Pecan nuts are not only delicious but they have many healthy benefits! They make a great addiction to many meals and yummy recipes to feed your family. They go with both sweet and savoury. Here are some of the nutritional benefits of pecan nuts.
Antioxidants
Pecans are very rich in antioxidants. They have the highest amount of antioxidants of all the tree nuts. These include Vitamins A and E, and ellagic acid which are good for anti-aging. These vitamins also help to improve your skin in general, and stop breakouts and prevent skin infections. Pecan nuts also include minerals such as calcium, manganese and potassium which have many health benefits. Manganese is very beneficial for your central nervous system, as it protects your nerve cells from damage and boosts your immunity. Magnesium is a well-known anti-inflammatory, this can help to prevent inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.
Digestive properties
Pecans and other nuts include a lot of “healthy” fats and fibre. The healthy fats are part of a balanced diet and help to replace what is called “bad cholesterol” with “good cholesterol”. Fibre is great for metabolism and therefore can also be useful for weight loss. Nuts in general are a great snack for those of you on a diet, they’re also a source of protein, not to mention delicious.
Good for the heart
Seen as they help to reduce cholesterol this means that pecans are also heart healthy. They only contain monounsaturated fats which are very good for you compared to other types of fat.
So how can you get plenty of pecans onto your plate?
Pecans, like many nuts, can go with both savoury and sweet dishes. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try adding them to a salad. They go fantastically with goat’s cheese and wild rocket. They are also great as a snack on their own. If you want a special treat for your kids’ lunchboxes go for candied pecans. For the quick and simple recipe, click here.
Most people associated pecans with pies and desserts. They can go really well with caramel and cheesecakes as well however. You could even try a pecan crumble. They make a delicious frosting too when combined with coconut and caramel. Check out this german chocolate cake frosting.
Don’t stop there, introduce pecans into your breakfast time. They make a great topping for cereals and granola. Sprinkle them into your oatmeal for a hearty breakfast that will keep you going all morning.
Classic pecan pie is probably the most famous pecan recipe. Have you thought about making your own variation? Here are some ideas for example, try salted caramel, bourbon, or maple cinnamon.
The best time to get hold of pecans is in the winter when they’re harvested, but they should be available all year round. Here’s one for the moms only, they can also be roasted to make a tasty brown ale! So you can have a little fun with the pecans as well.
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