Studies and Resources

The Science Behind Pecans

Research studies over the past decade have shown that eating pecans on a regular basis (in moderation), can have many positive benefits for your health. Loaded with more than 19 vitamins and minerals, high levels of antioxidants and healthy fats, pecans are a heart-healthy whole food that can make a substantial contribution to a healthy diet.

More research is currently underway to determine more specifically how pecans support systems of the body and help to prevent disease. Updates will be posted here as they and new studies become available.

International Tree Nut Council Nutrition Research and Education Foundation

The International Tree Nut Council Nutrition Research and Education Foundation, a nonprofit organization representing nine tree nut industries, has published studies on pecans and health-related information on other nuts as well.

American Pecan Council

The American Pecan Council also provides information on studies about the health benefits of pecans.

National Pecan Shellers Association

The National Pecan Shellers Association, ILovePecans.org, has a thorough listing of nutritional research on pecans and nuts in general. Learn more about the potential benefits of incorporating pecans in your diet and research findings of specific studies for consumers, health professionals and educators.

Pecan Studies

A large 30-year study found an association between regular nut consumption and decreased risk of mortality from all causes, including heart disease, compared to those who did not consume nuts. The study also found that those who regularly eat nuts weighed less than those who didn’t eat nuts. Read more

Regular nut consumption may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, cardiovascular disease, total cancer, and all-cause mortality, and possibly mortality from diabetes, respiratory disease, and infectious disease. Read more

Frequent consumption of nuts is associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Read more

Pecans lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), considered the “bad” cholesterol, in people with normal lipid levels. Read more

Eating nuts is associated with reduced risk of coronary heart disease, and dietary intervention studies show improved lipid profiles when incorporating pecans. Read more

Eating pecans may help protect the nervous system and delay the progression of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) Read more

Pecans raise Vitamin E levels, which may support prostate and intestinal health. Read more

According to Scientific Evidence

A diet rich in nuts, fruits, and vegetables may reduce cholesterol levels as much as medication

Among the tree nuts, pecans are proven to have the highest in antioxidant content

The risk of heart disease may be reduced by eating 1.5 ounces of most nuts, such as pecans, every day as part of a healthy diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol