Pecan Nutrition Information

Natchitoches Pecans brings you the latest pecan nutrition information on our basic shell pecans and shelled pecans. Also, refer to our Pecan Blog for any breaking news we find on how our nuts can help you live a longer, healthier life.

Helps Lower Cholesterol

Several studies on nuts, including pecans, have shown that blood cholesterol levels can be lowered when nuts are incorporated into the diet. Shell and shelled pecans actually contain plant components with antioxidant properties, which can slow the oxidation or "rusting" of LDL (low-density lipoproteins), otherwise known as bad cholesterol. University research has confirmed that pecans also contain plant sterols, which have been in the news recently for their cholesterol-lowering ability.

Heart-wise

Over half the fat (56 percent) found in pecans is monounsaturated fat and another 29 percent is polyunsaturated fat. This means that almost 90 percent of the fats (oils) in pecans are heart-healthy! Pecans are cholesterol-free and naturally sodium-free, making them an excellent choice for those on a salt or sodium restricted diet.

Packed with Vitamins & Minerals

Pecans add undeniable zest and flavor to any meal, as well as nutritional benefits. Pecans contain over 19 vitamins and minerals - including vitamin A, vitamin E, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, several B vitamins and zinc.

The latest medical study funded through the National Pecan Shellers Association's Marketing Promotion and Research Program has been published in the medical journal Current Topics in Nutraceutical Research. Conducted by researchers at the University of Massachusetts, this study shows eating just a handful of pecans each day may provide some neurological benefit. Specifically, data from the study suggests that antioxidants in pecans may help delay the progression of motor-neuron degeneration, including Lou Gehrig's Disease.

Pecans contain the most antioxidant capacity of any other nut and are among foods with the highest levels of antioxidants -- substances found to protect against cell damage and, studies have shown, can help fight diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, cancer and heart disease. Scientific research suggests that pecans can aid consumers in their weight loss and weight maintenance programs.

Pecans are one of the few foods permitted by the FDA to have a health claim on product labels:

"Scientific evidence suggests but does not prove that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts, such as pecans, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease."

There are countless ways to make pecans a part of a healthy diet. Following are some simple ways to include these nuts in you favorite dishes:

Sprinkle raw pecans on oatmeal or your favorite breakfast cereal.
Keep fresh pecans on hand and use 10-12 pecan halves as a snack in place of sugar laden choices.
Make waffles and garnish with maple syrup and glazed pecans.
Make your own pecan praline sundae by topping vanilla ice cream with roasted pecan pieces and caramel sauce.
Add a handful of sugared pecans to enliven a favorite salad.
Cover a cheese ball with spicy pecan pieces to improve flavor and appearance.
Use Kinloch Plantation Pecan Oil in baking, salad dressings, and pan frying.

"Pe-Kawn"

"Pi-Kahn"

"Pee-Can"

No matter how you say it---pecans taste good and they are delicious. Make Louisiana pecans a part of your everyday diet!!!

Join Us | Follow Us