Pecans (2024)

FAQs

Is it okay to eat pecans every day? ›

“Eating a handful of pecans each day can help satisfy cravings for unhealthy snacks and provide a nutritious boost to any meal. Furthermore, pecans can also be included as part of a healthy diet when combined with other nutrient-rich foods in moderation.”

As you can see, walnuts and pecans are both winners in terms of nutritional value. While pecans have fewer calories and more fiber, walnuts offer a higher degree of protein. Whichever you choose, you'll enjoy heart-healthy nutrition with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and healthy cholesterol properties.

Like many other nuts, pecans contain a high percentage of fat and can lead to diarrhea if too many are eaten in a short amount of time. Over-consumption may also lead to digestive issues like gas and bloating. Recommendation: One ounce (15-19) pecan halves per day.

For pecan trees to bare nuts you will need two or more different cultivars, as they require cross pollination for maximum productivity. Pecan trees do not bear fruit until they are between the ages of four and 12 years old and that is determined by the cultivar.

Pecans are also uniquely high in good fats and other heart healthy nutrients which is why this special nut is certified by the American Heart Association's® Heart-Check Program.

The anti-inflammatory properties of pecans reduced low-grade inflammation that leads to chronic inflammation and the development of a range of prevalent diseases. This also shows pecans maintain body weight and prevent diabetes despite consuming a high fat diet.

According to researchers at Texas A&M University, pecans may help prevent obesity, reduce inflammation, and increase energy consumption; and together with their high nutrient content, these benefits put them in the superfood category.

Almonds have a higher mineral profile, while pecans are rich in minerals. Almond contains more calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and iron than pecan, which has more zinc and less sodium. However, pecans have higher calories, fats, and thiamin (vitamin B1).

Some of the healthiest nuts include Brazil nuts, pistachios, cashews, and almonds. There are many options to enjoy this nutritional treat, but be sure to enjoy them in moderation. Nuts have health benefits, like reducing your heart disease risk.

Why do I crave pecans? ›

What causes nut cravings? If you're craving nuts or nut butter, the first culprits to look to are the triggers for any craving. Are you stressed? Nuts are high in healthy fats, and one study showed that stress could lead to cravings of high fat foods.

And although nuts are a healthy choice by themselves, they'll quickly become detrimental to any diet when paired with sugary or salty toppings or mixes.

1. Pecan trees are monoecious. This means that they produce separate male and female flowers on the same plant. Male flowers are located on 4-5 inch long catkins, while female flowers are small, yellowish-green, and grow on spikes at the tips of shoots.

During many years a lack of pollination causes the greatest loss of nuts. Since pecans are wind-pollinated only, excessive rainfall during the spring bloom prevents pollination as noted earlier, and the poorly pollinated flowers produce small nuts that subsequently abort.

On their way to maturity, the trees undergo drastic vegetative growth to develop a robust root system, grow taller, and produce branches. While many fruit trees begin bearing fruit within the first 1-5 years after planting, pecan trees can take anywhere from 2-10 years.

Potential downsides. Although pecans have been linked to several potential health benefits, there are some downsides to consider. First, those with an allergy to tree nuts should avoid them, along with other types of tree nuts like almonds, cashews, chestnuts, and walnuts.

Craving nuts can be a sign of a variety of different deficiencies. If you're craving salted nuts specifically, you might simply be deficient in sodium, but nut cravings can also indicate that you're low on iron, magnesium, or zinc.

Improves Digestion

Since Pecan nuts are fiber -packed, and 1 ounce provides 11% DV of fiber they promote good colon health and facilitate regular bowel movements. Pecan nuts can prevent constipation and reduce the risk of hemorrhoids and colitis by cleaning out the gastrointestinal system.

4. Pecans support healthy liver function. Studies suggest that the more nuts you eat, the lower your risk is for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Fat buildup in your liver can lead to significant inflammation and scarring.