Pecans... hiding their light under a bushel?
While walnuts and almonds have garnered far more column inches in recent years, the humble pecan - which is packed with antioxidants - is starting to play catch-up, says the National Pecan Shellers Association.
Nearly 60% of the fats in pecans are monounsaturated and another 30% are polyunsaturated, while pecans contain more than 19 vitamins and minerals. But are they as heart healthy as walnuts, which hit the headlines last month after featuring in a high-profile Spanish study (along with almonds and hazelnuts) linking a Mediterranean diet with improved cardiovascular health?
New research to be conducted at Tufts University on people aged over 50 with increased risk of diabetes and heart disease should help answer this question, says the NPSA.
"We know pecans are good for you, but there just hasn't been as much as research on them as other nuts, so we expect there is a lot of untapped potential there."
Pecans are recognized as a heart-healthy when enjoyed as part of a healthy diet, but little is known about the health benefits that may be derived from eating them daily, says the NPSA, as only four clinical trials have been conducted on the tree nut since 1987.
“Research on other tree nuts suggests that there may be a great deal of untapped territory for pecans,” said Vickie Mabry, executive director.
“This new study will provide us with new information on the nutritional benefits of pecans that will help dietitians, nutrition policy makers, and consumers better understand the benefits of pecans and their healthful role in a balanced diet.”
Meanwhile, efforts are underway to change the perception of pecans as a decadent nut that's just for cakes, pies, and desserts, with chefs at the RCA expo encouraged to experiment with pecans in salads, healthy snacks, flours and savory products.
