Nutrition in a Nutshell

Pecans May Protect The Mind

Eating about a handful of pecans each day may play a role in protecting the nervous system which would delay the progression of age-related motor neuron degeneration. This may include diseases like amyotropic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
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Naturally-occurring antioxidants in pecans may help contribute to heart health and disease prevention, according to a study at Loma Linda University. Research showed that adding just a handful of pecans to your diet each day may help inhibit unwanted oxidation of blood lipids, thus helping prevent coronary heart disease.

The fiber found in pecans help to clean out the gastrointestinal system, allowing the colon to work at greater levels of efficiency.

Pecans are rich in magnesium - a mineral known for its anti-inflammatory benefits.

Pecans contain oleic acid, a fatty acid with some promising benefits shown to induce migration and proliferation in breast cancer cells, and promote an increase in breast cancer cell invasiveness.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has acknowledged this and related research and approved the following qualified health claim: “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.”

Pecans contain more than 19 vitamins and minerals - including vitamin A, vitamin E, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, several B vitamins and zinc.

Health benefits of pecan oil can be experienced all year round. These large, buttery flavored nuts are rich in numerous vitamins and minerals known for promoting various aspects of health. Outlined below are some of the prominent nutrients found in pecans. (The figures are based on one ounce serving (28 grams) of pecans):
Fiber - 2.7 grams 11% RDA
Manganese - 1.3 milligrams 64% RDA
Copper - 0.3 milligrams 17% RDA
Thiamin - 2.7 grams 17% RDA
Magnesium - 34.2 milligrams 9% RDA
Phosphorus - 78.2 milligrams 8% RDA
Iron - 0.7 milligrams 4% RDA
Protein - 2.6 grams 5% RDA
Fatty Acids, Total Polyunsaturated - 6.128 grams
Carotene-B -29ug
Crypto-xanthin-B - 9ug
Lutein-zeaxanthin - 17ug

Promoting Bone and Teeth Health, Prevention Muscle Soreness, and More

The phosphorus in pecans teams up with calcium to promote health of your bones and teeth. Additionally, the mineral is essential for the growth and repair of cells and tissues along with the the production of DNA and RNA. Lastly, phosphorus helps prevent muscle pain following exercise.

Fiber is also known to boost heart health. Pecans also contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fats like oleic acid along with phenolic antioxidants. Both of these substances help to prevent coronary artery disease and strokes.

Magnesium has been shown to help lower blood pressure and therefore strokes.

Honey is a natural source of carbohydrates and sugars to provide strength, energy, endurance and reduce muscle fatigue.

Honey’s antioxidant and anti-bacterial properties can help improve the digestive system and help you stay healthy and fight disease.

Honey possesses carcinogen-preventing and anti-tumor properties thorugh inherent flavonoids and phenolic compounds that reduce cancer risk.

The antioxidants in honey fight cholesterol and protect against heart disease.

COUGH MEDICINE Honey is listed as a demulcent which relieves throat irritation and also as a dextromethorphen which is found in common medicines to treat respritory tract infections.

TREAT WOUNDS Honey releases hydrogen peroxide into wounds through the enzymatic process which kills bacteria and improves healing.

IMPROVE YOUR SCALP Honey diluted in water and applied to a scalp is shown to improve seborrheic dermatitis which causes dandruff and itching.

REDUCES ALLERGY SYMPTOMS Local honey eaten before pollen season boost your immune system to allergy related complications.

Honey Hair Conditioner: Mix ½ cup honey with ¼ cup olive oil. Work a small amount through your hair until coated. Cover your hair with a shower cap and let sit for 30 minutes. Shampoo as normal and rinse.

Honey Body Moisturizer: Mix 5 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons rose oil, and 2 cups almond oil in a medium-sized bottle. Apply as needed onto wet skin.

Honey Almond Scrub: Mix 3 teaspoons honey, 1 teaspoon olive oil, and 6 ½ tablespoons of finely crushed almonds. Rub the exfoliating scrub onto your face gently and rinse with warm water.

Honey Sleep Aid: Take a glass of hot milk with a teaspoon of honey to calm the soul and induce sleep. Or, add 1 or 2 teaspoons of honey to a cup of chamomile tea and sip.

Hangover Aid: Combine 15ml of liquid honey with 80ml of orange juice and 70ml of natural yogurt. Blend them together until smooth and drink.

FUN HONEY FACTS

The health benefits of consuming honey have been document in early Greek, Roman, and Islamic texts, and the healing qualities of honey were referred to by philosophers and scientists all the way back to ancient times around 320 BC.

It takes 60,000 bees, collectively traveling up to 55,000 miles and visiting more than 2 million flowers, to gather enough nectar to make one pound of honey.

Honey possess large amounts of friendly bacteria including lactobacilli and four species bifidobacteria. This help may explain the mysterious therapeutic properties of honey.

Honey is a humectant which it attracts and retains moisture making it an ideal addition to shampoo moisturizer and conditioner.

Honey sealed in an airtight container will never spoil due to its chemical makeup of hydrogen peroxide, sugars and acidity.