Pecans are delicious, nutrient-packed powerhouses that reduce the risk of certain cancers

( Natural News ) Pecans ( Carya illinoinensis ) are delicious nuts that have a chock-full of nutrients. They can be eaten as a handy snack, or they can be used as an ingredient for various sweet and savory dishes. But did you know that pecans also offer several health benefits , such as boosting your heart health and immunity? Why should I eat pecans? Pecans, while considered “culinary nuts,” are actually drupes . A drupe is a fruit that has a hard shell with a seed inside that is surrounded by the fleshy part of the fruit. Aside from pecans, cherries, peaches, and plums are also considered drupes. However, unlike culinary nuts, these three fruits have a fleshy outside layer. Here are several reasons to add pecans to your diet. Pecans are essential for heart health. Pecans are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, a type of fat that can help improve total cholesterol levels. Additionally, pecans are full of beta carotene and vitamin E that can protect cells from damage by alleviating damage from chronic inflammation. Pecans are full of flavonoids. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports that compared to other tree nuts, pecans have more flavonoids , a type of antioxidant found mostly in fruits and vegetables. A diet rich in flavonoids can protect you from chronic diseases like cognitive decline, diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. Pecans are low in sugar. Pecans aren’t just low in sugar, they can also help improve blood sugar levels overall. Eating pecans can slow down the rate of absorption from the bloodstream into peripheral tissues, which can help maintain energy levels and prevent blood sugar spikes. (Related: The health benefits of eating pecans .) Pecans are nutritious. One ounce of pecans (or 19 halves) has 200 calories, three grams of […]

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