What is pectin, what are its properties and methods of use. Apple pectin in my diet - why I eat it and why I recommend it to everyone

For the first time, pectin molecules were isolated from fruit juice about 200 years ago. With the advent of high-tech devices on an industrial scale, the substance is extracted by extraction from the following raw materials:

• Sugar beet cake
• Sunflower baskets
• Fruit cake
• Citrus peel

IN Food Industry and at home two types of pectin are used:

1. Liquid extract
2. Dry powder

Depending on the type of substance, it must be used correctly. Dry powdered pectin dissolves well in cold liquids, while liquid pectin is used exclusively for hot mixtures. The nutritional value of pectin is low - 100 g of the substance contains only about 50 kcal. However, it should be remembered that when adding the product to desserts and sweet drinks, their calorie content increases.

The nutritional purpose of the substance is wide. It is mainly used as:

• Clarifier
• Thickener
• Gelling agent
• Stabilizer

This natural polysaccharide is added in the production of marmalade, Turkish delight, fruit fillings, ice cream. It gives the product a good consistency and compacts their structure. Pectin can also be found in cosmetics (in creams and gels). Analogues of pectin are agar-agar, gelatin or corn starch, however, the benefits of pectin in in kind significantly higher than that of its substitutes.

Harm

Is pectin harmful?

Since pectin is a natural substance and is part of everyone’s favorite vegetables and fruits, it brings only benefits to the body. Is pectin harmful to the body? Negative influence This polysaccharide can only exist in cases of individual intolerance and oversaturation of the body with pectin.

If abused, the following manifestations are possible:

• Severe flatulence, fermentation
• Allergy
• Disturbance of small intestinal microflora
• Colic
• Diarrhea
• Rash, deterioration of health

Is natural pectin harmful? Certainly not. It is impossible to eat so many fruits or vegetables that the concentration of pectin in the body exceeds the norm. However, you can easily encounter an overdose of the substance if it is included in food additives(dietary supplements).

Abuse of polysaccharides is fraught with impaired absorption of such useful substances, like calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and can lead to their deficiency in the body.

Benefit

Pectin: benefits

Due to the naturalness and harmlessness of this substance, its use does not cause side effects and pectin can be included in the diet of pregnant and lactating women. The polysaccharide is not harmful to children either - however, children under 6 years of age should consume it exclusively in its natural form, as part of fruits and vegetables.

The benefits of pectin are explained by its composition - it does not contain fats and organic acids. This substance contains:

• Alimentary fiber
• Carbohydrates
• Vitamins of the PP group
• Disaccharides
• Sodium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron

People call pectin “an orderly and a body cleanser.” It has a gentle effect on the digestive system and removes the accumulation of harmful substances. Pectin is not absorbed into the digestive tract, but gently passes through it, freeing the intestines from toxins and radioactive metals. That is why pectin is recommended for use by people living in polluted regions and in contact with harmful substances.

The benefits of pectin for the body include the following properties:

• Activates impaired metabolism
• Improves intestinal motility
• Removes toxins, heavy metals and harmful compounds
• Improves blood circulation process
• Reduces the likelihood of cancer and heart disease
• Promotes weight loss
• Rejuvenates body cells
• Removes cholesterol
• Reduces blood glucose levels

Due to its astringent and enveloping properties, pectin is used for ulcers, gastritis as an anti-inflammatory agent and for mild pain relief. The substance is widely used in pharmaceuticals - soluble capsules for medicines, as well as suppositories and gelatin tablets are made on its basis.

Where is pectin found?

Consuming about 15.25 g of natural pectin daily helps cleanse the body of harmful deposits and bring metabolism into order. It is known that this substance is contained in many beloved foods, but its maximum concentration is found in beets, peaches, apples and oranges.

Pectin is also found in the following products: apricot, cherry, melon, potato, pumpkin, carrot, cranberry, currant, gooseberry, lemon, cabbage, fig, persimmon.

It is important to remember that the maximum concentration of this substance is in the pulp and peel of the fruit. The benefits of pectin in making jam and fruit jam remain at a high level even after heat treatment. However, to extract maximum benefit Their complete, waste-free recycling is recommended.

