Pecan: beneficial properties, contraindications, calorie content and reviews

The benefits and harms of pecan are a matter of controversy for many people. The exotic product is increasingly appearing on the shelves and raises questions. It has many beneficial properties, but its composition has not yet been fully understood.

Where does pecan grow and what does it look like?

Pecan homeland is North America. More than 85% of the crop is harvested there. However, the plant can be seen in the southeastern United States, Asia, the Caucasus, and Crimea. The nut grows on a deciduous tree that reaches 40 meters in height. Many trees are over 300 years old. The crown is spreading, the leaves are elongated. The plant blooms in May, nuts grow in the leaf axils.

Outwardly, the product looks like a walnut. This is not surprising, because they are close relatives. The surface is covered with a brown shell, and under it is an oblong fruit. Its color is red, the pecan has a delicate, creamy taste.

Chemical composition and calorie content of pecan

Pecan is a nut that has a high calorie content, a large amount of fats and proteins, and a lot of useful properties. The calorie content of pecans per 100 grams is 690 kcal.

The composition includes: vitamins E, A, C, K, group B. It contains the most important amino acids: glutamic acid, arginine, leucine, glycine, valine, proline.

Why pecans are good for you

The benefits of pecans for the human body are undeniable. It has been proven to have positive effects on health and a huge number of beneficial properties:

1. An exotic delicacy is characterized by a high protein content, which is a building material for the body. Thanks to him, tissues grow and regenerate.
2. B vitamins are involved in the metabolic process.
3. Vitamin C benefits weakened immune systems.
4. Manganese is responsible for the proper functioning of the nervous system.
5. Copper is involved in growth processes, helps the immune system.
6. Magnesium lowers blood pressure, normalizes blood sugar levels.
7. Arginine reduces intraocular pressure, is used in the prevention of atherosclerosis, cleanses the body of ammonia.
8. Leucine protects muscles from breakdown and injury.
9. Glycine is used in the treatment of epilepsy, depression, anxiety.
10. Vitamin A improves vision.
11. Pecan is recommended for diabetes because it does not raise blood sugar levels.

For women

Fats are essential for women's health. They support the beauty of the weaker sex. With a lack of fats, a woman is inflicted great harm: skin deteriorates, hair falls out, nails weaken. The nut has a sufficient amount of fat. Thanks to this property, the nut protects the fragile body of girls.

Some studies claim that pecan is used to prevent breast cancer. Currently, more and more women are faced with this problem. According to the data, breast cancer ranks first among all tumors identified in women. Sad statistics report that every year tens of thousands of patients die from this disease.Even if a person has coped with this diagnosis, the harm from taking medication is indelible. In order to protect yourself, you need to get in the habit of eating a handful of nuts every day.

For men

It's no secret that some foods enhance men's health. Pecans fall into this category. It boosts testosterone, which is the main male hormone. Testosterone ensures the normal functioning of the reproductive system, is responsible for the structure of the figure, hair growth, and the timbre of the voice. These properties are very important for males.

Snacking on nuts will benefit every man. In addition, the exotic treat is rich in arginine. This amino acid increases blood flow to the genitals. The result is increased potency.

For the elderly

The health of the elderly should be monitored Pecans are formulated with antioxidants that help prevent the risk of heart disease. Vitamin A in the composition improves visual acuity. Pecan effectively fights joint diseases, which are a common ailment in old age.

Is pecan good for pregnancy and breastfeeding?

A woman expecting a baby tries to carefully monitor her health. Each dish is carefully studied before use, its benefits and harms are found out.

Pregnant women should appreciate the benefits of pecans. Folic acid in the composition helps the baby to develop and grow properly. Vitamin C makes the body stronger and more resistant to colds. Vitamin E has a positive effect on the condition of the skin, this is especially important during the period of bearing a child, since expectant mothers often face stretch marks.

However, do not get carried away with a tasty treat. During pregnancy, it is best to eat no more than 10 nuts per week. Otherwise, they will seriously harm the body: they will cause allergies, indigestion.

Pecans should be eaten with extreme caution during lactation. Although it has tremendous benefits, overuse causes allergies.

At what age can pecans be given to a child

Experts believe that you can give a child nuts from 3 years of age. At an earlier age, there is a serious risk of harm to health. For example, a baby may develop allergies.

As for pecan, it is included in the diet from the age of 4, although some doctors insist that it can be done only from the age of 6. Walnut accelerates the growth of the child, improves memory and strengthens the immune system.

Pecan for weight loss

When losing weight, the diet must be supplemented with healthy products. One thing that really does benefit is avoiding empty calories. This nut is one of the most favorite delicacies of those who lose weight. It satisfies hunger well, can be used as a snack. Due to the high calorie content, it makes a person more energetic, gives strength.

