Pecan Store December 3rd, 2008

We certainly hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving celebration this year. Now we are in full holiday mode.   Considering all the other things you will use to make your food for this season,  we thought we would share some of the benefits of pecans - and a little bit of its history too (its a distinctly American nut!). We all know how wonderful it can be to enjoy holiday treats but its even better when you know its healthy.

Did you know that the pecan is the only native American tree nut? And that the first known cultivated planting of a pecan tree in the United States is thought to have taken place in Long Island, NY in 1772?

There are so many fun facts about pecans, but the best one of all is: Did you know that pecans are actually good for you? It’s true. They really are. Science says so.

According to the National Pecan Shellers Association (NPSA), research published in the August 2006 issue of Nutrition Research shows that just a handful of pecans a day may help prevent coronary heart disease. This effect comes from the pecan’s significant amount of vitamin E, which is a natural antioxidant.

And to further that study, the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry published an article that found that pecans rank the highest among all nuts for the highest antioxidant capacity.

I don’t know about you, but that sounds pretty good to me. So what are you waiting for? Grab a handful of pecans and start munching your way to better health.

For a more in-depth look at pecans and their benefits, visit the NPSA website.

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