Description
pecans
15 nuts= 30g
Native to southern United States and Mexico
- Are a rich source of essential fats- pecans are high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat, which make up 89% of the total fat content, and very low levels of ‘unhealthy’ saturated fat (6% of total fat). They are free from trans fats and dietary cholesterol
- 30G of pecans provide:
- 30mg plant sterols which help lower blood cholesterol levels by lowering reabsorption of cholesterol in the intestine
- 10% of the RDI of dietary fibre in adults
- pecans contain:
- plant omega-3 alpha linolenic acid ALA
- polyphenols which help prevent the oxidation of cholesterol which leads to atherosclerosis
- the amino acid- arginine- which is converted to nitric oxide in the body which helps blood vessels to dilate and remain elastic
- plant iron
- plant zinc
- plant protein– 10g per 100g serving
Pecans are a rich source of:
- antioxidants-
- dietary fibre 30gms provides 10% RDI of fibre
Consumption of pecans can lead to a reduction in oxidized LDL which leds to the formation of atherosclerosis