Pecan Health Benefits

Pecans are the ultimate snack food. They're the perfect combination of sweet and salty, you can eat them by the handful, and they're packed with health benefits! That's right, the star ingredient of pecan pie and pralines is also a star on the wellness charts.

What Are Pecans?

Pecans are a sweet, nutty, and buttery-flavored nut produced by a species of hickory trees that are native to North America. You can eat them fresh, roasted, or in all kinds of recipes, especially desserts. If you've heard of pecans, odds are you've heard of pecan pie too - the classic American dessert. So what makes pecans good for you?

Are Pecans Low In Carbs?

Wondering about the number of carbs in pecans? Turns out, pecans are a perfect snack if you're on Keto or on another low-carb diet. 1 oz of pecans, which is about 19 halves, contains 4g of total carbs and 3g of fiber. If you're counting net carbs, that means an ounce of pecans contains only 1 gram of carbs!

Can Pecans Help With Weight Loss?

Due to their low number of carbs, pecans can help with weight loss. An ounce of pecans contains 200 calories and is packed with healthy fats. These fats make you feel full faster, meaning you are satisfied with a healthy handful of nuts instead of digging into the empty calories of chips. The minerals in pecans are also linked to boosting your metabolism.

What Is The Nutritional Value Of Pecans?

Pecans are full of vitamins and minerals. They're packed with more than 19 vitamins and minerals! These little nuts contain large amounts of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin E, folic acid, calcium, zinc, and more. Just one ounce of pecans provides 11% of your daily recommended fiber intake, too. Pecans are also a great source of antioxidants.

Are Pecans Good For Heart Health?

Pecans are great for heart health. They contain very high amounts of monounsaturated fats, particularly oleic acid. Monounsaturated fats are heart-healthy and have been shown to lower cholesterol when eaten in moderation, which in turn reduces the risk of heart disease and lowers blood pressure. Pecans themselves contain no cholesterol.

Do Pecans Help Reduce the Risk of Breast Cancer?

Pecans may reduce the risk of breast cancer. Oleic acid, one of the monounsaturated fats found in pecans, has been found to reduce the risk of breast cancer. In a study, oleic acid was found to promote cell death of breast cancer cells.

Can Pecans Lower the Risk of Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia?

Pecans lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia due to their level of vitamin E. Pecans have the highest levels of vitamin E among nuts. Not only has vitamin E been shown to have positive effects on heart health, but it also has been linked with lowering the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's by up to 25%.

Are Pecans Anti-Inflammatory?

Pecans are anti-inflammatory. Among the minerals found in pecans are manganese and copper, which contain anti-inflammatory properties and boost metabolic health. This means that pecans may provide some relief for those with arthritis. The anti-inflammatory benefits extend to reducing pressure on the arterial walls, thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, too.

Are Pecans Naturally Gluten-Free?

Pecans are naturally gluten-free. If you're living a gluten-free lifestyle, pecans are an ideal go-to snack. All natural nuts, including pecans, are gluten-free. So next time you're looking for something to snack on, grab a handful of pecans without worry.

Snack On Pecans With Priester's

Next time you have a snack craving, turn to pecans. They'll satisfy your hunger, keep you full longer than a bag of chips, and benefit your health too! Grab a bag of raw pecans today and get snacking, or check out some healthy salad recipes for your next meal.