Pecan pies are an extremely popular dessert meal, and this can largely be attributed to their nutty ingredient. Native to North America, these nuts grow inside a brown shell and contain more antioxidants than any other tree nut. They contain anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to their rich magnesium content, which can reduce the risk of inflammatory ailments such as arthritis.
Pecans have a buttery, crunchy taste and are extremely high in vitamins and minerals such as manganese, potassium, iron, magnesium, and zinc, which make them the perfect snack for a health boost.
Benefits of Pecan Nuts
1. Cardiovascular benefits of Pecan Nuts
Much like olive oil, pecan nuts contain monounsaturated fats and these have been proven to reduce the risk for cardiovascular diseases.
According to one study, daily intake of a handful of pecan nuts in your diet helps to decrease LDL (bad cholesterol levels) and increase HDL(good cholesterol levels) which in turn can boost cardiovascular health and decrease the risk for stroke and heart disease.
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2. Digestive health
Pecan nuts are high in dietary fibre and this allows them to boost digestive health by ensuring the heath of the colon as well encouraging regular bowel movements. Fibre content also helps prevent constipation and many other digestive issues.
3. Weight management
Pecans are the best nuts to snack on if you’re looking to manage your weight. The nutrients found in the nuts not only boost your metabolism, but also enhance satiety.
4. Lowers cancer risk
The antioxidants found in pecans make them the best nuts for the fight against cancer. Their fibre content helps them keep the gastrointestinal system, thus reducing the risk for colon cancer. Their fatty acid content, on the other hand, has been associated with the prevention of breast cancer.
5. Skin care
The appearance of our skin depends on how we treat it from the inside, thus nutrition is an important factor when it comes to skin care. A toxic diet, full of processed foods, can damage our skin and cause breakouts, dullness and excess oil. However, a healthy diet can be rewarding for our skin.
The nutrients found in pecans that are great for skin care include zinc, vitamin E and vitamin A. Zinc helps the skin by protecting it against infections where vitamin A works as an antioxidant, fighting against premature skin aging and providing a clear complexion. Furthermore, the fibre content helps in removing toxins from the body which can improve the appearance of the skin.
6. Hair care
The health of our hair also echoes what we put into our bodies. Pecans are extremely rich in the amino acid L-arginine. This amino acid, when
applied topically, is part of the treatment for male pattern baldness. They can also encourage the growth of healthy hair.
7. Brain boost
Pecans really can be considered brain food. There are two nutrients, found in pecans that work together to protect the brain from free radicals and these are thiamine and copper. The prevention of free radical damage is important as said damage can lead to neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. The presence of manganese is also great for brain health as it’s necessary for normal brain function. Manganese deficiency has been linked to trouble focusing and learning disabilities. Click here to find out more about the studies.
