home Audience 2 What are the benefits of pecan nuts? Pecans in cooking

What are the benefits of pecan nuts? Pecans in cooking

Many people prefer walnuts or hazelnuts. And it is completely in vain that they ignore the pecan nut. In fact, its beneficial properties have long been known in many parts of the world. The product has unique healing actions to all organs and systems of the body. And nut oil works wonders in cosmetology.

Pecans are especially popular in the United States. Its original taste gives dishes a special zest. Studies have proven that regular use of nuts in food improves well-being and helps in the treatment of numerous chronic diseases, normalizes digestive processes, fights aging and has many other beneficial properties.

What are the benefits of pecans and can they cause harm? How to use it correctly and what dishes can be prepared with an exotic product? Let's take a closer look.

If you try the nut, the taste will be very reminiscent of walnuts. But at the same time, there are no partitions or a soft layer in the kernels; it is sweeter and does not have a tart taste. The bases are completely covered by the shell, so the product does not have a bitter taste even after long-term storage. The fruits are brown in color and elongated in shape. They are often called “olive nuts.” In terms of taste, it is one of the best of all varieties of nut plants.

If previously the plant grew only in America, now it can be found in Asian countries, Crimea, Australia, and the Caucasus. Deciduous wood is durable. It can bear fruit for 300 years.

Composition, calorie content

The benefits of pecan nuts are invaluable due to the high content of important macro and microelements. Its fruits contain:

The nutritional value of the product is many times higher than other types of nuts. Calorie content of 100 g of product – 690 kcal.

The unique composition allows the kernels and oil to be used not only in cooking, but also for cosmetic purposes and pharmaceuticals.

What are the health benefits of pecans?

Nutritionists and specialists recommend including nut kernels in your regular diet. This has restorative effect for the whole body. In the United States of America it has been used for a long time healing properties in the treatment of numerous diseases.
It has been proven that walnut fruits help in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, eliminate pain in joints and muscles.
Recommended for vitamin deficiency.
Vision improves, the development of glaucoma and cataracts is prevented.
Thanks to the high content useful substances The body's defenses are increased and the immune system is strengthened.
Metabolic processes improve.
The product restores the imbalance intestinal microflora for dysbacteriosis, intestinal disorders.
Positively affects liver function, gastrointestinal tract, pancreas.
The blood is purified.
Increases sexual attraction, the product increases testosterone levels.
The aging process slows down.
An effective preventative against the development of cancer.
Used in the treatment of upper respiratory tract diseases.
Regular consumption of pecan kernels normalizes cholesterol levels and pH levels.
The cardiovascular system is strengthened.
Oxidation products do not accumulate on the walls of blood vessels, and the formation of cholesterol plaques is prevented.
The risk of stroke and heart attack is reduced.
Normalized arterial pressure.
It has antibacterial and wound-healing properties.
Protects the gastric mucosa.
Strengthens nails, makes hair and skin healthy.
Relieves fatigue, indicated for increased mental or physical stress.
Nuts increase appetite, provide the body with energy, and tone up.

The product can be used both raw and dried, fried. At the same time, beneficial properties are not lost.

There are various uses in cooking - pecans are added when preparing salads, meat dishes, seafood. Various desserts with the addition of nuts are popular in America.

Medicinal properties of pecan oil

Pecan oil is widely used not only in cooking, but also medical purposes, cosmetology. It is mainly produced by cold pressing. The taste is delicate, with a pleasant nutty aroma.

Application:

in the treatment of colds and infectious diseases oral cavity, upper respiratory tract;
headaches, migraine;
strengthening the heart and blood vessels;
blood purification;
bruises, hematomas;
fungal infections;
for burns (especially useful for sunburn);
for bites from mosquitoes, bees, wasps and other insects;
to eliminate skin inflammation;
to protect the skin from aging and exposure to negative external factors.

The taste of the oil is similar to olive oil. In cooking it is added when preparing salads, sauces, and frying foods. Pairs well with cheeses, meats, mushrooms, soy sauce, sea fish, vinegars, rice, lentils, poultry.