In the food industry, pectin is used to prepare:

• Canned fruits, fillings
• Marmalade, cakes, marshmallows, marshmallows
• Some types of bread and pasta
• Margarine, mayonnaise, ketchup
• Juices with pulp, fruit drinks
• Fermented milk products
• Ice cream
• Syrov
• Dietary and baby food

Pectin can also be seen in the composition cosmetics, toothpastes and deodorants. The substance is often used as a thickener and stabilizer in the production of shampoos and lotions.

Often, when we are interested in the composition of a particular food product in a store, we come across a component called pectin. This ingredient is a common ingredient sausages, canned food, desserts, dairy products, mayonnaise and much more.

In fact, few people know what pectin is and what properties it has?

Our article will allow you to learn more about pectin, its beneficial properties and side effects from application. Understand what fruit pectin is (what is apple pectin and what is citrus pectin), why it is the most optimal for human body, and the more beneficial the synthetic polysaccharide, which is present in many dietary supplements.

Pectin is a substance with adhesive properties that is of plant origin and is found in many root vegetables, vegetables and fruits. The food industry uses pectins obtained by extracting fruit pulp (mainly apple, less often citrus).

This polysaccharide is officially registered as a food additive E440 and is an excellent thickener, clarifier, gelling agent, and stabilizer.

What foods contain pectin? Apples and oranges, as well as bananas, pears, dates, and figs, are famous for their high concentrations of pectin. Which apples have more pectin depends on the type of fruit, their storage conditions and degree of ripeness.

The benefits and harms of pectin-based marmalade, creams, ice cream or marshmallows are being assessed general properties substances and does not change depending on finished product nutrition. The low price of 1 kg of pectin is explained by the relative cheapness of the raw material and its availability.

There is currently a lot of debate about the benefits and harms of pectin.

But this does not prevent modern housewives and employees of large food industry enterprises from widely using it to prepare a huge number of dishes in modern cuisine.

It is important to note that polysaccharide is a low-calorie product, so many women try to lose weight with it. The calorie content of pectin is only 52 kcal per 100 g of raw material, and there is absolutely no fat in its composition.

Main Applications

The most common application of pectin is food production. Today, this substance is used as an important component of most store-bought desserts (cakes, pastries, marmalade, ice cream, jelly), dairy products, canned food, and some sausages.

Pharmacists who use this substance as a basis for preparing ointments and creams have not yet figured out how to replace pectin.

Pectin can often be found among additional components tablets and others medicines, cleansing the human body, in particular its digestive tract and blood vessels, from toxins. This is due to the property of this polysaccharide to absorb harmful substances and remove them from the body without special harm for good health.

Another area of ​​application of pectin is cosmetology. Why do manufacturers of cosmetic products need pectin?

This natural substance of plant origin is included in many masks and creams.

Pectin in cosmetology is a very respected and valuable ingredient, as it allows you to obtain a natural-based product that is hypoallergenic and safe.

Beneficial features

Scientists have long proven that pectin substances are exactly the product that can significantly improve human health. According to the instructions for use of pectin, if you consume about 15 grams of this polysaccharide per day, you can benefit your body great benefit and quickly remove bad cholesterol from it, reduce the risk of cancer or reduce the manifestations of hyperglycemia.

The benefits of pectin for the body are obvious. Once in the human digestive tract, this substance performs the function of glucose. Like dietary fiber this polysaccharide adsorbs toxins and carcinogens, which are then successfully removed from the body.

You will learn all the details about the benefits of pectin from the video:

In the bloodstream, pectin perfectly removes free bad cholesterol and also partially dissolves cholesterol plaques. Thus, daily intake of pectin can reduce the risks of developing cardiovascular pathology, myocardial ischemia, atherosclerosis, and the like.

Pectins in food products are more beneficial than synthetic analogues of the polysaccharide. Its highest percentage is found in apples and oranges (about 1.6%). Great content pectin in fruits makes it possible to produce apple and citrus substrates, and in vegetables - powder and liquid stabilizer from beet pulp and sunflowers. Depending on what pectin is obtained from, the substance has certain beneficial features and gives his beneficial influence on the body.

In general, the beneficial properties of pectin for the body are assessed by the following qualities of the polysaccharide:

• reduces the amount of cholesterol;
• stabilizes the body's metabolic processes;
• improves the quality of general and intraorgan blood flow;
• reduces the risk of developing heart and vascular diseases;
• cleanses the human body of toxins, toxins, carcinogens and other harmful substances;
• normalizes the functioning of the digestive tract;
• activates intestinal microflora;
• improves the absorption of nutrients in the intestines;
• reduces the likelihood of cancer.

