Pecans-A Heart Healthy Nut
- The Food and Drug Administration has agreed that eating pecans and some other nuts regularly “may reduce the risk of heart disease.” FDA approved this first ever qualified health claim for a food in July 2003. The claim states, “Scientific evidence suggests but does not prove that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease.”
- Pecans offer Good Nutrition 90% of the fats in pecans are unsaturated (about 60% monounsaturated 30% polyunsaturated)
- A Serving of pecans (30g to 1oz) provides about 25% more oleic acid (beneficial, monounsaturated fat) that a serving of olive oil (one tablespoon)
- Cholesterol free
- Sodium Free
- Fiber Rich
- Valuable plant protein source
- Excellent source of gamma tocopherol, an important type of vitamin E
- Concentrated amounts of natural plant sterols, touted for their cholesterol-lowering ability
- A variety of phytochemicals
- Nuts are recommended by the American Heat Association and U.S. Dietary Guidelines as a desirable source of heart healthy unsaturated fat.
- According to health studies: Pecans can double the cholesterol-lowering effectiveness of a traditional heart-healthy diet.
- Pecans raise Vitamin E levels
- Pecans increase fiber and nutrient intake
- Pecans are a concentrated source of natural plant sterols.
Nutritional Information courtesy of Texas Pecan Board