Often during the period of weight loss, people become more irritable, this condition harms not only the body, but also seriously spoils relations with others. In order to calm down and recover, it is enough to eat a handful of pecans. Glycine in the composition fights against aggressiveness, stress, fatigue.

Pecan in traditional medicine

The benefits of a delicious treat have long been noticed by experts in the field of traditional medicine. It is used as a medicine for atherosclerosis, muscle spasms, seizures, arthritis, inflammatory diseases, ankylosing spondylitis, gout, gallbladder and heart diseases.

Pecan milk is used to prevent gastrointestinal problems. For cooking, you need to take 100 grams of nuts, 250 milliliters of water, mix the ingredients and achieve a uniform consistency using a blender.Ready milk should be drunk during the day, it can be used as a substitute for cow's milk when preparing various dishes and desserts. This option does not cause gassing and swelling.

During the cold season, the body is greatly damaged. People are preparing a healing medicine: they mix the pulp of one lemon, 100 grams of honey and a handful of ground nuts. The finished medicine must be transferred to an airtight container and consumed in the morning. The product fights infectious diseases, strengthens the immune system and improves mood.

The benefits of pecan butter

The oil is extracted by cold pressing. For Russians, a useful elixir is exotic, its cost is much higher compared to other oils.

A useful elixir of pecan is used internally for headaches, in the treatment of colds, to strengthen the cardiovascular system. The oil has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral properties.

Used for external use. For example, in the treatment of hematomas, sunburn, various insect bites.

The use of pecan and its oil in cosmetology

Due to its beneficial properties, pecan is widely used in cosmetology. After all, he cares not only about health, but also about external beauty:

• pecan scrub: ground nuts (20 grams) are mixed with oily sour cream (15 milliliters) and applied to the face, washed off with cool water;
• mask for delicate cleansing: pink clay (15 grams) is diluted with water, mixed with ground nuts (15 grams), the composition is applied to the face for 30 minutes;
• deep moisturizing mask for all hair types: coconut oil (15 milliliters) is added to pecan oil (30 milliliters) and applied to the hair, wrapped in a film, the composition is left for 2-3 hours, washed off with shampoo.

It is enough to try one of these remedies once to be sure of its benefits forever. Pecan will not disappoint the fairer sex and will not harm the natural beauty.

Pecan in cooking

This exotic product has won over many gourmets. It is used in salads, soups, main courses and desserts.

An unusual taste can be obtained by adding a nut to a vegetable salad or by preparing a sauce that will perfectly complement salads with meat and fish. It is enough to take a small handful of nuts, crush it with 1 teaspoon of dried Provencal herbs and add plain yogurt.

Nuts are often used in baked goods. For example, the famous Danish buns are baked with maple syrup and pecans. To prepare them, you will need puff pastry, nuts are used as a filling, and syrup is poured on top. In addition to rolls, the nut is added to pastries, cakes, cheesecakes, pies, etc. You can even make homemade chocolate with it!

How many pecans can you eat per day

In order to benefit the body, a healthy person should eat no more than 35 grams of a delicious treat. So much weighs about 18 pecans. Do not get carried away and eat too much, excessive use is harmful.

How to peel a pecan

To begin with, sorting should be carried out: throw out the bad fruits and leave only fresh, edible ones. Bad fruit can be harmful. Next, you need to take the tongs for cracking nuts and chop the nut. If there is no such device at home, you can use pliers. As a last resort, a hammer will do.

Which is healthier: pecans or walnuts

People often argue about the benefits of pecans and walnuts. This is not to say that one product is more useful than another. Both nuts have important properties, the choice depends on taste preferences and specific goals.

Pecan harm and contraindications

The list of contraindications is small. Pecans should not be eaten by people with:

• individual intolerance;
• allergies;
• obesity (high calorie content).

In other cases, the body will only benefit. This nut is unique, and its beneficial properties will surprise anyone.

How to choose and store pecans

There are several factors to consider when choosing. The shell should be smooth, uniform in color, without damage. After external examination, shake the nut near the ear, if something rattles inside - the fruit is stale. It can be harmful. Peeled nuts should be reddish in color and should not be broken.

It is better to store the fruits in the shell, in a dark place. For example, in the refrigerator, in an airtight glass jar. Under these conditions, pecans can be stored for up to 6 months.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of pecan are scientifically proven. A healthy person should include this delicacy in their diet. After all, the nut has a delicate taste and a lot of useful properties.

Reviews

The useful properties of the nut have been proven by a huge number of positive reviews.