Very often the question of what pectin is and how it is useful is asked by representatives of the fair sex who want to get rid of excess weight. The benefits of pectin for people losing weight are enormous. It promotes the breakdown of fat deposits, improves blood microcirculation in subcutaneous fat, and normalizes digestion. How to take pectin for weight loss? Recommended daily dose polysaccharide for those who are struggling with excess fat is from 15 to 35 g. In any case, before using pectin for weight loss, you should consult a specialist.

Possible harm to the body

When studying the question of the benefits and harms of pectin for the body, you should note that the polysaccharide is not so harmless. The literature describes situations where consuming pectin can cause harm to health.
There are two options in which the harm of pectin is noticeable:

If you consume a lot of pectin, it can provoke:

• activation of fermentation processes in the intestines;
• violation of the act of defecation;
• development of flatulence;
• decreased absorption of nutrients, microelements, vitamins.

That is why it is worth thinking about the use of pectin and limiting its use in the form of dietary supplements to prevent the development of side effects.

Have you ever wondered how a manufacturer manages to make marmalade? Have you ever wondered how some housewives manage to cook thick jam? It's not a matter of culinary skills. It is enough to know one simple secret. Fruits and berries contain pectins. These substances are natural thickeners. Some fruits have more pectin content, others have less. It is enough to know which products to combine to obtain the desired consistency.

If you cook strawberries with the addition of red currant juice, you get real jam. You can go another way. Add special powder to the product. Pectin extracted from plants is available for purchase at your local supermarket. By the way, on the shelves of the same store you can find great amount food products, which contain pectin. This includes marmalade, jelly products, dairy products, ketchup, and many others. Are these supplements good for the body? Can pectins cause harm to humans? These issues require detailed consideration.

Pectin is a structural element of plant tissue. It is present in almost all higher plants. Fruits, vegetables, berries and even some algae contain pectin in greater or lesser quantities. This substance plays an important role:

• retains moisture in plant cells, helps to endure periods of drought;
• regulates chemical processes occurring at the cellular level;
• keeps the product fresh during storage.

In plant tissues, polysaccharides are formed from galacturonic acid residues. In fact, these are pectins that have adhesive properties.

People have long found use for pectins. Back in the first half of the twentieth century, the production of purified polysaccharide was established. It was Henri Braconneau who first drew attention to this substance. A chemist from France discovered it in fruit juice two hundred years ago. Since then, pectin has been characterized as a separate substance. And its properties have been studied repeatedly.

If your diet is low in vegetables and fruits, then the lack of pectin can be compensated with the help of dietary supplements sold on iHerb. Pectin is an excellent enterosorbent that removes heavy metals, radionuclides, microbes and viruses from the body.

Where is the most pectin?

Pectin in products of plant origin:

1. Citrus fruits: oranges, nectarines, lemons, grapefruits.
2. Fruits: apples, pears, apricots, plums, peaches, melons.
3. Root vegetables: beets, carrots, potatoes.
4. Vegetables: pumpkin, cabbage, eggplant, cucumbers, onions.
5. Berries: gooseberries, red and black currants, grapes, blueberries, strawberries, watermelon.

Most pectin in citrus peels. There is a lot of this substance in apples. On an industrial scale, purified polysaccharide is obtained from citrus or apple pomace. Sometimes sugar beet pulp is used as a raw material. Sunflower baskets can also be a source of prey.

You tend to be constipated and have trouble working digestive system, gives constant disruptions to the gastrointestinal tract? Try this pectin from the world famous manufacturer Solgar.

Where is pectin used?

There is a table that shows the pectin content in grams. Housewives are primarily interested in the question of which products contain pectin. Possessing such knowledge means being able to cook delicious jelly, jams, confitures, preserves, jellies. But this substance is used not only at home.

Pectin is used in the following areas:

1. food industry;
2. pharmaceuticals;
3. cosmetology.

What properties make pectin so popular? Polysaccharide in pure form used as:

• gelling agent;
• thickener;
• clarifier;
• stabilizer;
• filtrate;
• encapsulating agent.

