It is important to know what pecans are good for and how to use them correctly
Pecan is an exotic nut from South America, which is rapidly gaining popularity in Russia. It is considered one of the best, valuable and nutritious superfoods, but not everyone knows how pecans are good for and whether the unusual fruit can be harmful to health.
Features and composition of pecan
Pecans contain:
- vitamins of group A, B, C, E, K;
- micro- and macroelements - iron, copper, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, potassium;
- arginine and other antioxidants;
- thiamine;
- mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
The calorie content of pecans is 691 kcal per 100 g. It contains more than 72% of healthy vegetable fats, which, in combination with vegetable proteins and carbohydrates, make pecans a hearty and nutritious snack.
Why pecans are good for you
The beneficial properties of pecan are due to its unique natural composition. The exotic fruit supports the health of the central nervous and digestive systems, has anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant and anti-aging effects.
Pecan Nutrition Benefits:
- protects body cells from the aggressive effects of free radicals;
- inhibits oxidative reactions, slowing down the aging process;
- accelerates the natural regeneration of body cells;
- normalizes blood pressure and cholesterol levels;
- strengthens the musculoskeletal system;
- improves blood formation;
- stimulates the brain, improves memory and thinking;
- strengthens the immune system;
- improves psycho-emotional state in case of depression, nervousness, anxiety.
Regular consumption of pecans improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, normalizes microflora and effectively fights constipation and hemorrhoids.
Due to their high nutritional value, nuts perfectly saturate, reduce appetite and give a long-lasting feeling of fullness.
Benefits for women
The fragrant pecan nut is indispensable for women's health, because it affects not only the functioning of internal organs, but also the condition of the skin, hair and nails.
Why pecans are good for women:
- normalize the menstrual cycle;
- reduce pain during menstruation;
- eliminate the unpleasant manifestations of menopause;
- improve skin condition, fight rashes and signs of aging.
Exotic fruits have a beneficial effect on the condition of the pelvic organs. They put in order the microflora of the vagina, increase libido, fight inflammatory lesions of the ovaries.
Peeled pecans can be eaten fresh or roasted, and exotic fruit oil is often used for topical use. It can be applied to the skin and applied as a hair mask.
Why pecans are good for men
Thanks to its nutritional properties, plant proteins and amino acids in the composition of pecans, it perfectly supports the cardiovascular system during intense sports training, improves muscle growth and recovery after hard physical work.
Why pecans are good for men:
- increase the resistance of the nervous system to stress;
- increase the tone, activity and endurance of the body;
- strengthen hair follicles and fight hair loss.
Men with intimate problems should definitely include pecans in their diet. This tasty fruit improves potency, normalizes the functioning of the prostate gland. It promotes increased blood flow in the pelvic area, increasing libido and sexual stamina.
Benefits for pregnant and lactating women
Pecans during pregnancy are useful for strengthening the immune system, fighting iron deficiency anemia and various inflammatory processes. Eating these fruits on a regular basis helps avoid the mood swings and fluctuations in blood pressure that often bother expectant mothers.
Pecans are equally useful for nursing women. They saturate breast milk with beneficial vitamins and minerals, proteins, fats and carbohydrates, making it more valuable and nutritious.
Pregnant and lactating women need to carefully monitor their well-being, as exotic pecans can cause an allergic reaction. In this case, nuts should be excluded from your diet.
Which is healthier - pecans or walnuts
Due to the external similarity, consumers are often interested in which is healthier - pecans or walnuts. These fruits have different effects on the human body, as they differ in composition.
Walnut is considered a real "record holder" in terms of iodine content among all nuts, but this substance is absent in pecans. That is why the exotic fruit does not in any way affect the state of the thyroid gland.
Pecan has a more powerful and pronounced antioxidant effect. It protects cellular structures from the damaging effects of free radicals, fights oxidative reactions.
Regular consumption of pecans is considered effective in preventing aging and the formation of malignant cells.
In addition, many nut lovers emphasize that pecans have a more delicate, sweet-creamy taste without the astringency and bitterness inherent in walnuts.
Pecans per day
The benefits and harms of pecans have been thoroughly studied by official medicine. Nutritionists emphasize that this exotic fruit will enhance health only when consumed in moderation. In addition, this nut has an extremely high calorie content, therefore, in large quantities, it will certainly provoke the appearance of extra pounds.
The daily norm of pecans is no more than 25 g (4-6 fruit slices). In old age, this amount decreases to 2-3 nut slices.
Exceeding this portion can lead to a deterioration in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and liver.
Possible harm and contraindications
The main harm of pecans lies in their high calorie content and a large amount of vegetable fats in the composition. When consumed in excess, they put an increased strain on the digestive system, causing heaviness, heartburn, flatulence, nausea and upset stools.
Pecan has several contraindications for use:
- cirrhosis and other liver diseases;
- pancreatic disease;
- gastritis;
- colitis;
- a stomach or duodenal ulcer;
- children under 3 years old;
- allergic intolerance.
For maximum health benefits, pecans do not need to be consumed on a daily basis, as this can lead to hypervitaminosis. It is quite enough to eat exotic nuts 2 times a week, and for children over 3 years old and the elderly - once a week.
Pecans are extremely tasty and healthy fruits that will saturate the body with useful vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Exotic fruits will not only delight you with a pleasant, sweet-creamy taste, but also help to improve your health.