Use of oil in cosmetology

Pecan oil has a moisturizing, restoring, regenerating, and rejuvenating effect. Especially valuable for aging and dry skin. Regular rubbing into the skin saturates it with healthy fatty acids, eliminates wrinkles, age spots. The skin becomes elastic and tightened.

The oil is also ideal for massage. When rubbed, the skin is maximally enriched with beneficial substances. Regular use promotes skin cell renewal, rejuvenation, and hydration.

The product is also considered an excellent product for improving the condition of brittle, thin, dry hair:

a mask is applied to the hair: 50 ml of the product is mixed with a tablespoon of honey and one egg;
the mass is rubbed into the scalp;
wrapped in cellophane and a towel;
after 2-3 hours, wash off with water and shampoo.

Possible harm

Pecans are not harmful. The only limitation is individual intolerance to the product.

How to use, contraindications

You should not consume kernels in large quantities, as this can cause problems with the gastrointestinal tract. The safe dosage for using the product is 100 grams per day.

It is worth limiting consumption if you are obese; the product is quite high in calories. If you are overweight, you should not eat more than 50 grams per day.

People prone to allergies and children under 6 years of age are recommended to start using small portions.

It is important to ensure that the exotic fruit does not cause negative impact. If the body's reaction is normal, you can increase the daily dose.

How to choose the right product, storage rules

Pecans can often be found on supermarket shelves. They are sold in both purified and unrefined forms. The best ones are those sold in shells. The maximum beneficial properties of nuts are preserved if the shell is not cracked or damaged.

If you buy shelled kernels, consider them carefully. They should be fleshy and without damage.

Proper storage is in hermetically sealed containers at a temperature of -3 to -6 degrees. Beneficial features At the same time, they are completely preserved for 4 months. The kernels can also be frozen; the shelf life in the freezer is six months.

Recipe: Delicious Pecan Cinnamon Rolls

The variety of recipes using this amazing product is impressive. We invite you to cook amazingly delicious buns with pecans and cinnamon. The baked goods will surprise you and delight you with their taste.

To prepare the dough you will need:

For filling:

¾ cup – chopped pecan kernels;
60 g – soft butter;
2 table. l. – ground cinnamon;
1 cup sugar (brown is best).

For the glaze:

2 table. l. – milk;
100 g – cream cheese;
1 tsp. l. – vanilla sugar;
50 ml – soft butter;
1 cup – powdered sugar.

How to make buns

Dissolve yeast in milk. After swelling, mix with flour, butter, eggs, salt, sugar.
Knead yeast dough, leave in a warm place for one hour.
Roll out into a thin layer, grease with a little oil.
Mix all the ingredients for the filling and place on a layer of dough.
Carefully roll into a roll. Cut into 14-16 pieces, place on a baking sheet. Leave to stand for half an hour.
Bake at 180 degrees until golden brown - about 20 minutes.
Mix ingredients for glaze. Brush the baked goods with warm.
Wait until the glaze hardens completely.

Pecan buns last a long time, but remain incredibly tender and airy.

Conclusion

You can talk endlessly about the benefits of pecans. This is an ideal natural cosmetics and irreplaceable natural medicine, accessible to everyone. Not to mention delicious dishes with nuts, which have excellent taste.

An exotic guest from the American continent, the pecan nut has not yet gained such popularity among Russians as other nuts: walnuts, pine nuts, and Brazilian nuts. Although it boasts a pleasant taste and a rich vitamin and mineral composition. In this article you will learn in detail what pecan nuts are, their composition, uses, beneficial properties and contraindications.

Chemical composition and calorie content of pecans

The pecan plant grows in hot regions with high humidity: the southeastern United States, Mexico, Brazil, Australia, Central Asia. You can find a walnut tree in the Caucasus and even in the Crimea.

Interesting fact! Many people, due to the external similarity of the kernels, believe that the pecan is the closest relative of the walnut. It is a myth. The common pecan is a plant of the hickory genus, not a tree nut. The closest relatives of the product known in Russia are Manchurian, Californian and other nuts.

