Eating two handfuls of pecans a day can lower rates of the bad cholesterol linked to heart disease, New Mexico State University researchers reported in this month's issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association.
Pecans can be part of a balanced and varied diet.
Morgan and former graduate student Beverly Clayshulte conducted an eight-week study, funded by NMSU's Agricultural Experiment Station and a grant from the Western Pecan Growers Association. Total cholesterol was lowered as well. The research adds to a growing body of knowledge that counters notions that people should avoid eating nuts. Similar studies have been conducted with almonds and walnuts. Nutritionists and other health care professionals were telling folks to stay away from nuts because they are high in fat.