Researchers tested whether pectin extracted from citrus peels could help treat high cholesterol and fat levels in the blood using rats. When rats were given different amounts of citrus peel pectin mixed into their food, their cholesterol and triglyceride levels decreased significantly while their good cholesterol (HDL) increased. The treatment also protected their heart, liver, and kidney tissues from damage. This suggests citrus peel pectin, usually thrown away by juice companies, could become a useful and natural remedy for managing high cholesterol.