Pecans Natures Health Food
A nut which requires a stone to crack cannot be just a nut. Power is what Pecan's are all about.
The Pecan is a species of hickory native to Mexico and the South-central and Southeastern regions of the United States.
Delicious, buttery yet rich-flavored Pecans are one of the popular edible tree-nuts known to American aborigines since centuries ago. They are enriched with many health benefiting nutrients, minerals, vitamins that are essential for optimum health.
The Pecan may just be the best kept secret of the nut family. Known to offer unique & amazing benefits to the human diet, pecans rank highest among all nuts and are among the top category of foods to contain the highest anti-oxidants property. Essentially what this means is that Pecans may decrease the risk of cancer, coronary heart disease and neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Pecans have a rich history that goes back hundreds of years, but recent research is redefining how people think about these delicious little tree nuts.
The nuts are enriched with many health benefits, minerals & vitamins that are essential for optimum health. Known for its smooth taste and versatility, there is more you should know about this powerful nut.
Here are some Pecan facts:
- Pecans have the highest antioxidant content of any nut.
- Pecans contain more than 19 vitamins and minerals including Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Colic acid, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, several B Vitamins and Zinc.
- The US produces nearly 80-95% of the world’s Pecan crop.
- Pecans are cholesterol free and naturally sodium free.
- Just one ounce of Pecans has more zinc, an important nutrient for proper growth and strong immunity than a 5 ounce piece of skinless chicken (typically a good source of zinc).
- Pecans can be frozen and refrozen for at least two years without loss of flavor or texture.
- 90% of the fats in Pecans are unsaturated (about 60% monounsaturated and 30% polyunsaturated).
- A serving of pecans (30 g) provides about 25 percent more oleic acid than a serving of olive oil (one tablespoon).
- Pecans are fiber-rich.
- Pecans are a valuable plant protein source.
- Pecans are an excellent source of gamma tocopherol, an important type of vitamin E.
- Pecans contain concentrated amounts of natural plant sterols, touted for their cholesterol-lowering ability.
- Pecans contain a variety of phytochemicals that help prevent illness.
- Pecans are recommended by the American Heart Association and U.S. Dietary Guidelines as a desirable source of heart-healthy unsaturated fat.
- Pecans are a versatile nut with many different uses. They can be used in salads to give a crunchy texture and a nutty taste. They can also be used in baking, such as muffins, cakes and bread for starters. They have a wonderful variety of uses in cooking. They are also useful as garnishment on top of cakes or muffins. Salads love the crunchy goodness that these nuts provide. They can also be used in cereal as a topping. They also make a good ice cream topper for the kids. Raw pecans, like walnuts, can be eaten either alone, salted or sweetened.
The nut that packs a punch, must be a part of your diet. Add a handful of Pecan nuts to keep your diet meter complete with sufficient levels of minerals, vitamins, and protein. It's robust characteristics will show on your health, making you go nuts over them.