100 grams of pecans contain 680–700 kcal, a lot of protein and fat - 12 and 120% of daily norm respectively. This is a very filling snack. The nut is rich in dietary fiber, so it helps with constipation and removes toxins from the body.

The nucleoli contain large quantities of vitamins B1 (44%), B5 (17%), B6 (10.5%), E (9%), PP (6% of the daily value).

What are their beneficial properties:

Vitamin B1 struggling with free radicals, has a positive effect on work nervous system, maintains the tone of the heart muscle.
Vitamin B5 stimulates the production of adrenal hormones and is involved in the formation of antibodies. Useful for heart disease, strengthens the immune system.
Vitamin B6 participates in the metabolism of proteins, amino acids, stimulates the production of hemoglobin.
Vitamin E – powerful antioxidant, slows down the aging process of the body and protects against cancer. Improves memory, reduces blood sugar levels, accelerates the process of tissue regeneration.
Vitamin PP has vasodilating properties, reduces the content of “bad” cholesterol in the blood, preventing atherosclerosis, and gently lowers blood pressure.

Pecans also contain vitamins A, B2, B4, B9, C, K . It contains a lot of macro- and microelements, especially manganese (225%), copper (120%), phosphorus (35%) and magnesium (30% of the daily value).

Manganese regulates blood glucose levels, participating in the functioning of the pancreas, and prevents fat deposition in the liver. The body also needs copper. If there is a lack of it, a person is bothered chronic fatigue, apathy, skin and hair problems. Phosphorus supports normal condition teeth, bones, and magnesium – the health of the cardiovascular and hormonal systems.

What are the benefits of pecans for the body?

Thanks to its rich vitamin and mineral composition, the benefits of pecans for the body are beyond doubt. But this is subject to moderate use. An adult is allowed to eat no more than 30 grams of nuts per day. Children and persons with overweight– 1.5 times less.

It is interesting what effect pecans have on the human body depending on gender and age.

For men

Vitamins B1, C and E reduce the risk of prostate cancer. They also stimulate the production of the hormone testosterone in combination with elements such as zinc and selenium. And also the substances in the nut enhance blood microcirculation, which has a positive effect on potency.

Women

Pecans are a storehouse of vitamins with antioxidant properties. These are A, C, E, B1 and others. They help a woman stay young and beautiful for a long time: they prevent the appearance of new wrinkles, strengthen hair and nails. Vitamin E has a positive effect on reproductive function, and B6 helps during menstruation by increasing the number of blood cells.

For children

Pecans also benefit the child. It contains vitamin A and beta-carotene - vision aids, and phosphorus, necessary for normal height muscles and bones. B vitamins improve brain function, especially memory, which has a good effect on a child’s performance at school.

To old people

Vitamins B1, B5, B6 and PP, which are found in pecan nuts, have a positive effect on the functioning of the heart and blood vessels, and normalize blood pressure. Thus, the product prolongs the life of elderly people.

Interesting fact! In Indian tribes, a drink made from ground pecans was given to the sick and elderly to speed up recovery and improve well-being.

Pregnant

But pecans can do more harm than good to expectant mothers. The fact is that this product is a strong allergen. It is unknown how a large amount of vitamins and minerals will affect the condition of the fetus. It's better not to take risks.

Expert comment:

“Pecan is an exotic nut that is often confused with walnuts. More precisely, it is perceived as some kind of modified walnut hybrid. In fact, apart from external similarities, they have little in common.
Pecans are a very fatty nut, the amount of fat in the nut is about 70%. The composition also includes: sugars, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and a lot of micro- and macroelements. Its calorie content is also quite high - 691 kcal.

Pecans can be eaten raw or roasted. Whoever likes it. It can also be added to salads, cookies, pies and even bread. Pecan oil is often used in cooking. But pecan oil is also used in cosmetology, as it has nourishing and moisturizing properties, and is recommended for the care of mature and dry skin. The oil forms a protective layer on the skin and serves as a shield from the adverse effects of the environment.

