As we start off the new year, Healthy choices should include pecans. Pecan nuts are one of the most sought nuts because they’re delicious, packed with loads of healthy minerals, antioxidants, vitamins and also healthy fats. Pecans can be eaten raw, roasted, candied, toasted or even put in your favorite smoothie.
How Healthy are Pecans?
At Millican Pecan situated in San Saba, Texas, we bring to your table a variety of pecans, straight from our orchard and they include varieties such as Pawnee, Cheyenne, San Saba Improved, Texas Prolific, Onliwon, just to name a few. Some of the top products that you can enjoy include fresh pecan halves, Texas pecan pie and pecan gift baskets.
5 Health Benefits of Pecan Nuts
1. Pecans are healthy for the heart
You should consider pecan nuts as an integral part of daily nutrition because it promotes the health of the heart. They contain oleic acid, which is a monounsaturated fat that lowers the risk of ‘bad’ cholesterol l (LDL) oxidation while increasing HDL, which is the good cholesterol in the body. This, in turn, reduces the risk of heart disease, and hypertension which are common killer diseases.
2. Pecans boost the body’s immune system
Pecan nuts are a source of healthy fats and also quality protein which is essential for boosting immunity. When you eat about one-ounce serving of pecans, which is approximately 20 halves, you get 2.6 g of protein, about 4 g of carbs and many vitamins and minerals such as riboflavin which is essential for normal growth of cells and function, and also vitamin A, which keeps the body free from common cold and flu. The fiber in pecans also cleans the gastrointestinal system thus facilitating regular movements of the bowel. Pecans are a great source of manganese (one ounce provides 63% of your recommended daily intake) and copper (one ounce contains 12% of your daily intake) (Self Nutrition Data, 2015).
3. Pecans have anti-inflammatory benefits
According to the Department of Nutrition, Lona Linda University, California on a study done in 2011, pecans significantly boosted the antioxidant level in the blood in about 24hrs after consumption. Antioxidants such as flavonoids, phenols have been shown to greatly reduce the inflammation rates and also reduce certain diseases such as arthritis. Vitamin E which is found in the nuts also mitigates the effects of chronic inflammation, thus reducing the chances of certain diseases such as arthritis. The nuts also have magnesium which has anti-inflammatory effects.
4. Pecans improve brain function
Pecans also lower the oxidative stress in the brain. Niacin found in the nuts boosts the brain function. Manganese also found in the nuts helps stabilize the brain’s synaptic process. Copper and Thiamine helps reduce radical damage to the brain. All these help us to reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease
5. Pecans aid in weight loss
Foods high in fat content are mostly associated with weight gain right? Well, this is false when it comes to pecan. Several studies have shown that eating nuts don’t promote weight gain. They contain dietary fiber which makes have the feeling of satiety, thus making you avoid eating too much food which can cause weight gain. Eating the nuts also helps you reduce weight or replace your intake of unhealthy processed foods which not only promotes weight gain but also diseases. Did you know that we offer free shipping on orders above $99 on U.S. retail orders on lower 48 states? If you want to buy delicious orchard fresh pecans, then look no further.
