Pecan

The pecan grows on deciduous trees with a thick, dark brown trunk that can be up to three hundred years old. The leaves on this tree resemble willow - medium-sized and slightly elongated. Pecan begins to bloom quite late - in late May - early June, under such conditions, future fruits will not suffer from late frosts.

The fruit itself is a nut, as it ripens, the color of the shell changes from green to light brown. A fully ripe fruit is oblong in shape, has a length of up to 4 centimeters. It cracks easily, as the thickness of the dry shell is only 1 millimeter. The kernel is very reminiscent of a walnut - the same two cotyledons, only a little more oblong. Pecan differs from walnut in taste - it is more saturated and does not have bitterness.

It grows along the eastern coasts of the United States, from Indiana in the north to Texas in the south. Pecans are also found on the South American continent, as well as in Mexico. As we approach the southern latitudes, the thickness of the trunk increases markedly - from 60 cm in diameter in the north to 2 meters near the equator.

The main climatic condition for the comfortable growth of this plant is the presence of humid subtropical forests. The hot climate and moisture-saturated air create ideal conditions for the development of fruits. These requirements are fully met by the air that brings the wind from the warm Gulf of Mexico.

In terms of the amount of nutrients in its composition, the pecan nut can compete with many medicinal crops. Due to the large amount of “healthy” fats, this nut helps control blood cholesterol levels, and lutein and beta-carotene, as substances with antioxidant action, cleanse the blood at the cellular level.

Vitamin E also present in pecans. It helps to cleanse the body from the harmful toxic effects of the environment and ultraviolet radiation. Also, this vitamin helps to rejuvenate the skin, slowing down the aging process and increasing its blood supply. The main condition for the proper absorption of this vitamin is its combination with polyunsaturated fats, which abound in pecans.

B vitamins, contained in pecans, contribute to proper metabolism, affect metabolism, and also play a significant role in the process of converting carbohydrates into fats, thereby helping to control weight. Also, vitamins of this group have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the nervous and cardiovascular systems, increase muscle tone and support immunity.

Carotene, contained in pecans, has a beneficial effect on human vision, reduces the risk of developing cataracts and other ophthalmic diseases.In combination with the fats that are present in the nut, carotene is perfectly absorbed in the body, being converted into vitamin A, which is the vitamin of youth.

Indian women used pecans to maintain their beauty. After all selenium, in large quantities contained in it, contributes to the production of the hormone estrogen. With its lack, the skin becomes dull and pale, the hair becomes dull, and the nails brittle. When replenishing the amount of selenium in the body, these problems disappear, a sparkle in the eyes and a healthy girlish blush appear, and female libido increases.

The main rule when using any products - don't overeat. This also applies to pecans. Since it is oversaturated with vegetable fats, with constant and excessive use, you can earn obesity.

If you are intolerant or allergic to the substances in the pecan, you should avoid eating this nut to avoid a reaction or more serious health consequences.

If some time has passed after cleaning the nut, it can harm the body, since in its purified form it is a perishable product due to its high fat content. Therefore, you need to use it immediately, as the shell was removed from it.

Pecan nuts are high in calories - 100 grams contains as much as 691 kcal! The nutritional value of other substances per 100 grams is:

• Squirrels - 9 g;
• Fats - 72 g;
• Carbohydrates - 14 years old

In addition, pecans contain a lot of dietary fiber and fiber - about 10 g, as well as glucose, fructose and lactose - 0.4 g each.

The pecan nut is grown on the American continent and from there it is exported to our country, so its cost is somewhat overestimated compared to other nuts. Average For 1 kilogram of product, distributors ask for $30. Including all wholesale markups, a retail consumer in Russia receives a pecan at a cost of approximately 200-250 rubles per 100 grams.

Pecan oil is a real storehouse of nutrients. To preserve all the healing properties, it is made by cold pressing. This oil is very similar in color to olive oil, and it smells like hazel.

The use of pecan oil inside is shown as homeopathic remedy in complex therapy for ARVI and influenza, heart failure, as well as to maintain immunity and cleanse the body.

In addition to being used internally, pecan oil is also used externally. It is used as unique massage tool, which perfectly rejuvenates and moisturizes the skin, significantly increases its turgor and makes it radiant and fresh.

Outwardly oil is also used in the treatment of skin problems - burns, bruises, rashes and urticaria on the skin, as well as to relieve inflammation in the bites of blood-sucking and stinging insects.

It is best to buy a pecan in the shell, as their shelf life is very short. Pay attention to the fact that the fruits are whole, without cracks and bumps.Shell stains may indicate disease during growth, insect infestation, or improper storage. In any case, such instances are best put aside.

If you prefer shelled nuts, you should only purchase them from trusted sellers who offer freshly peeled fruits to customers. The best option would be to buy a nut in a package that allows you to keep food fresh for a long time, for example, in a vacuum.

The Indians, who are the discoverers of the pecan, know more than one way to use it. If the mother does not have enough breast milk, the nuts are finely ground until a liquid slurry is formed, squeezed out and the babies are fed with the resulting liquid. For the elderly, this healing remedy returns strength and health, and for people of mature age it helps to restore the body's strength after serious illnesses and injuries.

In modern cooking, the pecan is very much in demand, especially in the cuisine of North America and Mexico. They make from it the famous pecan pie, baked with chicken and trout, cook soups from it. It is also often included in various salads, as it goes well with cheese and vegetables.

See below for details.

In cosmetology Pecan oil is used to combat the signs of skin aging. It is perfectly absorbed and promotes cell rejuvenation, stimulating the work of capillaries and saturating cells with oxygen. Very often, pecan nut extract is included in creams and masks for skin 40+.

It is also used to fight cancer. It is most effective in the defeat of the prostate. A special kind of vitamin E, contained in large quantities in this nut, with proper complex therapy, destroys the affected cells and helps to restore the tissues of the diseased organ.