Pecans are also used in medicine. It is useful for vitamin deficiency and anemia; improves appetite; regulates the level of testosterone in the blood, develops the sex glands and provides sexual enhancement; helps with the functioning of the kidneys, liver and gastrointestinal tract; has anti-cancer properties.

There are practically no contraindications to the use of this nut. It should not be consumed only by people who are allergic to nuts.

And further important point: Shelled nuts cannot be stored. Due to the fact that they contain a lot of fat, they quickly spoil and become rancid. Therefore, buy and store unshelled pecans, and if you bought them in shelled form, eat them right away.”

Elena Ivantsova, nutritionist, Samara

Pecan on a diet and weight loss

Surprisingly, pecan is a nut that can be both beneficial and harmful to your figure. The result will depend on the quantities in which the product is consumed.
The nut is high in calories and fat, so it seems that it is not suitable for losing weight.

But once again pay attention to the composition:

Monounsaturated fatty acid – suppress the production of the hormone ghrelin, which is responsible for the feeling of hunger.
Vitamins C, B1 and E, manganese – reduce inflammatory processes in the body and speed up metabolism.
Pantothenic acid (B5) – normalizes lipid metabolism(and it is precisely the disruption of this process that often leads to the accumulation of fat in the liver and overall weight gain).

In addition, the product is low in carbohydrates - the main culprits extra pounds. It turns out that eating pecans in small quantities is beneficial for your figure. Hearty nuts can replace a unhealthy snack of sweets or cookies.

Important! Nutrition experts do not recommend eating more than 15 grams (3-4 pieces) of pecans per day during a diet. And if you included in your diet nutritious nut, then refuse others fatty foods, especially sausage, cheese and butter.

Pecan and its oil in cosmetology

Oil is obtained from pecans by cold pressing, the benefits and harms of which you will now learn about. It has a transparent golden color and is similar in smell and consistency to olive oil. High-quality pecan oil can be bought at a pharmacy or online store for 250–300 rubles. It is used in cosmetology to care for dry and aging skin.

Pecan oil and extract are added to creams, tonics, and emulsions.

Enriched cosmetics have the following beneficial properties:

Smoothes out small wrinkles.
Softens the skin.
Brightens the complexion and helps fight age spots.
Eliminates pimples and acne.

Before washing your hair, you can rub slightly warmed pecan oil into the roots of your hair and leave for 30–40 minutes. After water procedure The curls will become smooth and shiny. If you regularly use this mask, hair loss will slow down.

Regular rubbing of the product into the nail plates prevents their delamination and the formation of fungus. Using pecan oil during a massage helps relieve muscle tension. It also has a slight anti-cellulite effect.

The use of pecans in cooking and folk medicine

The fresh kernel has a delicate sweetish taste with creamy and vanilla notes. Unlike walnuts, there is no astringency or bitterness in it. When fried, the aroma of the product becomes brighter.

Advice! Toast the pecans carefully as they burn quickly. Only a non-stick frying pan will do. First you need to heat it up, and before frying the product, reduce the heat to medium.

In crushed and grated form, the nut goes well with meat and fish dishes. Included in sauces homemade baked goods: pies, cookies, muffins, rolls. Maple Pecan Puff is a delicious flour dessert with the addition of nuts, apples, cinnamon and maple syrup. At home, it’s easy to prepare your own tonic drink from ground coffee and grated pecans with the addition of orange extract or 1-2 drops essential oil citrus.

In European and American cuisine, the product is often added to the following dishes:

Trout.
Ostrich meat.
Chicken.
Pea soup.

If you are too lazy to bother with cooking, eat nuts fresh, roasted or dried as a snack on their own.

Important! Some substances in pecans inhibit the action of digestive enzymes, so there is a risk of stomach upset. By-effect can be avoided if, before use, soak the kernels for 7–8 hours in 0.5 liters of water with the addition of a tablespoon of salt.

