A Pecan is a nut that has a lot going for it, and therefore offers a lot of health benefits along with being an excellent ingredient for holiday pies. The pecan is a native to North America, so it’s a natural for our diets and can enhance any savory or sweet concoction you can come up with this holiday season. It can be added to almost any dish and provides a great buttery taste. Check out these healthy gifts to your body the pecan can provide:
- They contain vitamins A, E and B-complex and minerals such as zinc, calcium, magnesium, selenium, iron, and manganese.
- They are a great source of easily digestible proteins.
- They help protect the body from infection with ingredients like ellagic acid, lutein, and zea-xanthin.
- They help support your nervous system and aid in the regeneration of damaged cells.
- They are high in oleic acid (even more than olive oil) which helps to decrease LDL “bad” cholesterol and increase HDL “good” cholesterol in the bloodstream.
- They contain beta-sitosterol which helps treat the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) an enlargement of the prostate gland in men.
- They decrease body fat and aid in weight loss by increasing your metabolism and helps control hunger for longer periods of time.
- They are full of antioxidants and immune boosting properties that give you a steady stream of energy (no crash and burn). Pecans are the most antioxidant-rich nut around.
- They are loaded with fiber that enables the colon to work more effectively and cleans out the gastrointestinal system.
- They fight inflammation with magnesium that reduces cellular damage that irritates the body. They reduce the risk of heart disease, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s disease by reducing internal swelling.
- They can reduce blood pressure.
- They can strengthen your bones and teeth with an added source phosphorus.
- They can help your skin by helping to eliminate toxins and waste from the body.
- They can improve hair growth and decrease hair loss with L-arginine, an amino acid which helps blood circulation to the scalp.
All of that in one nutshell. So, you see why pecans can be good all year around and not just something to stock in your holiday nut bowl. And just like any other food source, it’s best to get them organic, free of pesticides and preservatives.
It would also be just nuts not to say Happy Holidays and a Healthy New Year.
