pecans

Pecans (*Carya illinoinensis*) are nutrient-dense tree nuts that serve as a dietary intervention for improving cardiometabolic health. A 12-week randomized controlled trial conducted by Penn State University (NCT05071807) investigated the effects of daily pecan consumption (57 grams/day) in adults at risk for cardiovascular disease. The study found that incorporating pecans as a snack replacement significantly improved lipid profiles, specifically reducing total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. Additionally, pecan consumption was associated with improved overall diet quality as measured by the Healthy Eating Index-2020. The cardiometabolic benefits are attributed to the high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, dietary fiber, and polyphenols naturally present in pecans, which provide a healthier alternative to typical snack foods.

Other names

Carya illinoinensis