IN folk medicine I haven't received the pecans yet wide application, because this product is a curiosity for residents post-Soviet countries. And it costs almost 2 times more than walnuts.

Pecan oil is known for its anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties. It is used to treat small wounds, burns and insect bites. Asian healers believe that alcohol tincture with nuts helps cleanse the body, strengthen the immune system and cope with fatigue.

Pecans or walnuts – which is healthier?

Having learned the beneficial properties of the pecan nut, let's try to compare it with the most affordable and popular walnut. If you look at the pecan nut in the photo, you can see the external similarity of these nuts.

Like Walnut, it looks like a brain. But the American fruit has a thin and smooth shell, and there are almost no partitions inside. The nucleolus is more elongated, without sharp outlines.

But it’s impossible to say for sure which nut is healthier. Pecan wins in the content of vitamins A, E, manganese, dietary fiber. But walnuts have more antioxidants, proteins, and potassium. Choose the product whose taste you find more pleasant.

How to choose, clean and store pecans?

If you are stocking up on groceries long months, buy nuts in shells. Due to their high fat content, peeled kernels become rancid within a week. The shell of a quality nut should be smooth, without dents, cracks or dark spots. Peeled kernels are light and dense.

Interesting! You don't have to worry about pests. Worms simply do not grow in pecans.

Pecans are peeled in the same way as walnuts. A hammer or pliers will do. In the USA, a special crusher has been used for a long time, but in Russia it is difficult to find it for sale.

Store the product in the refrigerator. Fruits in shell - 3-4 months, peeled kernels - no longer than a week. If you put nuts in the freezer, the shelf life will increase to 2 years, but the taste will deteriorate slightly after defrosting.

Harm and contraindications of pecan nuts

Pecans are harmful to those who abuse them.

If you eat more than 30 grams at a time, you may experience the following side effects:

People with nut allergies should not eat pecans. This product is not recommended for people suffering from obesity, metabolic diseases (especially diabetes mellitus), liver, gastrointestinal tract. Expectant mothers and children under three years of age should also refuse exotic fruits.

Now you are well acquainted with another interesting nut that resembles a brain. Why crack candy during breaks when you can replace it with an equally tasty and filling snack – pecans? Your body will thank you if you include healthy nuts in your weekly diet.

Pecan is the fruit of the nut tree of the same name. Its homeland is North America. The benefits and harms of pecans have long been known to the local population. Americans actively use pecans in cooking: they add them to hot dishes and salads, and use them to make cookies and pies. In Russia, this nut is little known, since it does not grow independently on its territory. Where do pecans grow in the CIS? Walnut likes the climate near the Black and Caspian Seas, so gardeners have learned to grow it in the Crimea and the Caucasus.

Externally, the shelled pecan resembles a hazel or an unripe olive fruit. Inside it looks like a walnut: its shape resembles human brain. Pecans also taste like walnuts, only they are a little softer and more delicate. A photo of shelled and in-shell pecans can be seen below.

The main external difference between a pecan and a walnut is the absence of partitions inside the shell, therefore

The kernels are easily removed and do not have a bitter taste. The hard shell reliably protects the kernel from external stimuli: bacteria, mold, pests. Thanks to the strong shell, nuts can be stored for the winter without fear that they will lose all their vitamins.

Pecans are a nutritious and high-calorie food. 100 g of nuts contain about 690 kcal. Pecans contain:

fats - 72%;
carbohydrates - 14%;
proteins - 9%.

Nuts contain a lot of fat, so they are difficult for the stomach to digest. But the benefits from such fats are much greater than from animal fats.

Benefits of pecans

Pecans have a rich composition of microelements: calcium, magnesium, iron and others. In addition, the kernels are high in fiber, glucose, fructose and lactose.

The fruits of the tall North American pecan tree contain the following beneficial vitamins:

Vitamin A. Provides positive influence to the organs of vision.
B vitamins. Positively affect thyroid gland, muscles, circulatory system, speed up metabolism.
Vitamin C. Strengthens the immune system, removes toxins from the body, reduces cholesterol in the blood.
Vitamin E. Promotes regeneration and rejuvenation of the body.

