Pecans: The Plain and Simple Story

Pecans Lifestyle National Pecan Day

If you ever find yourself traveling in the southern part of the United States, you owe it to yourself to make your way to Albany, Georgia. Albany prides itself on its 600,000 Pecan tress. Now, Pecan trees can get up to anywhere from 66 to 121 feet high and they can live for around 200 years. They are stunningly beautiful and serene.

I am not suggesting chucking out all the antidepressants and heading to Albany to solve all of your problems; however, a picnic under the Pecan trees while listening to the Allman Brothers play “Melissa,” might prove good for the soul.

So what’s so great about pecans you ask? Well, the first thing is the powerful pecan is heart healthy and contains antioxidants. To be specific, pecans contain 19 vitamins and minerals and healthy fat, yep, healthy fat. One of the mineral components is zinc, which is important in producing testosterone in both males and females. So if you think if you have a shot at the next Olympic games, you might consider a handful of pecans to begin your quest.

OK, so nuts are good for your body, however, here are 16 great reasons that pecans should be part of your diet.

The Big Sixteen: Health Benefits

Reduce blood pressure

Reduce stroke risk

Promote bone health

Promote teeth health

Prevent muscle soreness following exercise

Helping the body to rid waste in the kidneys

Reducing inflammation

Helping cells and tissues to grow and repair

Boosting heart health, reducing heart disease risk

Promote digestive health

Promote healthy vision

Building muscle, aiding in muscle recovery

Preventing breast cancer

Reduce cancer risk

Iron-deficiency anemia

Weight Loss

Fun Facts

So the little pecan is pretty impressive. Here are some odd facts about pecans (pecan nerds) that should make you appreciate one of the All Stars of the Nut Family. Pecan trees only produce nuts every two years. It takes approximately 78 pecans in the average pecan pie. One ounce of pecans provides 10% of the recommended daily fiber intake. Thank you France, pecan pie was created by French people who had settled in New Orleans. And if you are not doing anything on July 12th, well, it’s time to party because that is…drum roll…National Pecan Pie Day.

I look forward to seeing you across the river and under the shade of the trees, enjoying a piece of pie and of course, cranking out the Allman Brothers.

John Gregg is a former writer, reporter, anchor, and senior producer for NBC, ESPN, & PBS and the winner of four Emmys for his reporting.