Pecans are famous during holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Pies, candies, cakes, and cookies are only some of the treats you can create with pecans. Perhaps you even snack on them from time to time. Though they are a bit on the pricey side, these nuts are packed with nutrients.
Based on the study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, a serving of pecans (19 halves) has only 193 calories. It also said that these nuts have the highest amount of antioxidants than other tree nuts available in the market. According to the USDA, pecans are at the top of the 15 antioxidant-rich foods. These nuts also have high levels of selenium, manganese, iron, potassium, zinc, calcium, and iron.
Below are some of the health benefits of pecans:
Aids in losing excess weight. Generally, eating nuts helps increase your body’s metabolic rate. According to research, a diet that has pecans helps anyone lose weight. Pecans are rich in thiamine, vitamin B6, riboflavin, folates, pantothenic acid, and niacin. These B-vitamins aid in increasing one’s metabolic rate.
Keeps the heart-healthy. Oleic acids (monounsaturated fats) in combination with phenolic antioxidants, help lower the risk of developing cardiac diseases. The National Pecan Shellers Association recommends that adding a fistful of pecans to your diet helps increase the HDL (high-density lipoproteins or good cholesterol) and reduce the LDL (low-density lipoproteins or bad cholesterol). This will surely prevent coronary artery disease and stroke.
Lowers your risk of having certain cancers. These nuts protect the body from cancer because of the ellagic acid that they possess. The anti-proliferative properties of ellagic acid inhibit the DNA binding activity of the carcinogens (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and nitrosamines). Oleic acid in pecans is a fatty acid that reduces the risk of developing breast cancer. These nuts also lower the risk of colon cancer development because of their high fiber content.
Enhances hair growth. The L-arginine (amino acid), when applied on the skin, aids in the treatment of male baldness. The said amino acid stimulates the growth of new hair. This happens because L-arginine makes the arterial walls less likely to have blood clots and more flexible. This increases the flow rate of blood from the body to the roots of the hair. When the hair roots are well-nourished with good blood circulation, the scalp and hair become healthier.
Prevents skin issues. Because your body harbors toxins, excess oil, breakouts, and dullness happen. Pecans helps eliminate these harmful substances from the body, improving the skin’s appearance. Zinc and vitamin A in pecans help protect and clear up the complexion.
Has anti-aging and hair loss prevention therapy. The antioxidants (vitamin E, ellagic acid, and vitamin A) eradicate the free radicals that initiate premature aging of the skin (pigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Always talk to your attending physician if you want to add pecans to your daily diet. These nuts are highly nutritious and would most certainly contribute to your general health. Visit your favorite grocery and get a bag or two of pecans. Just be certain to consume right amounts of these nutritious and delicious nuts.
