by
Stepy —
December 14, 2018
- Pecans are one the most versatile nuts in flavor and in health benefits.
- The USDA recommends 4 to 5 servings of nuts per week, including pecans.
- They make a great convenient snack because there is no preparation involved. Just grab them and go!
- Let’s take a look at the health benefits of pecans.
- Lower blood pressure:
- Pecans may not be able to cure high blood pressure, but they are recommended in the diet of those with hypertension. The DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) developed by the National Institutes of health recommends 4 to 5 servings of nuts per week to help lower blood pressure.
- Breast cancer:
- Pecans are a great source of oleic acid. In a study from Northwestern University in Chicago, oleic acid was found to suppress the genes in cells that are thought to cause breast cancer. More research needs to be performed before pecans are recommended for breast cancer, but the results are promising.
- Heart health:
- These nuts are great for our heart.
- A study from Loma Linda University in California confirmed that when pecans are added to the diet, the levels of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) are reduced. High LDL cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for atherosclerosis, heart disease and stroke.
- Prostate health:
- Pecans have shown benefits in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), an enlargement of the prostate that it non-cancerous. It has these benefits because of a natural compound called beta-sitosterol.
- Weight loss:
- There is a popular belief that nuts are fattening, but it is not true.
- Pecans may help with weight control. They provide 10.5 g of dietary fiber per cup, which helps you feel full faster, so you eat less.
- Note: None of the information in our website is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. The content on our website is for educational purposes only.
- For almonds the natural powerhouses.
- For an all-natural almond milk recipe.
- REFERENCES:
- 1. “Lowering Your Blood Pressure With DASH.” National Institues for Health. National Institues for Health, n.d. Web. 4 Nov. 2013.
- 2. “How Olive Oil Protects Against Breast Cancer: Northwestern University.” Northwestern University. Northwestern University, n.d. Web. 04 Nov. 2013.
- 3. “LLU Shows Antioxidants in Pecans May Contribute to Heart Health & Disease Prevention.” Loma Linda University. Loma Linda University, n.d. Web. 4 Nov. 2013.
- 4. “Vitamin E in Plant Seeds Could Halt Prostate, Lung Cancer, Says Purdue Scientist.” Purdue University. Purdue University, n.d. Web. 04 Nov. 2013.
- 5. “Nutrition Facts and Analysis for Nuts, Pecans.” Self Nutrition Data. Self Nutrition Data, n.d. Web. 04 Nov. 2013.