In the food industry, this is an approved additive E440. It is found in many desserts and more. The following products cannot be manufactured without it:

• ice cream;
• yogurt;
• marmalade;
• marshmallows;
• paste;
• juice drinks;
• candy filling;
• jelly;
• jam;
• mayonnaise;
• ketchup;
• spread;

How beneficial is consuming pectin? Maybe you should avoid it so as not to harm your own body? Firstly, it is extremely difficult to organize your diet in such a way as to exclude this substance from your diet. A person needs plant food. But almost every plant contains pectin. Secondly, there is nothing wrong with moderate intake of this polysaccharide into the body. On the contrary, it brings great benefits. And undesirable effects can only occur with abuse.

Modified pectin is better absorbed into the bloodstream of the human body than regular pectin, thereby providing more benefits.

Benefits for the human body

Everyone knows what to eat fresh vegetables and fruits are good. They contain many useful substances, including pectins.

The benefits of pectins are undeniable. They have beneficial effects on the body:

1. help improve metabolism;
2. improve the functioning of the digestive system;
3. slow down the aging process;
4. preserve the natural turgor of the skin;
5. reduce cholesterol levels in the blood;
6. normalize blood circulation;
7. remove harmful elements;
8. have an anti-inflammatory effect;
9. reduce the risk of cancer cells;
10. support liver function.

The beneficial effect is ensured by the components included in pectin. Largest quantity in him dietary fiber. There are also mono- and disaccharides. Ash, organic acids and PP vitamins are present. And a number of these needed by a person elements such as iron, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium.

It is recommended for people with ulcers to eat foods rich in pectin. These substances have enveloping properties. Therefore, they promote the healing of wounds in the stomach. In addition, they will help stop the inflammatory process. However, it is worth considering that many fruits contain acid, which can be harmful in this situation.

Another one undoubted benefit for the body – removal of toxins and pesticides, elements of heavy metals. But their accumulation cannot be avoided in the current environment. This is especially true for residents of megacities. People living in polluted areas inhale carcinogenic substances along with the air. Natural cleansing of vital systems contributes to the overall health and rejuvenation of the body.

People whose work involves harmful substances need pectin to a greater extent. The use of natural enterosorbents for workers in the chemical industry is an opportunity to avoid toxicity and maintain health.

You can replenish the pectin deficiency that has arisen in the body with the help of nutrition. This does not mean that if you start eating marmalade in unlimited quantities, you will saturate your body with the necessary substance. Must be consumed plant foods, which is a natural source of polysaccharide.

In some cases, the use of special nutritional supplements is indicated. The duration of the course, as well as the dosage, must be agreed with a specialist.

Which are found in cell membranes and intercellular tissues of some plants.

What is pectin

Pectin is a natural substance found in berries and fruits. There is especially a lot of it in apples. In fruits, pectin helps keep the cell walls joined together. Unripe fruits contain propectin, a precursor substance that turns into pectin only after the fruit ripens. During the ripening stage, the substance helps the fruit maintain its shape and firmness. IN ripe fruits breaks down to the state of simple saccharides, which completely dissolve in. It is this chemical process that explains why an overripe fruit becomes soft and loses its shape.

History of discovery

Jams and jellies in cookbooks housewives appeared quite a long time ago. At least in the 18th century, or more precisely in 1750, recipes for these desserts were published in a London publication. At that time, jelly-like sweets were made from apples, currants, and some other fruits.

It was only in 1820 that a substance was first isolated, which, as it turned out, was actually key to the production of jams and jellies. Then, when people learned the list of gelling products, they learned to make marmalades from fruits and berries, which by themselves are not capable of thickening. And to deceive nature, confectioners resorted to apple components as an additional ingredient.

The first commercial version of pectin was in the form of apple pomace. The first liquid extract of the substance appeared in 1908 in Germany. Then they learned to produce it in the USA. It is the American Douglas who owns the patent for production liquid pectin. The document dates from 1913. A little later, this substance gained wide popularity in European countries. And in recent years, the production center has been Mexico and Brazil. There, pectin is extracted from citrus fruits.

Where is it kept?

