National Pecan Month

by Terri L Mooney-Hooker

April is National Pecan Month. Have you ever wondered what benefits pecans have or where do they even come from?  As a member of our Wellness Team at MAX, I decided to do some research about the pecan and its health benefits.

Did you know a one ounce serving of pecans, about 15 to 20 pieces, has many benefits?  According to the www.ilovepecans.org website, a serving of pecans:

  • Helps reduce the risk of heart disease and lowers cholesterol levels
  • Contains more than 19 essential vitamins and minerals
  • Naturally sodium free
  • High source of natural protein
  • Provided 10% of the recommended Daily Value for fiber

According to the U.S. Pecans website, pecans were originally called “nuez de la arruga” by Spanish explorers who came across them in what is now Louisiana, Texas, and Mexico. It translates to “wrinkle nut” for their appearance of wrinkles. The name “pecan” is a Native American word of Algonquin origin that was used to describe “all nuts requiring a stone to crack.”

Pecans are grown on trees and are grown commercially in 15 states within the U.S. including Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas.

Here is an easy and quick way from allrecipies.com to prepare a great pecan snack the whole family can enjoy.  I hope you can enjoy some pecans not only in April, but throughout the year!

 

HeadshotAbout Terri

Terri is the Administrative Coordinator at MAX. She performs all administrative duties, and helps out in other areas of the company when needed. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband, her children, two cats, and her extended family and friends. She is huge movie goer and an avid animal lover.

Photo by Counse