U.S. Army employees who are all within  normal weight limits. On days one and two of the study, they fasted overnight and consumed orange juice containing pectin followed by ice cream four hours later. Interestingly, all of the participants felt more satisfied and full for up to four hours after consuming a meal with pectin.

Relief from Persistent Diarrhea

Consuming pectinase from green bananas and supplements can help reduce bouts of diarrhea. In one clinical trial, researchers found that patients who consumed a diet containing 250 grams of cooked green banana daily for 7 days experienced a significant reduction in the amounts of stool, numbers of vomiting and duration of diarrhea.^[6] Also, the diet reduced the use of oral rehydration solution and intravenous fluid.

Cancer Prevention

Loading up on pectinase and improving your body’s absorption of pectin can help prevent one of the world’s most deadly diseases. Laboratory studies found that pectin can help prevent cancer progression by inducing programmed cell death (apoptosis) in various human cancer cell lines.^[7]

References:

1. Umesh L. Apple pectin as a novel prebiotic substance that helps the intestinal microbiota. Med-Chemist. 2010 January 25.
2. Garg G, Singh A, Kaur A, Singh R, Kaur J, Mahajan R. Microbial pectinases: an ecofriendly tool of nature for industries. 3 Biotech. 2016;6(1):47. doi:10.1007/s13205-016-0371-4.
3. Schwartz SE, Levine RA, Weinstock RS, Petokas S, Mills CA, Thomas FD. Sustained pectin ingestion: effect on gastric emptying and glucose tolerance in non-insulin-dependent diabetic patients. Am J Clin Nutr. 1988;48(6):1413-7.
4. Cerda JJ, Robbins FL, Burgin CW, Baumgartner TG, Rice RW. The effects of grapefruit pectin on patients at risk for coronary heart disease without altering diet or lifestyle. Clin Cardiol. 1988;11(9):589-94.
5. Tiwary CM, Ward JA, Jackson BA. Effect of pectin on satiety in healthy US Army adults. J Am Coll Nutr. 1997;16(5):423-8.
6. Rabbani GH, Teka T, Zaman B, Majid N, Khatun M, Fuchs GJ. Clinical studies in persistent diarrhea: dietary management with green banana or pectin in Bangladeshi children. Gastroenterology. 2001;121(3):554-60.
7. Jackson CL, Dreaden TM, Theobald LK, et al. Pectin induces apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells: correlation of apoptotic function with pectin structure. Glycobiology. 2007;17(8):805-19.