Modified Citrus Pectin – ever heard of it? It’s a supplementary fiber quickly gaining cred for a long list of potential health benefits. Made from the pulp of citrus fruits, MCP may relieve constipation, chelate heavy metals, and even shows promising anti-cancer effects.
So let’s explore the health benefits of MCP and see whether it may be a good fit for your health needs.
What Is Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP)?
Modified citrus pectin (MCP) is a soluble fiber that comes from the peel and pulp of citrus fruits.
You know that spongy white pulp you see when you peel an orange? That’s natural pectin. It’s found in oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit, apples, and plums, and it boasts numerous health benefits.
Unfortunately, the human body cannot digest natural pectin. While natural pectin is handy for moving the bowels, that means you miss out on many other benefits pectin offers.
That’s where MCP comes in. In modified citrus pectin, the molecules are smaller, allowing better absorption into your bloodstream. (1) That way, you can cash in on pectin’s other health benefits.
5 Powerful Benefits of Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP)
1 - Supports Gut Health
MCP provides your body with prebiotic fiber, which serves as food for your healthy gut bacteria. This can be particularly helpful for people that struggle with IBS.
In one study, IBS patients who took MCP increased their beneficial bifidobacteria and lowered levels of Clostridium sp, which reduced digestive symptoms such as diarrhea. (2)
2 - Prevents Constipation
Given what I just said, this benefit might be confusing. Yet, science shows modified citrus pectin is helpful for constipation too.
When combined with water, MCP forms a gel-like substance that moves through your intestines, stimulating bowel movements. (2) This can be especially helpful if you’re on a detox protocol and are prone to getting ‘backed up.’
3 - Improves Immune Function
MCP has anti-inflammatory effects and is shown to improve the function of immune cells. (4) It has gained much attention for its potential anti-cancer properties. MCP inactivates galactin-3, a marker for heart failure and cancer that gets elevated when the body goes through disease. (5)
There is a lot of promising MCP research touting anti-cancer benefits such as inhibiting tumor growth and increasing autophagy and apoptosis. (6, 7) Autophagy is how your body cleans out damaged cells, and apoptosis is cell death – both very handy when it comes to cancer.
4 - Chelates Heavy Metals
Research suggests MCP has a chelating effect on heavy metals. It’s used in hospitals to eliminate high levels of environmental toxins safely and gently.
For example, in one study of children with lead toxicity, MCP reduced lead levels in the blood by 161% in just four weeks. (8)
5 - Protects Your Brain
Keeping your blood-brain barrier (BBB) functioning properly is key to optimal brain health. Blood-brain barrier disruption plays a role in developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. (9)
Fortunately, MCP may help. A recent animal study found that MCP prevented blood-brain barrier disruption in rats recovering from stroke by reducing galactin-3. (10) High levels of galactin-3 are linked with an increased risk of cognitive impairment. (11)
Want More of MCP’s Health Benefits? Try Mi Toxin Binder
I’m thrilled to announce the newest member to the Functional Detox family: Mi Toxin Binder, featuring MCP.
This custom formula features eight carefully chosen ingredients that:
Bind to all categories of mycotoxins
Promote bowel motility (the MCP working for ya!)
Move and sequester bile
Supports liver and kidney health
Soothe the gut
Promote cellular energy
Many toxin binders can cause constipation, which is NOT ideal for detox. You want those toxins out of you – not sitting around recirculating wreaking havoc on your health.
Mi Toxin Binder includes MCP and Chinese rhubarb to promote bowel motility. If you’re on a detox protocol, whether for mold, heavy metals, candida, or Lyme, Mi Toxin Binder can help you gently and safely escort toxins out of the body…where they belong!
Ready to smooth out your detox? Grab your first bottle here!
Bridgit Danner, LAc, FDNP, is trained in functional health coaching and has worked with thousands of women over her career since 2004. She is the founder of Women’s Wellness Collaborative llc and functionaldetoxproducts.com.
Check out her easy 5-Day DIY Detox Guide here!
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