Pectin is found in many fruits and berries that grow in our latitudes. And these are apples, pears, quince, plums, peaches, apricots, cherries, gooseberries, strawberries, grapes, raspberries, currants, cranberries, blackberries. Also an important source of pectin are citrus fruit: oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes, tangerines. But as for citrus fruits, the substance in these fruits is concentrated mainly in the skin; there is very little of it in the crumb.

How to determine the concentration in fruits

The concentration of pectin depends on the stage of ripeness of the fruit. Of course, useful advice. But how can you determine whether the fruit is ripe enough to harvest? Well, really, you shouldn’t take every fruit to the laboratory for research. And for such cases, there is one trick that will help determine the approximate concentration of the substance.

To do this, you will need a teaspoon of crushed fruit and 1 tablespoon of alcohol. Mix the two ingredients, place in a tightly sealed container and shake lightly. If the fruit contains a high concentration of pectin, the juice released will turn into a strong gel-like lump. Low content pectin substances will result in the formation of fine rubber particles. A medium level of pectin should produce results in the form of several pieces of a jelly-like substance.

Fruit pectin: benefits and harm to the body

Majority plant products contain pectin substances. But the highest concentration is in citrus fruits, apple and plum peels. These foods are also excellent sources of soluble fiber.

Some studies conducted by American scientists have shown that products containing pectin can prevent the spread of cancer cells throughout the body.

If we talk about harm to health, then pectin substances are probably not capable of harm healthy person. But still, before taking pectin supplements, it is better to consult a doctor.

Extremely rarely, powdered pectin can cause asthma attacks in patients, as well as flatulence. It is important to remember that citrus fruits belong to the group of highly allergenic foods. It is also important for people with intolerance to citrus fruits to avoid pectin made from this type of fruit. Research suggests that people with allergies to cashews or pistachios could potentially also be pectin intolerant.

Benefits of Fruit Pectin

Fruit pectin has many beneficial effects for the human body. Let's look at some of them.

Reduces cholesterol levels

High level is one of the main development factors cardiovascular diseases. Studies have shown that citrus pectin reduces blood cholesterol levels by 6-7 percent. But, as scientists say, this is not the limit. Apple pectin gives more top scores in the fight against low-density lipoproteins.

Effect on digestion

Being a soluble form, pectin, when entering the digestive tract, is transformed into a gel-like substance, which helps slow down the digestive process. This effect allows you to maintain a feeling of fullness for a long time, which is especially important for people who observe low calorie diet for weight loss. In addition, the gelling properties of pectin help in the treatment of diarrhea.

Fight against cancer

According to data published in 1941 in a Polish scientific journal, pectin promotes the death of cancer cells in the colon. The ability of pectin to draw carcinogens from the body will also help reduce the risk of cancer. But for now, scientists continue to study this aspect of the effect on the body.

Other useful properties:

• improves colon peristalsis;
• has a positive effect on intestinal microflora;
• removes waste and toxins from the body;
• reduces blood sugar levels;
• improves blood circulation;
• destroys pathogenic bacteria.

Daily requirement

The daily requirement for pectin is approximately 15 g. This serving is enough to regulate cholesterol levels. If you want to lose weight with the help of this substance, it is important to increase the daily portion to 25 g. By the way, to get 5 g of pectin, you will have to eat about half a kilogram of fresh fruit.

It is important to increase pectin intake for people with high cholesterol or overweight, cancer, constipation. The need for the substance increases with intoxication and infectious diseases.

Homemade jam and pectin

Probably everyone has a grandmother or a friend who, as soon as fruit appears in the gardens, starts making jams. And at first this process seems like real magic - a liquid mixture boiled on low heat turns into jelly or thick jam. But if you know that this process becomes possible only due to the presence of pectin in fruits, all the magic dissipates. Not like that though. The magic does not dissipate - the jam simply reveals its main secret.

But even grandmothers who have digested hundreds of liters of jam in their lifetime can sometimes fail to achieve fruity sweetness. And the culprit will be the already familiar pectin.

“Problem” jam: why does this happen?

Granular, chunky jam texture indicates that the fruit contained too much pectin.

The jam will be too hard if the product is cooked at a very low temperature. In this case, the water evaporates, but the pectin is not destroyed. A similar effect can be achieved by cooking over too high a heat without stirring.

Use of unripe fruits high content pectin also does not have the best effect on the consistency of the sweet brew.

When jam is overheated, the pectin structure is destroyed. As a result, the product loses its ability to harden.