Beneficial properties of pecan nuts:

Increased hemoglobin levels.
Relieves fatigue, fills you with strength and energy.
Increased appetite (if you eat a couple of nuts before meals).
Saturation of the body with vitamins.
Increased concentration and attention, increased performance.
Prevention of development varicose veins veins, ischemia and atherosclerosis.
Reduced blood sugar levels.
Improving the condition of skin, nails and hair.
Prevention of pathologies in the development of the neural tube of the fetus during pregnancy due to the presence of folic acid.

Pecan butter

Not only nuts, but also oil have medicinal properties. It is prepared from kernels by cold pressing. It has a light nutty aroma and pleasant taste. Pecan butter has a golden color and can be seen in the photo below.

Walnut oil is used:

Inside for treatment colds and reducing headaches, in the treatment of heart failure.
Externally for the treatment of skin diseases. It relieves irritation, fights fungal infections, and reduces bruises. The oil is applied to burns, bites and rashes.
As a massage oil. It moisturizes the skin well.

Harm from nuts

If consumed incorrectly, pecan fruits can cause serious harm body. To avoid this,

Obesity is a contraindication for nuts

You cannot eat more than the established norm per day. Recommended daily dose nuts - 18 pieces.

Pecan has virtually no contraindications. It should not be used:

people with individual intolerance to nuts;
prone to allergic reactions;
obese people;
in the presence of liver disease.

For people watching their figure, the harm of pecans is manifested in its high calorie content. If you don't monitor the amount of food you eat, you can gain excess weight.

When eating nuts, you must observe the following precautions:

Cleaned kernels should not be stored for a long time. They quickly deteriorate and begin to taste bitter.
Use with caution if you have constipation or skin diseases.
During pregnancy, you should not eat more than 2 nuts in 3 days. A large number of The protein in pecans can cause allergies and nut intolerance in a child.
It is strongly recommended not to give nuts to children before they reach 3 years of age. They provide heavy load on the children's digestive system.

Attention! When offering nuts to children, you should carefully monitor their body's reaction. You need to start with small doses. A nut allergy can lead to swelling of the larynx and choking.

The human stomach can digest no more than 100 g of nuts at one time. If the dose is exceeded, it may appear headache, rash on the skin and in the mouth, disorders of the digestive system.

Buying and storing nuts

Pecans can be stored for a long time, but only in the shell. When purchasing nuts, you must ensure their integrity. protective peel. There should be no cracks or chips on it. You also need to pay attention to color uniformity. Spots on the shell may indicate a nut disease or improper storage.

In order for nuts to retain their pleasant taste and all the vitamins for as long as possible, they must be stored tightly. in closed containers in a cool place. So, in the refrigerator, nuts in shell can be stored for up to 1 month. You can extend the shelf life if you place the product in the freezer. Frozen nuts can be stored for up to 6 months.

It is recommended to buy unshelled pecans only from trusted sellers who offer their customers freshly shelled nuts. When buying pecans in a store, it is better to buy the product in vacuum packaging, which allows you to keep the nuts fresh for a long time.

Pecan is not the most popular type of nut in Russia, however, it is very healthy. The benefits of pecan nuts are due to their high content of microelements and vitamins. To use this type of nuts for the benefit of health, you need to know the rate of their use, contraindications and possible adverse reactions in case of overdose.

In America, the pecan nut is popular and used in cooking, and the pecan tree has even become the official symbol of the state of Texas. It resembles in shape and shell, but its kernel tastes and looks like a walnut. A number of advantages distinguish pecans from walnuts. It has no partitions. The seam and the base of its shell are completely closed and do not have a soft layer. This feature of the nut protects it from pests and prevents the kernel from going rancid.

It also differs from walnuts in its taste - it is sweetish, pleasant, without a drop of astringency. In terms of taste, this nut is recognized as one of the best.

