Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowed new health claims for pecans and other nuts particularly with respect to helping reduce the incidence of heart disease. That means a heart-healthy diet can and probably should, include good-tasting foods such as pecans. The FDA's decision allows this wording in promotional material for pecans and other nuts.

"Scientific evidence suggests but does not prove that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts, such as pecans, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease."

There have been numerous studies that have demonstrated that some nut varieties can actually reduce the risk of heart disease. Included in these recent studies were several indicating that pecans in particular are very good at lowering cholesterol levels, especially LDL cholesterol, also known as the bad cholesterol.

So what does this mean to you the consumer?

Well, it means that pecans are not only a great tasting addition to your diet; pecans are also a healthful addition too!
Pecans are a naturally low carbohydrate food that you can easily include in your low carbohydrate diet. Whether you eat a handful as a snack, or include pecans as a part of your meal, pecans will add flavor and zest to a low-carb diet.

• Pecans are almost like opening a bottle of vitamins only they taste much better!

• Pecans are naturally low in carbohydrates. About an ounce of pecans contains only 4 grams of carbohydrates. That means that nutrient-dense pecans can add flavor, nutrition and disease-fighting properties to any diet that limits carbohydrates.

• Pecans contain approximately 60 percent monounsaturated fat and 30 percent polyunsaturated fat. This means that almost 90 percent of the fats (oils) in pecans are heart-healthy! These good kind of fats are essential to good nutrition and they have the added benefit of helping to curb your appetite, and they can help protect your heart.

• Pecans are not only high in unsaturated (polyunsaturated and monounsaturated) fat, but also other nutrients that may improve glucose and insulin stability, according to a study conducted over a 16-year period. The study found that eating nuts might help lower the risk of type 2 diabetes in women.

• Pecans contain both the alpha and gamma tocopherol forms of vitamin E, and vitamin E is the primary antioxidant we use. Antioxidants are important in slowing the process of cell stress, which can lead to cellular dysfunction. Much of this cellular dysfunction shows up in the aging process.

• Pecans contain an abundance of unsaturated fats, and studies have shown that pecans can help lower cholesterol levels. Pecans also contain plant components with antioxidant properties, which can slow the oxidation or "rusting" of LDL (bad) cholesterol. And, a recent study has confirmed that pecans also contain plant sterols, which have been in the news recently for their cholesterol-lowering ability.

• Pecans contain over 19 vitamins and minerals - including vitamin A, vitamin E, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, several B vitamins and zinc. Just one ounce of pecans (a handful or about 20 halves) has more zinc than a 3.5-ounce piece of skinless chicken. Most good sources of zinc are foods of animal origin, but pecans offer an excellent plant-based source.

• Pecans provide a healthful source of needed protein, which is essential for proper body function.

• Pecans are high in fiber. One ounce of pecans has about the same amount of fiber as a medium-sized apple, and provides 10 percent of the recommended Daily Value for fiber. Fiber keeps you fuller longer and will keep your blood sugar on an even keel.

• Pecans can help dieters and those looking to control their weight because the dieter will feel fuller for a longer period of time after eating pecans. Studies have also shown that consumers who eat nuts regularly are leaner than those who don't eat nuts regularly, and suggest that nuts may increase the rate at which the body burns calories.