5 Health Benefits of Eating Pecans
If you want a delicious way to improve your health, look no further than pecans! Pecans are a type of nut that is native to North America. The US is one of the largest pecan consumers in the world.
Pecans are packed with nutrients and offer a wide range of health benefits. This post will discuss seven of the top health benefits of eating pecans. It will provide some tips on how to include them in your diet.
So read on to know more about why you should be adding shelled Pecans to your shopping list.
1. Improved Heart Health
The heart is the essential organ of your body, and eating pecans can help keep it healthy. Pecans are rich in unsaturated fats, fiber, minerals, and vitamins that promote heart health by reducing harmful cholesterol levels and improving blood circulation.
Eating just a handful of pecans every day can help keep your heart healthy and prevent cardiovascular diseases.
A variety of factors cause cardiovascular diseases, but the most common one is atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the hardening of arteries, and it’s a significant contributor to heart attacks and strokes.
2. Reduced Risk of Cancer
Cancer is one of many leading causes of death worldwide, and many factors can contribute to its development. However, some foods may help protect against certain types of cancer.
Pecans contain several plant compounds that may reduce cancer risk, including ellagic acid and luteolin. These substances inhibit the growth of cancer cells in test-tube and animal studies.
In addition, the antioxidants in pecans may help protect cells from damage that could lead to cancer. Antioxidants are substances that scavenge harmful toxins and byproducts that can damage cells.
Pecans are a great source of fiber. Fiber is essential for gut health and has been linked to a reduced risk of colorectal cancer, the third most common cancer globally.
3. Boosts Immunity
The immune system is the body’s usual defense against infection and disease. Pecans are a good source of zinc, which is essential for the proper function of immune cells.
Zinc helps the body create new white blood cells responsible for fighting off infection.
Pecans are rich in vitamin E, another nutrient that plays a role in maintaining a healthy immune system.
Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, protects cells from damage. It also helps the body produce antibodies, proteins that fight infection.
Shelled Pecans also contain ellagitannins, plant compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds may help boost the immune system by reducing inflammation.
Inflammation is a normal immune response, but chronic inflammation can contribute to the development of several diseases.
4. Promotes Healthy Cholesterol Levels
Cholesterol is essential for the body in small amounts, but too much can lead to heart disease. Pecans contain plant sterols. These have been shown to reduce cholesterol levels.
Pecans also contain healthy fats that help promote good cholesterol levels. A scientific study has shown that people who ate a diet rich in monounsaturated fats (including pecans) had lower cholesterol levels than those who ate a diet high in saturated fats.
So, if you’re looking to improve your cholesterol levels, eating a handful of pecans each day may help.
5. Helps Control Blood Sugar Levels
Your blood sugar levels can be checked by incorporating pecans into your diet. It is because pecans contain a type of fiber known as beta-glucan. Beta-glucan has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels by slowing down glucose absorption into the bloodstream.
Pecans have magnesium that helps control blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin secretion and glucose uptake.
Final Note
Shelled pecans are healthy and delicious snacks that offer many health benefits. Be sure to add them to your diet in moderation and enjoy the benefits of pecans.
