Benefits of Pecans

Pecans are a nourishing food and contain several vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are essential for optimum health. Pecans are an excellent source of vitamins A, E and B-complex as well as minerals such as zinc, calcium, magnesium, selenium, iron, and manganese. They are a wonderful source of high quality protein that is easy to digest and quickly assimilates into the body. Pecans contain ellagic acid, lutein, and zea-xanthin which are all known to help protect the body from infections, diseases, and cancers. They are also rich in oleic acid which helps to decrease LDL “bad” cholesterol and increase HDL “good” cholesterol in the blood. This can help to prevent heart attacks, heart disease, and strokes making pecans of of the best heart healthy foods you can eat. Pecans contain beta-sitosterol which is a compound that has been shown to be effective in treating the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) which is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland in men.

 They are also one of nature’s richest sources of vitamin B-6 which it vital for a healthy and strong nervous system as well as for the regeneration of damaged cells in the body. Pecans have been found to be beneficial for Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia. Contrary to the standard belief that “nuts are fattening”, 1 oz of nuts a day can actually help to decrease body fat and aid in weight loss by helping the body to feel satiated for longer periods of time. Pecan meal can be made by simply grinding raw pecans into a fine powder, this then can be used to sprinkle onto salads or added to smoothies for a nutritional boost. Also, try sprinkling a teaspoon of pecan meal over a bowl of fresh berries with a drizzle of raw honey. It is the perfect breakfast, snack, or desert that is packed with antioxidants and immune boosting properties that will give you stable, consistent energy all day long. Raw pecans can be readily found online or at your local health food store.