Pecan composition

All nuts have a high energy value, but most are superior to pecans. Calorie content of this product is about 690 kcal per 100 g. The pecan kernel contains about 14% carbohydrates, 10% protein, 70% fat. It contains calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, selenium, manganese, copper, zinc, iron, beta-carotene, tocopherol, ascorbic acid and B vitamins. This makes the nut valuable product and gives pecan useful properties that allow it to be used not only in cooking, but also in medicine and cosmetology.

What are the benefits of pecans?

Eating nuts in moderation increases “good” cholesterol and reduces “bad” cholesterol. Fatty acids, which pecans are rich in, protect the body from the formation of tumors, reduce the risk of heart attack and coronary disease.

Carotene present in the nut has a beneficial effect on vision and prevents the development of eye diseases. It helps cleanse the blood harmful substances and prevents contamination of blood vessels. The antioxidants that pecans contain benefit the entire body - they fight free radicals, thereby preserving its youth and beauty.

Pecan nuts are useful for vitamin deficiency and for improving appetite. It is able to regulate testosterone levels, increase sexual desire, improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, liver and kidneys.

Pecans are used to make oil, which is used for cooking and seasoning dishes. It is widely used in cosmetology and medicine, more often than nuts, since it contains high concentration useful substances. The most best oil, which has the maximum number of medicinal properties, is produced by cold pressing. It has delicate taste and an unobtrusive nutty smell.

What harm can pecans cause?

There are no special contraindications for consuming pecans, the exception being individual intolerance. You should not abuse this product, as it will be difficult for your stomach to cope with big amount nuts, this can lead to indigestion.

Pecans are the brown fruits of a deciduous nut tree that grows for about 300 years. Their homeland is considered central areas North America, valleys of Mexico. Pecans taste similar to walnuts, but have a delicately sweetish taste without bitterness. There are also similarities inside the shell, only there are no solid partitions. From the outside, the fruit looks like a smooth, elongated olive. Because of this, pecans are often called "olive nuts."

Characteristics and composition

The fruits of the walnut tree in a dark brown shell look like olives. The kernels are light beige in color and grow 2.5-3 centimeters in size. The composition of nuts is unique; they contain antioxidants and minerals. The kernels also contain vitamins, beta-carotene, which is beneficial for the body. Pecans are high in calories: 100 grams contain 690 calories. This calorie content of the woody plant causes satiety after just two eaten nuts and gives the body a boost of energy.

Nutritionists have discovered the following beneficial substances in nuts:

100 grams of pecans contain 71.2 grams of fat, 9.2 grams of protein and 12.3 grams of carbohydrates. Minerals and vitamins are 1.6 g and 3.1 g respectively.

The vitamin composition is characterized by the following properties:

fat-soluble vitamin E fights viral infections, reduces the risk of developing skin cancer;

thiamine (B1) promotes growth muscle tissue, necessary to strengthen the nervous system;

riboflavin (B2) regenerates tissues, participates in the metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates;

Niacin (vitamin B3) helps synthesize fats;

folic acid (B4) is involved in the creation of DNA molecules, red blood cells in cells;

pantothenic acid (B5) enhances carbohydrate metabolism;

pyridoxine (vitamin B6) helps the body synthesize lipids and participates in the formation of red blood cells;

ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is necessary for daily collagen synthesis and is responsible for protecting the body from microbes;

Vitamin K saturates bones with calcium and regulates blood clotting.

Natural antioxidants protect the body from harmful radicals and give a boost of energy. They allow you to maintain youth at the cellular level, protect the heart and blood vessels.

Use in cooking, folk medicine

Pecans are eaten raw or roasted in a pan. American confectioners have come up with many recipes adding nut crumbs and pieces to dishes and hearty snacks. Oil is produced from the fruit using cold-pressed technology. Cooks season salads with oil, pour over meat, fish dishes. It tastes like olive oil, has a nutty aroma and a golden hue.

In cooking the product is used:

for adding to salads, sauces;
for seasoning main courses, giving them a piquant taste;
for decorating cakes, pastries, sweets.

