James Worrell
We love you almonds and pistachios, but today is National Pecan Day and all about celebrating this sweet nut!
Pecans may get a bad rap because they tend to be the star of more indulgent dessert recipes (think butter pecan ice cream and pecan pie), but eaten alone as a snack or sprinkled into a meal, they deliver health benefits.
Pecans (and other nuts) are relatively high in calories, but they contain protein, healthy fats, and compounds that seem to help lower LDL, or "bad" cholesterol. Pecans may also offer added benefits for men's health too.
So go ahead, toss them in a mixed greens salad, treat yourself to a slimmed-down version of sticky buns when you're craving a treat or try one of the recipes below to add a healthy crunch to your dish.
Pecan-Crusted Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients: Pork tenderloin, apple cider, pecans, brown sugar, spicy brown mustard, salt, pepper and garlic cloves
Calories: 339
Try this recipe: Pecan-Crusted Pork Tenderloin
Quinoa Ginger Pecan Muffins
Ingredients: Quinoa, pecans, apricots, ground ginger, fat-free milk, reduced-fat Bisquick, sugar, salt, molasses and eggs
Calories: 118
Try this recipe: Quinoa Ginger Pecan Muffins
Basmati Rice with Pecans
Ingredients: Basmati Rice, chicken broth, pecans, parsley, butter, salt, cumin and black pepper
Calories: 187
Try this recipe: Basmati Rice with Pecans
Read more:
- Best and Worst Nuts for Your Health
- This Bar Snack is a Superfood
- Recipe Makeover: Lighter Sweet Potato Pecan Cupcakes
- Pick Your Perfect Snack