Pecan nut: benefits and harms

The benefits and harms of pecans for the body today is a controversial topic among most people. This product is considered exotic by many, but despite this, pecans can be increasingly seen on the shelves in stores. Undoubtedly, the nut has a large number of useful properties, but its composition has not been fully studied, as a result of which some are afraid to eat it due to the individual characteristics of the body.

Description of the pecan nut

If we consider the description and photo of the pecan nut, then it is worth noting that the biological name is as follows – Kariya Illinois. This plant belongs to the Nut family, to the genus Hickory. The tree is deciduous, at home the plant is able to reach large sizes. Cases have been noted when old trees reach a girth of 2 m.

Among the descriptions of appearance it is worth noting:

• the trunk is thick;
• bark wrinkled;
• the crown is quite lush and spreading;
• the leaves are quite large, elongated, smooth;
• at the time of flowering, long and fluffy earrings appear.

The flowering period falls on May – the end of June. The process of pollination is carried out by the wind.

What does a pecan look like

Many people call pecans a stone fruit. As a rule, fruits grow on a tree in bunches. Each bunch includes 5 to 10 fruits. Nuts can reach a length of up to 4 cm. The shell is quite dense, with a smooth surface.

The moment a pecan is ripe, it turns brown. After the fruit is completely dry, it begins to crack, as a result of which the kernel becomes visible, which resembles a walnut in shape. The kernels are quite sweet, the internal partitions are completely absent.

Where does the pecan grow?

It grows on fertile and loose soils with a sufficient amount of moisture. This type of tree can be found in the United States – in the states of Iowa and Indonesia, the Mississippi Valley, the Texas prairie. Pecans are grown commercially for further sale.

Since some varieties can tolerate low temperatures, they can be grown even in the North.

Where does pecan grow in Our Country

As you know, pecan prefers to grow in warm areas where there is humid weather. That is why most of the plantings are in North America and the Mississippi coast. These territories are considered the birthplace of trees. To date, this type of plant can be found on the territory of Our Country. As a rule, the plant grows in Central Asia, the Caucasus and the Crimea. It was brought to Our Country at the beginning of the 20th century. Today it grows in the south of the country.

In the world

The natural habitat is the Mississippi River Valley, Mexico. Before that, trees were seen on the western side of the USA, on the coasts of the Pacific Ocean, Italy.

In 1716, the pecan was brought to the territory of America, after which it spread throughout all European countries. For the first time information about the nut was mentioned by Carl Linnaeus. In 1818, this species was separated into a separate genus. Cultivation of plants fell on the 18th century. At the beginning of the 20th century, trees began to be grown on the territory of Our Country, namely, on the Black Sea coast.

How Pecans Grow

After the planting material has been planted in open ground, it is worth preparing for the fact that the first 5 years the tree will grow rather slowly. For example, the annual growth is only 30 cm. As many believe, the root system is formed during this period of time.

Fruiting is quite late. As a rule, the collection begins at the end of October. That is why not all varieties can be grown on the territory of Our Country, because due to low temperature conditions, the fruits do not ripen completely, and the yield remains extremely low. With proper care, fruiting occurs after the tree has reached the age of 12 years.

What does a pecan taste like

Many tend to assume that walnuts and pecans are close relatives, and this is not surprising, because they look quite similar, but in fact, the differences are enormous.

A distinctive feature is the taste, which can not be compared with other varieties. The taste of pecan is quite delicate, creamy, with a sweet aftertaste. It is important to bear in mind that the bitterness of the kernels is completely absent.

The chemical composition of the pecan

The kernels contain a large amount of vitamins, micro and macro elements that have a beneficial effect on health. Before you start eating, you should first study what is included in the composition, since due to the individual characteristics of the body, there is a possibility that some components will not only not be absorbed, but will also cause irreparable harm. The composition includes:

• vegetable fats;
• zinc;
• carbohydrates;
• group C vitamins;
• iron;
• beta-carotene;
• tocopherol;
• sodium;
• proteins;
• magnesium;
• calcium;
• oleic acid;
• retinol;
• B vitamins.

pecan nut calories

If we consider the calorie content of pecans, it is worth noting that the level of fat for every 100 g of the product is approximately 72%. An example for comparison is:

• walnut – 62% fat;
• hazelnut – 61%;
• peanuts – 49%.

