7 HEALTH BENEFITS OF PECANS

Pecan nuts provide phenolic antioxidants and monounsaturated fats like oleic acid that help lower the risk of heart disease. According to the National Pecan Shellers Association, including a small amount of pecan nuts in your diet can help lower LDL, or "bad cholesterol," and raise HDL, or "good cholesterol," which in turn can prevent heart attacks and strokes.

Research has shown that including pecan nuts in your diet can help you lose weight since eating nuts boosts satiety and metabolism. The nuts are also particularly rich sources of a number of essential B-complex vitamin groups, including riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B-6, and folates, which work together to speed up metabolism.

Since magnesium has anti-inflammatory properties, pecans are a great source of it. Increased magnesium consumption has been shown in studies to decrease inflammatory markers in the body as well as inflammation in artery walls, which lowers the risk of developing inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, Alzheimer's, cardiovascular disease, and others.

Due to their high fiber content, pecan nuts aid in regular bowel movements and colon health. By clearing out the digestive system, pecan nuts prevent constipation and lower the risk of hemorrhoids and colitis.

Pecans are a great source of L-arginine, an amino acid that when applied topically helps treat male pattern baldness and promote the growth of healthy hair. L-arginine helps make arterial walls more flexible and less prone to blood clots. This in turn speeds up blood flow to the body's tissues and hair roots, which is essential for a healthy scalp and hair development.

Rich in manganese, a potent antioxidant, pecans are a great source of this mineral. As a result of this trace mineral's ability to shield nerve cells from free radical damage, your body's resistance to illnesses, infections, and other threats is increased.

Pecan nuts are rich in antioxidants such as ellagic acid, vitamin A, and vitamin E, which work to neutralize and eliminate the free radicals that accelerate the aging process of the skin. Pecans can thereby stop the development of pigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles.