Pecan, the nuts of America 🆙

, Naturopath

Pecan is the plant native to the United States of America that produces a fruit rich in essential fats, minerals and vitamins. Regular intake of fruits in the diet helps fight bad cholesterol and raises good cholesterol. Let's find out better.

> Description of the plant

> Nutritional characteristics of pecans

> Properties and benefits

> How pecans are used

Description of the plant

Le Noci Pecan they are the fruit of a large tree whose botanical name is Carya illinoensis. The tree is native to the United States, in particular to the central and southern areas, but is widespread in crops in several other countries.

Pecans are oval in shape, slightly elongated, coated with a wrinkled dark brown skin which, upon reaching maturity, opens to release a fruit wrapped in a smooth shell.

They have a size ranging from 1 to 3 cm in length. The pecan tree is very long-lived, it can live up to 300 years.

Nutritional characteristics of pecans

Pecans are part of the so-called dried fruit and have a considerable energy value thanks to the high concentration of essential fats.

Aside from these, pecans are also rich in dietary fiber, a nutritional element that protects the integrity and functionality of the intestine. Pecan nut has important nutritional principles.

They are rich in essential nutrients such as minerals and vitamins which are essential for the good health of the body. These nuts are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids like oleic acid which is an excellent source of antioxidants.

Pecans contain ellagic acid, a powerful antioxidant polyphenolic.

The antiproliferative properties of ellagic acid give it ability to inhibit the DNA binding of certain carcinogens such as nitrosamines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, thus protecting the body from cancer.

Vitamin E, beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin are very important phytonutrients. These compounds help the body to remove free radicalstherefore, they protect the body from many diseases and infections.

Pecans are also rich in numerous B-complex vitamins. They are found in them: riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, pantothenic acid and vitamin B6, including folic acid. Pecans also contain minerals such as manganese, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and selenium.

Properties of pecans

Thanks to the presence of vitamin E, pecans have a great antioxidant property. In fact, it is through vitamin E that pecans carry out a protective action against free radicals.

Regular intake of pecans in the diet helps lower LDL "bad" cholesterol and increases "good" HDL cholesterol in the blood.

So these nuts help prevent coronary heart disease and stroke, promoting a healthy blood lipid profile. Regular consumption of pecans can also reduce neuromuscular degeneration linked to aging.

How to use them

Pecans, thanks to them rich flavor, are perfect both eaten as a fruit, alone, or to prepare sweets and savory dishes.

Being a remarkably caloric food, their consumption, despite its positive aspects, should be limited to a few grams per day. The wood of the pecan tree is used as a fuel or flavoring for smoked meats.