Daily pecan intake improves cholesterol in at-risk adults

Eating 57 grams of pecans every day for 12 weeks can help improve cholesterol levels and overall diet quality for adults at risk of heart diseases. This finding comes from a recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The study found that replacing typical snacks with pecans led to increased intake of healthy fats and fiber. It also reduced carbohydrate consumption, making diets healthier overall. However, the pecans did not show any significant impact on vascular health. Diet quality is important, as nearly half of cardiometabolic disease-related deaths in the U.S. are linked to poor diet. Snacks contribute to about 20% of daily energy intake, and choosing nutrient-rich options like nuts can help improve health. Participants in the study had lower triglyceride levels after eating pecans, which is promising for heart health. The group consuming pecans also increased their intake of healthy fats and fiber while consuming less energy from carbohydrates. The study included a diverse group of male and female participants aged between 25 and 70, all of whom had excess weight or obesity and met criteria for metabolic syndrome. Despite some participants gaining a small amount of weight, overall improvements in cholesterol levels were noted. After 12 weeks, those eating pecans showed a notable increase in their diet quality scores, emphasizing the benefits of this nut. Researchers suggest that making pecans a regular part of the diet could help reduce the risk of heart disease for those at higher risk.