Your intestines can’t absorb pectin in its natural form. This makes it an effective source of fiber. Citrus Pectin has been altered to be absorbed into your bloodstream. The pectin from citrus is processed to make the molecules smaller and converted to a form that’s more easily absorbed. That means your body can benefit from more than just pectin’s fibrous properties.
Contents
Uses
Citrus Pectin is promoted in dietary supplement form as an alternative cancer treatment and is under research for its potential to “increase dramatically the efficiency of a conventional chemotherapy,”but there is no evidence MCP prevents or treats cancer in humans
Benefits
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Intestinal Health
The pectin in modified citrus pectin is a soluble fiber with powerful water-holding abilities, according to Drugs.com. Pectin effectively binds to water in the intestines and forms a gel to help prevent constipation and remove toxins from the colon. Modified citrus pectin also plays an important role in balancing the pH of your intestines. In the colon, pectin ferments and forms butyric acid, which also binds to mutagens to assist in removing them from your system. These effects help reduce the risk of colon cancer and other types of harmful cancer.
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Cancer Prevention
The beneficial health effects of modified citrus pectin are due to its natural inclination to attract molecules that bind with galactose, which contains carbohydrate-binding proteins called galectins. Galectins are found on the surface walls of body cells and facilitate the relaying of messages between cells, encouraging them to bind. The American Cancer Society explains that cancer cells carry an unbalanced number of galectins, which may be beneficial in preventing the growth and spread of cancer. Cancer cells characteristically grow at an uncontrolled and aggressive pace, which results in rapid cell cancer cell growth throughout the body. Taking modified citrus pectin may prevent this growth and inhibit the cancer cells from invading healthy tissues and causing new tumors.
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Toxic Metal Removal
According to “Modified Citrus Pectin” author Nan Kathryn Fuchs, heavy metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium, and arsenic can build up in the body. These metals may contribute to harmful disorders, including arteriosclerosis, hypertension, multiple sclerosis and weakened immune function. Modified citrus pectin may bind to these heavy metals and assist in removing them from the body. Taking modified citrus pectin regularly encourages the urinary excretion of heavy metals due to its binding effects in the bloodstream.
Cautions
When used as recommended, there are rarely any side effects associated with modified citrus pectin. The American Cancer Society reports that you may experience mild stomach discomfort when using apple pectin.
Interactions
None are recorded
Other names
Pecta-Sol and MCP (Modified citrus pectin)
References
Source: Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modified_citrus_pectin
LiveStrong, http://www.livestrong.com/article/252084-what-are-the-health-benefits-of-modified-citrus-pectin/
Healthline, http://www.healthline.com/health/8-questions-about-mcp#2