For decades nutritional experts have advised people to eat more natural foods for healthy living. Plant-based options such as beans, fruits, nuts, seeds, and vegetables are the most recommended food categories.
Eating Nuts Can Support Longevity
According to Harvard’s Women’s Health Watch and their article on Why Nutritionists Are Crazy About Nuts, they share studies that have shown the direct connection between long-term vitality and the consumption of natural-produce high in vitamins and minerals. They revealed several studies that found supportive evidence of this, with one thirty-year study stating that people who ate nuts daily were less likely to die of cancer, cardiovascular disease, or respiratory disease than people who excluded nuts from their diets.
With the experts weighing in, it’s no wonder health-conscious people tend to associate longevity with eating more nuts. Nevertheless, this belief over-simplifies the reasons why eating more nuts can contribute to your longevity. Let’s take a deeper look into how the pecan nut, for instance, contains the vital nutrients we need for our long-term, health, and wellness.
Pecan Nuts Lowers Risk of Cancer
The pecan nut contains ellagic acid, a polyphenol that is more commonly referred to as an antioxidant. Antioxidants are reducing agents that aid in fighting off oxidative stress on the cells and tissues of the body. Oxidative stress can compromise the body’s immune system and is associated with ailments ranging from cancer to heart disease.
Ellagic acid is a powerful antioxidant capable of preventing free radicals or destructive molecules from multiplying in our bodies. These anti-proliferative properties assist in the removal of toxins from the body while protecting your cells from harmful pathogens. Pecans are rich in antioxidants, with over nineteen vitamins and minerals known to support immune function.
Pecans Supports Cardiovascular Function
High cholesterol levels can have a serious impact on one’s health. Two types of cholesterol get the most attention, HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. The good cholesterol, HDL, works to remove the bad cholesterol, LDL, from the arteries. A build-up of bad cholesterol or plaque within the arteries can be fatal, leading to strokes, heart attack, or cardiovascular disease.
One way of decreasing your chances of clogged arteries is by consuming enough healthy fats. Pecans are an excellent source of healthy fats. They are rich in oleic acid, an Omega-9 fatty acid that reduces bad cholesterol while increasing good cholesterol. It’s a monounsaturated fat that helps improve blood circulation in and around the heart. Oleic acid supports membrane fluidity, an important factor in efficient cell function. Jeopardized membrane fluidity can result in a weakened immune system. The outer-layers of our cells is responsible for keeping bacterial or viral infections out. The cell membrane is also integral to the transport of minerals, micronutrients, and other metabolic essentials throughout the body.
Pecans Contains Manganese and Magnesium
Pecans are packed with manganese, an important mineral that supports the body’s ability to metabolize amino acids and proteins. Manganese also supports healthy nerve conduction and brain function. Lack of enough manganese in your system could result in issues processing carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and certain vitamins. This could lead to issues with glucose levels and bone density.
Pecans are rich in magnesium, a mineral that is crucial to bone development by assisting the hormone responsible for absorbing calcium into the bones. Magnesium also aids in regulating normal muscle function and carries anti-inflammatory benefits. It allows the muscle the ability to relax and contract. This could help prevent muscle cramping and spasms. Magnesium is also known to reduce inflammation within the arterial walls. This can help lower the risk of ailments such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and other inflammatory diseases.
Pecans For Longevity
There is a growing body of evidence that shows a connection between eating nutritious foods and living a longer, healthier life. Just remember, longevity is attributed to a reasonable intake of essential vitamins and minerals.
Pecans carry enough nutrients to help boost your immunity, metabolism, and energy levels. Have a handful of pecans or a couple of servings a day will assist your body in the removal of toxins while improving your overall health.
