Pecans have many health benefits such as reducing the risk of cancer, gallstone disease, diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol levels. Pecans have antioxidant properties and they help in weight management.
Also, they can protect vital organs from the toxic effects of Cyclophosphamide. The scientific name of the pecan is Carya illinoinensis which is a member of the plant family Juglandaceae and it is native to North America. Native Americans have found that pecans have medicinal properties.
The pecan tree can grow up to a height of 44 m with flowering happening in the spring season. It is used to grow widely. But in recent years it has been included in the list of major fruits which are domesticated. Nowadays pecan tree is cultivated in Australia, Asia, southern America, and some countries in Africa.
This is an important forest tree in the United States of America and it has an economic advantage for this country. It is edible in a raw state. It can be used in cooking other meals such as desserts. Also, it is used by many people in the preparation of savory meals. Pecans are rich in vitamins (such as Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Vitamin C, niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, etc.), and minerals (such as selenium, zinc, iron, calcium, potassium, etc.).
8 Health benefits of pecans
Contents
Anti-toxicity properties
Pecans have cyclophosphamide which is associated with life-threatening effects such as cancer. There are some studies in which is said that the pecan shell with its antioxidant components can protect our vital organs (such as the bladder, heart, and kidney) from cyclophosphamide-induced toxicity.
Cancer
It is a known fact that pecans can help you to reduce the risk of cancer. They are rich in phenolic components – tannins which are associated with the prevention of many diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disorders.
Gallstones
It is a known fact that when we consume nuts such as pecans, almonds, and peanuts, then they are reducing our risk of gallstones. There are some studies about pecans in which is said that when men are consuming them on a regular basis, then it is reducing the risk of gallstone diseases.
Weight control
These nuts are also very beneficial in managing weight. They are rich in fats but also they have fiber and protein which can make you feel full for a longer period. Also, they will help the lowering of other foods that are high in calories.
Abundant antioxidants
Pecans have constituents such as flavan-3-of monomers and tocopherol which can help in inhibiting the oxidation of the lipids which exist in your blood which in turn offers protection against heart diseases.
There were some studies that were conducted on the effect of pecan on postprandial antioxidant capacity and catechins and decrease the low-density lipoprotein oxidation in people and the studies are suggesting that bioactive composition can contribute to postprandial antioxidant defenses.
Healthy heart
It is a known fact that pecans can help you to reduce the risk of heart disease. Pecans have oxidant properties, Vitamin E, and protein which can help in the protection of the heart and they will reduce your risk of hypertension.
Diabetes
Pecans are beneficial in maintaining blood sugar levels, especially for people who suffer from diabetes. This disease is increasing the risk of cardiovascular disorders and this is a reason why we need to have a healthy diet with all important minerals and nutrients.
The consumption of pecans is not only recommended for those people who have diabetes but for those aspiring to keep diabetes at bay. Also, there are other studies in which is said that pecans can reduce the risk of diabetes type 2.
Low cholesterol levels
One of the biggest causes of almost all serious diseases is the high cholesterol levels in the body. When you eat pecans on daily basis, then this is reducing your risk of having high cholesterol levels in your body. Pecans are rich in monounsaturated fat and they can be prescribed as a part of a diet that is low in cholesterol levels to healthy individuals or patients.
