Nutritional Information About Pecans

According to the National Pecan Sellers Association website pecans have many healthy attributes.

• Blood cholesterol levels are dramatically lowered when pecans are incorporated into a persons diet.
• Pecans are full of unsaturated fats and antioxidant properties
• Adding just a handful of pecans to your diet each day may help inhibit unwanted oxidation of blood lipids, thus helping prevent coronary heart disease.
• Pecans rank highest among all nuts and are among the top category of foods to contain the highest antioxidant capacity, meaning pecans may decrease the risk of cancer, coronary heart disease, and neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
• Nuts can lower the risk of developing gallstone disease especially in women. Just 5 ounces per week lowers the risk by 25%.
• Pecans contain over 19 vitamins and minerals including vitamins A and E, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, etc.
• Pecans are also naturally sodium-free, making them an excellent choice for those on a salt- or sodium-restricted diet.
• About 90% of the fats (oils) in pecans are heart healthy.
• Pecans are a good source of protein for vegetarians.
• People who need more fiber can add pecans to their diet.
• Nuts like pecans may aid in weight loss and maintenance. Nut consumption may increase metabolic rates and enhance satiety. When used in conjunction with a healthy low-fat diet, nuts also offer increased flavor, palatability and texture that can lead to greater dietary compliance, according to the review.