Pecans offer up a package of health benefits that's hard to beat. Along with being one of the most elegant, versatile and rich-buttery flavor nuts, they are an ideal nutritious alternative to animal-based foods.

Native to North America, some North American Indians believe the pecan tree to be representative of the Great Spirit. The nut of the tree is considered to be valuable and was traded with early Spaniards in Florida for hides and mats. The tree can grow to over one hundred feet tall, bearing edible nuts at up to four hundred pounds of a year, and live to be over a thousand years old.

Pecans Nutrion

• Antioxidants:
  • More of these are in pecans than any other nut.
  • Phytochemicals is an antioxidant substance found in pecans to protect against cell damage and, studies have shown, can help fight diseases like heart disease, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and cancer, and diabetes.
• Protein
• Vitamin E
• Calcium.
• Magnesium
• Potassium
• Zinc

Pecans can be a healthy benefit for:

Blood Pressure

• Research has shown that following the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is an effective way to lower blood pressure, while supercharging your diet with much needed nutrients.

Breast Cancer

• Pecan nuts have anti-cancer effects because they are a rich source of oleic acid, a fatty acid researchers say has the ability to suppress the activity of a gene in cells thought to trigger breast cancer.
• A one-ounce serving of pecans provides about 25% more oleic acid compared to one-tablespoon of olive oil.

Heart Health

• Pecans are cholesterol free, so they make an excellent choice over fatty meats like steak or even chicken.
• They are a good low fat source of vitamin E and if eaten correctly, lead to lower cholesterol levels.
• Many studies reveal that a high ratio of monounsaturates to polyunsaturates is helpful in reducing risk of heart disease because it may act as a natural cholesterol-lowering compound.

Prostate Health

• The same natural compound that gives pecans its cholesterol-lowering power has also been shown to be effective in treating the symptoms of a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland in men called BPH.
• In recent research, the type of vitamin E (gamma-tocopherol) found in pecans, has the ability to kill prostate cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone.

Weight Control

• Pecans are so rich in heart-healthy fat, so it doesn't take too many to feel full.
• Pecans, as a fat source, can help to keep weight off longer than people following a traditionally recommended lower fat diet.
• With their super nutrition profile and low-carb content, pecans also make a perfect choice for people following low-carb weight-loss plans.