In folk medicine, the oil is used externally to improve the skin and treat minor wounds. Thanks to the application oil solution nails and hair are strengthened. They treat with it fungal infections, insect bites and sunburn. Cosmetologists use the product to apply to the skin before massage. The oil is used internally to prevent colds. It also lowers cholesterol and strengthens blood vessels.

What are the benefits of pecans for the body?

The benefits and harms of pecans were studied by nutritionists back in the 19th century. This healthy fruit has numerous medicinal properties, helps fight diseases. Positive qualities Pecans have a lot, and they are all used by healers and clinic doctors.

Useful properties include:

Reducing cholesterol levels. This property is provided by oleic acid.

Protecting the body and skin from aging. The rejuvenating effect is achieved thanks to the content of pecans, natural antioxidants.

Prevention of coronary disease, myocardial infarction and cancer. This result is given by fatty acids, which are a preventive agent against cancer.

Strengthening vision, preventing cataracts. Useful component in this case, carotene appears. He warns age-related diseases eye, reduces eye pressure.

Purification of blood from impurities. Carotene cleanses the walls of blood vessels from oxidation products and prevents the appearance of symptoms of atherosclerosis.

Prevention of cancer. The anti-cancer properties of pecans are effective against breast, lung, and prostate cancer.

Normalization of hormone and testosterone levels in men.

How to select and store nuts

Before purchasing nuts, you need to pay attention to the following nuances:

It is best to buy nuts in shells. It should be firm, without signs of damage.
The peeled yard quickly becomes rancid and loses its creamy taste.
The shell does not contain cracks, holes or spots of rot.
Cleaned kernels should be checked by touch. Fresh nuts look whole, fleshy and light.

The hard shell of the kernels is similar to the shell of walnuts or pine nuts. Ways to clean it at home Pine nuts, walnuts or pecan shells, there are many. You can use special devices or use tools. A hammer, pliers, or a hard object will do. The main thing is not to open the shell with your teeth, this will damage the fragile enamel.

Pecans should be stored in a tightly closed container or airtight bag. It is advisable to place the packaging in the freezer or on the refrigerator shelf. The shelf life of fresh kernels is 4 months, frozen - 6 months.

Harm and possible contraindications

Before eating nuts, you should study the contraindications and learn about possible harm. Pecans are contraindicated in children or adults in the following cases:

With uncontrolled overeating. If an adult eats more than 100 grams of peeled kernels, this will lead to indigestion and stomach problems.
With a tendency to be overweight. Nuts are very high in calories; 100 grams contains almost 700 calories. This is half the daily requirement for an adult.
If you have liver problems, cirrhosis or obesity.
If you are allergic to any components of the product.
If individual intolerance to nuts is identified.

Pregnant women should eat nuts with caution. Their use can further cause allergies in the baby. Pecans are contraindicated for small children under 3 years of age due to a weak stomach. The consumption of nuts should be limited in case of constipation, intestinal upset, or serious skin diseases.

Delicious Pecan Recipes

Pecans are used by culinary specialists in making toppings for cakes, preparing fillings for pies and sweets. To add variety to your desserts, you can try recipes with cashews, almonds or hazelnuts. In America, traditional pecan pie made from shortcrust pastry is a holiday treat. Baking recipes are simple and accessible to any housewife.

Vitamin vegetable salad with nuts

Ingredients:

Preparation:

Grate the carrots.
Peel the tangerines and divide them into slices.
Peel the nuts and leave the seeds whole.
Tear the greens into pieces. We use any to taste: basil, lettuce leaves.
Mix all ingredients with cranberries.
Refueling lemon juice, salt to taste.

Banana Pecan Muffin

Ingredients:

Preparation:

preheat the oven to 180 degrees, grease the pan with oil;
mix flour with salt and soda;
mash the bananas with a fork, beat half with sugar using a mixer;
add melted butter, eggs, mix;
pour nuts and vanilla into the dough, mix, pour into the mold;
bake for 1 hour until crust forms;
sprinkle with powder, cool