The calorie level of 1 pecan is 690 kcal.

Glycemic index of the pecan nut

Table of the glycemic index of nuts for every 100 g of product:

Health Benefits of Pecans

Undoubtedly, the benefits of pecans for human health are undeniable. It has been proven that the product has a large number of useful properties:

• the contained protein allows you to quickly recover and grow damaged tissues;
• B vitamins are actively involved in metabolism;
• vitamins of group C bring significant benefits to a weakened body;
• copper boosts the immune system;
• magnesium helps lower blood pressure, normalizes the amount of sugar in the blood.

In addition, pecans are actively used in folk medicine for the treatment of many diseases and for preventive purposes.

What is useful for women

As you know, fat is necessary for the female body, since it is with its help that beauty can be maintained. If there is a deficiency of fat in the body, then this will cause significant harm:

• the skin will begin to deteriorate;
• hair will fall out;
• the nail plate will weaken.

Many researchers say that due to its beneficial properties, pecans can be used prophylactically to prevent the occurrence of breast cancer, as many women personally experience similar problems.

What is useful for men

Many people know that certain foods can improve the health of men. This category of products includes pecans. Due to their beneficial properties, nuts are able to increase the level of testosterone, which is considered the main hormone. Testosterone is responsible for:

• reproductive system;
• body structure;
• hair loss
• voice timbre.

Every man will benefit from eating a small amount of pecans during a snack. This product contains arginine, an amino acid that allows you to increase blood flow to the penis, resulting in increased potency.

What is useful for pregnant women

As a rule, women during pregnancy pay special attention to their diet, which must be correct. Before you start eating a new product, you should first find out all the necessary information about it, namely, take into account the benefits and harms to the body.

Pecan during pregnancy brings significant benefits:

• folic acid contributes to the proper development and growth of the child;
• vitamins of group C make the body strong enough and resistant to viral infections;
• Vitamins of group E have a beneficial effect on the skin. During pregnancy, many women experience stretch marks, which is why it is recommended to eat nuts in small quantities.

It is important to understand that, despite all the useful properties, you should not abuse the product. It is recommended to eat no more than 10 nuts per week.

What is useful for children

You can start introducing nuts into your child’s diet after he is 3 years old. If given earlier, it is possible to harm the child’s body, despite all the beneficial properties of the product, for example, an allergic reaction will appear.

Pecans can also be given as early as 4 years of age, although many experts strongly recommend this at 6 years of age. Nuts can improve memory, strengthen the immune system, accelerate growth.

Pecan for Diabetes

Any nuts contain a large amount of proteins, minerals, healthy fats and pecans in this case are no exception. Most hazelnuts can lower blood cholesterol levels, prevent the development of heart and vascular diseases, and improve well-being.

Pecans contain a large number of substances that are beneficial for people with diabetes:

• omega xnumx;
• calcium;
• group D vitamins;
• cellulose.

Thus, with diabetes, you can use pecans. Since it will not only not harm the general well-being, but will also allow you to cope with an existing disease. The main thing is to use it in moderation, which will not harm your health.

Pecan for pancreatitis

If an acute stage of pancreatitis is observed or the chronic stage has become aggravated, then it is forbidden to use any nuts in these situations. This is due to the fact that the nut is a rough product and that is why, when consumed, it has strong mechanical effects on the digestive organs. With pancreatitis, mechanical effects should be avoided completely, which will allow you not to cause even more harm to your health.

In addition, nuts contain a large amount of fat and vegetable fiber, which is also undesirable for this type of disease. You can eat nuts only after a stable remission has been achieved or the disease has been completely eliminated.

