What Are Sources of Pectin?

Pectin is a fiber-rich complex carbohydrate that acts as a gelling agent. This dense source of nutrition is found inside fruits and vegetables. Small amounts of pectin is found inside all plants, but edible fruits and vegetables contain the highest amounts of pectin. This soluble dietary fiber serves a vital role in overall health because it helps to regulate the digestive system.

Bananas

• Add bananas to smoothies or other morning meals.

  Bananas are rich in potassium, pectin, vitamins B6 and C. The WHFoods.com states that potassium is a vital mineral for maintaining normal blood pressure and heart function. Eating bananas can also help prevent muscle cramps, which is especially beneficial if you spend a lot of time doing physical activities.

Apples

• Enjoy several apples per day to maintain healthy digestion

  Apples are a rich source of pectin and vitamin C. Eating several apples per day can greatly contribute to healthy digestion. The fiber inside apples adds bulk to stools and helps the digestive system run efficiently by binding to toxins and flushing these out of the body. WHFoods.com states that the phytonutrients in apples can help regulate blood sugar as well. Add chopped apples with walnuts to your favorite salad or bake fresh apple pie.

Legumes

• Legumes include members of the bean family.

  Legumes are foods that fall into the bean family such as peas, lentils, sprouts and kidney beans. Add raw legumes to your favorite salad or steam legumes and serve with dinner recipes. You can also add legumes to your favorite vegetable soups. Legumes are high in pectin, but they are also high in protein, calcium and iron. Other types of legumes are garbanzo beans, pinto beans, navy beans and black beans.

Apricots

• Grow your own apricots.

  Apricots are another pectin-rich food. This sweet fruit also contains vitamins A and C, potassium and even some amino acids such as tryptophan. The WHFoods.com says that apricots may help reduce LDL cholesterol from oxidation, which can help prevent heart disease. In addition, apricots can also help protect your eyesight. Avoid buying canned apricots because excess syrup and other sugars are often added to the fruit. Enjoy whole fresh apricots or buy dried apricots instead.

Carrots

• Choose between several carrot varieties, including "danvers" and "lady-fingers".

  Carrots are another good source of pectin and other nutrients such as vitamins A, C, K, B6 as well as magnesium. WHFoods.com states that the beta-carotene found in carrots can help protect your vision, especially night vision. The nutrients in carrots also help protect the eyes from macular degeneration and other age-related eye problems.