Can Pecans Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease?
The National Pecan Shellers Association (NPSA) believes that pecans can help reduce the risk of heart disease and lower cholesterol levels.
It says pecans contain more antioxidants than any other nut variety according to ORAC values and they contain more than 19 vitamins and minerals. Also, pecans are a natural, high-quality source of protein and naturally sodium free.
This April, suggests NPSA, consider a convenient and healthy snack of pecans. A one-ounce serving of 15 to 20 pecan halves packs a nutritious punch.
[ Also Read: Mimi’s Café Going Red for Women’s Heart ]NPSA dietitian Beth Hubrich is a busy mom with two young children and one on the way. She says pecans are part of her day-to-day family strategy.
“A handful of pecans is a healthy snack that keeps me on the go. Since pecans are packed with protein, you don’t bottom out an hour or two after you eat them. They taste good. There’s no slicing and dicing, and there’s no sticky mess on my fingers!”
While pecan lovers confess unflagging allegiance to the pecan pie as their favorite way to use the beloved pecan, NPSA is inviting everyone – new and devoted fans – to “think outside the pie” and join Beth and her family by snacking on pecans.
Savvy cooks can boost the nutritional values of regular meals by adding pecans to the morning cereal or lunchtime salads. Kids and adults can stir them into muffins or sprinkle them on top of a veggie or brunch casserole. Now is the perfect time: April is National Pecan Month.
The National Pecan Shellers Association represents members of the pecan shelling and processing industry.