How to peel a pecan

You can peel a pecan from the shell using several methods:

1. boil thoroughly – the nuts are put in a container, poured with water, put on fire, brought to a boil and allowed to boil for 10 minutes.
2. Soak – put the nuts in salt water for 2 hours.
3. To freeze Many people say that frozen nuts are the easiest to peel.

After the pecans are prepared, you can start peeling. To do this, choose a tool. In this case, you can use a hammer or pliers. The nut is carefully split, the kernel is taken out, the grooves, the shell are removed and allowed to dry.

cooking recipes

Pecan is an exotic product that has conquered a large number of gourmets. Nuts go well with salads, soups, main courses, desserts. Sauces made from pecans acquire an unusual taste, which can later be used for meat or fish.

Most often, pecans are used for baking and desserts. The most popular are Danish rolls with nuts and maple syrup. In addition, the product can be added to cakes, as a topping, as well as pies and homemade chocolate.

Pecan Pie

For preparation you will need:

• flour – 175 g;
• pecans – 2,5 tbsp.;
• butter – 225 g (plus 85 g for the filling);
• maple syrup – 150 g;
• rum – 3 tbsp. L.;
• eggs – 3 pcs .;
• granulated sugar – 250

Base preparation process:

1. The butter is finely chopped.
2. Sprinkle with flour, rub well.
3. Add salt to taste.
4. Add 3 tbsp. l. water.
5. Knead the dough.
6. Place in refrigerator for 1 hour.
7. The dough is rolled out in any shape.
8. Form the bottom and be sure to sides.
9. Cover with foil.
10. Bake for 12 minutes at +190C.
11. Take off the foil.
12. Leave for another 10 minutes.

Preparation of the filling:

1. They beat the eggs.
2. Add maple syrup and granulated sugar.
3. Beat until a homogeneous air mass is obtained.
4. Chop the pecan.
5. Add to stuffing.

The resulting mass is poured into the dough and baked for about 40 minutes.

Pecan tincture

As a preventive measure to boost the immune system, as well as in the fight against beriberi, it is customary to use pecan-based tincture. Everyone has long known what useful properties this product has, as a result of which alcohol tincture is actively prepared.

For preparation it will be required:

• vodka – 0,5 l;
• pecan – 20 pcs.

Cooking process:

1. The pecan is crushed.
2. Fill with vodka.
3. Let it brew for 30 days in a dark place.

This tincture should be consumed in 1 tbsp. l. every day until the tincture runs out. The course of treatment is repeated annually 2 times.

Sauce

To make the sauce you will need:

• garlic – 1 tooth;
• basil – 1 small cup;
• pecan – ½ cup;
• olive oil – ½ cup;
• grated hard cheese – 2 tbsp. l.;
• salt – to taste.

Cooking process:

1. Garlic is crushed in a blender.
2. Add basil and pecans.
3. Whipped.
4. Pour in oil.
5. Beat until smooth.

After that, the sauce can be poured into a container, sprinkle with cheese, add salt to taste.

Daily allowance of pecans

In order for pecans to really bring significant benefits to the body, and not harm, it is necessary to observe the permissible daily allowance during use. A healthy person can eat up to 35 g of pecans daily. This weight has approximately 15-18 pieces. nuts. It is important to understand that the abuse of this product will not lead to anything good. If there is an individual intolerance to the body of some components, then it is worth consulting with a specialist first.

Противопоказания

Before you start introducing a new type of product into your diet, you should first study the beneficial properties of pecans and contraindications. This is due to the fact that if the recommendations for use are not followed, significant harm to health can be caused. It is important to consider that in addition to the beneficial properties, nuts also have a number of contraindications. It is not recommended to use the product for people:

• having individual intolerance to some components;
• with an allergic reaction;
• obese, as nuts are high in calories.

In all other cases, the body will only benefit from the use.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of pecans for the body have been scientifically proven. A healthy person can include nuts in the diet without fear of causing significant harm to health, but the allowable daily allowance must be observed. In addition to a large number of useful properties, the nut has a delicate taste.