Health Benefits of Pecans, Uses And Its Side Effects

It is a myth that the high fat content of pecan nuts makes them a high risk food. The level of risk a food item poses depends on the kind of fats and the amount in which they are present in the food item.

As 100 gms of pecans contain 91% unsaturated fats, it is an extremely healthy food product. Consumption of pecans ensures that the risk of developing heart conditions is lowered. Pecans also contain proteins, vitamin E, thiamine, and antioxidants, which protect the heart by regulating its function.

Additionally, this combination of nutrients is also known to reduce the risk of developing hypertension.Further, it also reduces systolic blood pressure on regular consumption.

Related to cardiovascular health is cholesterol. In today’s day and age, cholesterol is one of the biggest causes of heart disease. Pecans lower the levels of bad cholesterol in the body. While professional opinion and medication is crucial to combatting cholesterol, one can supplement prescribed medication by regularly eating pecans. The presence of serum lipids is one of the biggest indicators of high cholesterol.

Studies have indicated that the pecan rich diets reduce serum lipids in the blood stream, thus reducing cholesterol. Abundant in monounsaturated fats, pecans can become a great source of good fats needed by the body to carry out its day to day functions.

The most important facet of a diabetic’s lifestyle is maintaining blood sugar levels throughout the day. Blood sugar usually soars after every meal, which necessitates insulin injections.

The pecan is an organic substance that controls blood sugar levels in the body. Further, pecans may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Controlling diabetes is crucial because it can cause many other conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases.

Environmental and dietary issues are common in today’s world, and is one of the leading reasons of oxidative stress. These issues, promote oxidative damage within the body. Oxidative damage has been linked to high incidence of cancer and heart disease, among others. Therefore, it is more important now, than ever, to consume foods high in antioxidants.

Studies have shown us that in the 24 hours after pecans are consumed, there is an acute increase of antioxidants in the bloodstream. Other studies have shown an undeniable correlation between pecan consumption and a reduction in the number of instances of degenerative diseases.

Pecan nut can reduce the risk of developing cancer. This is because it contains phenolic compounds and tannins which are directly associated with the prevention of various types of cancers. However, extensive research is still being conducted into this aspect.

Cyclophosphamide is a compound that is associated with many life threatening diseases, such as cancer. Research suggests, that consuming the pecan shell, in ground form, can protect vital organs such as the heart, bladder, and kidney from the toxicity induced by this compound.

When trying to lose weight, it is prudent to stay away from foods with unhealthy fats. However, healthy fats should be consumed even through a weight loss program as healthy fats are vital to the body.

The healthy fats found in pecans impact the grehlin hormone, which is responsible for maintaining weight. The impulse to eat when you’re stressed out can be traced to the levels of grehlin in the brain. High levels of grehlin are associated with elevated stress levels, and induce the desire to eat a lot.

Pecans also contain a fair amount of manganese. Experts believe that consuming pecans daily can meet more than half the required amount of manganese on a daily basis. In turn, this mineral helps cut down fat and reduce weight.

Improved metabolism is also associated with losing weight. Additionally, a higher metabolic rate improves energy levels in the body. To achieve this, consumption of pecans is advised, as they contain a significant amount of copper.

Copper is key to more than 50 metabolic enzyme reactions in the human body, which promote higher metabolic rates. It is also essential to the creation of the body’s source of energy, adenosine triphosphates (ATP).

Among other nuts, the pecan is also known as a brain food. This is because a number of the minerals found in the pecan contribute to brain function. Patients with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a common disorder among alcoholics which is caused by thiamine deficiency, are prescribed pecans because of the high amounts of thiamine in it.

The abundance of copper in pecans makes it a good food product for those suffering from degenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, as copper stops free radical damage to the brain. In addition, it also keeps the neural pathways involving galactose and dopamine up and running.

Those suffering from learning disabilities owing to concentration problems, mental illness, epilepsy, and severe mood fluctuations should also consume pecans, as its high manganese content improves the brain’s synaptic processes.

The combination of nutrients present in the pecan nut is ideal for keeping gallstones at bay, according to research studies. The studies also found that the reduced risk of developing gallstones was greater in men than women.

Osteoporosis occurs most commonly in middle-aged women. A pecan rich diet treats the symptoms of osteoporosis due to its healthy cocktail of manganese and copper, among other nutrients.

Premenstrual Syndrome, or PMS, is a regular occurrence in most mature women on the cusp of their menses. PMS includes a range of symptoms, including but not limited to, mood swings and cramps. Pecan nut are a great way to alleviate these symptoms owing to its high manganese content. When combined with calcium-high foods, it significantly impacts these symptoms.