Production stages

The production of pectin substances is a process consisting of several stages. Different companies produce the substance using their own technology, but something in this process always remains identical.

At the initial stage, the pectin manufacturer receives apple pomace or citrus peel (this product is usually supplied by juice manufacturers without any problems). Then they add to the raw material hot water, which contains mineral acids or other enzymes. The solids are removed and the solution is concentrated by removing some of the liquid. After aging, the concentrate is mixed with alcohol, which allows the pectin to precipitate. The precipitate is separated, washed with alcohol, and dried. Salts or alkalis can be used during the washing process. Before or after drying, pectin can be treated with ammonia. Final stage production consists of grinding dry solid matter into powder. Ready-made pectin is often sold in the form of mixtures with other food additives.

Pectin in the food industry

Due to its ability to form a gel-like solution, pectin is used in the food industry for the production of marmalades, jams, and confitures as an E440 additive. It plays the role of a stabilizer, thickener, clarifier, moisture-retaining and filtering component.

The main sources for industrial pectin are citrus and apple components. The peel of citrus fruits is usually used, and the pomace of apples is used for processing after making cider. Other sources: sugar beets, persimmons, sunflower baskets (all in the form of cake). By the way, to make jelly, just a little pectin, fruit acids and sugar are enough.

Pectin, introduced into the food industry, is a polymer consisting of almost 65 percent galacturonic acid. Also contained in different sauces, pastille, jelly products, some candies, ice cream and is even included in activated carbon.

Other Applications

The thickening properties of this substance are used in the pharmaceutical and textile industries. It is believed that pectin can reduce low-density lipoprotein (“bad” cholesterol) levels and also treat diarrhea. In addition, there is an opinion that pectin promotes the death of cancer cells.

A product rich in pectin is actively used in cosmetology. Wraps and use of this substance helps get rid of cellulite. In addition, pectin helps cleanse the skin of age spots, give it elasticity and a healthy appearance.

Pectin has interesting physical and chemical properties, which influence cardiovascular system and digestive functions of the body. Its ability to lower cholesterol and improve intestinal health is known. So, as it turns out apple jam– the product is not just tasty, but extremely healthy. Remember this when choosing a sweet for tea next time.

Which is the orderly of the human body, like a vacuum cleaner, it absorbs all harmful particles and allows the body to continue to function fully.

Why is pectin needed?

The human body does not always receive only beneficial bacteria, and minerals. Sometimes with air and junk food you can infect yourself with toxins, germs and waste. To avoid this, there is a useful herbal supplement - pectin, which quickly cleanses the body of carcinogenic substances, regulates metabolism, normalizes intestinal function and gastrointestinal tract, has a beneficial effect on the liver and pancreas.

Moreover, pectic polysaccharides serve good thickener and quickly turn various liquids into jelly (marmalade, jelly, ice cream, yoghurt, pastille), which both children and adults love so much. Food with such a substance is not only tasty, but also healthy and accessible even to diabetics. Pectin is capable of killing cancer cells. Women use it for natural rejuvenation.

Beneficial features

Pectin is a godsend, as it is widely used both in the culinary environment and in medicine. It performs the following functions:

Read also:

Where is iron found: foods and drinks

Thanks to such healing properties, pectic substance allows you to cure many chronic diseases, even food allergies. The treatment takes place without complications and long, painful procedures. A woman can easily lose extra pounds and forever lose the fat deposits accumulated over many years. The figure becomes slender, beautiful, kilograms disappear before our eyes, the skin becomes vibrant and silky.

Contraindications and harm

Pectin is practically harmless; it is not for nothing that it can be used as a supplement when feeding children. However, there is still a danger.

The first danger is overdose. For an overdose to occur, a person must consume a huge amount of berries and fruits containing polysaccharides, or overdo it with the amount of biological powder supplement. In case of an overdose, the following phenomena may occur:

• strong, disruption of the colon
• bloating
• absorption by the body slows down useful minerals and vitamins
• poor digestibility of protein and fats

The second danger is allergic reaction and intolerance by the body. In rare cases, it causes asthma.

However, the above effects occur very rarely; on the contrary, pectin should be included in your daily diet. That’s why you need to know which ingredients and products contain it most.

Products containing pectic polysaccharides