This Nutrient-Packed Pecan Smoothie Aids Brain Health And Mental Focus

Last updated on 14 MAR 2019

Pecans are tree nuts that are known to be used as pie fillings. It turns out they are incredibly beneficial to your health. Eating pecans have been linked to lower cholesterol, aid cardiovascular and brain health.

The Health Benefits of Pecans

Pecans are packed with antioxidants, which can neutralize damaging free radicals known to cause cancer. They contain vitamin E, that is helpful for preventing cell damage and boost your immune system. Eating just one cup of pecans can provide you with 130 milligrams of magnesium and 110 milligrams of phytosterols.

Pecans provide your body with good (HDL) cholesterol and helps lower LDL cholesterol. Beyond the health benefits to your heart and cardiovascular system, these nuts also limit your risk of developing diabetes.

They are an excellent source of healthy, unsaturated fats. The high fiber and healthy fats improve the balance of fats in your diet. By eating more pecans, you may be able to get a boost to your weight loss goals.

Brain Benefits of Eating More Pecans

Eating more pecans is beneficial for brain health and mental focus. Pecans are a good source of vitamin E, which is an anti-inflammatory and helps to protect fats from oxidation. Vitamin E also protects cells from damage, keeping the brain healthy.

Another beneficial nutrient found in pecans is choline. Choline has been proven to improve brain function and mental focus. Studies have found that choline will help to improve proper brain function and boost memory power.

If you are out of pecans, reach for other nutrient-rich nuts. Almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts all contain beneficial vitamins and minerals.

Pecan Smoothie Recipe

Drinking a smoothie is an easy way to get more of an ingredient in your diet. You whip together a smoothie in a few minutes and have a meal packed with vitamins and minerals. To make your own pecan nutrient-packed smoothie for brain health, follow this recipe:

Pecan Smoothie Ingredients

• ½ cup of pecans (toasted and chopped)
• 1½ cups of homemade or organic yogurt
• 2 large bananas (frozen and then sliced)
• 1 tablespoon of raw honey or maple syrup
• A pinch of cinnamon powder
• ½ cup of healthy milk of choice
• 1 cup of ice

Pecan Smoothie Directions

Combine all of the ingredients in a blender and blend until you get a smooth texture. Some people prefer to add the ice after the rest of the ingredients have been mixed. This recipe is not intended to be stored for later use. It should be drunk immediately.

The pecan smoothie recipe that is provided is just one example of how you can add more pecans to your diet. There are dozens of other pecan smoothie recipes. Experiment with the use of pecans, by adding a half of a cup of toasted, chopped pecans to any of your favorite smoothie recipes.

Pecans are a healthy nut that is beneficial for brain health and mental focus. Make an effort to include more pecans in your diet. Start by using this pecan smoothie recipe—or you could just eat more pecan on its own.

Sources:
https://www.healthguidance.org/entry/13764/1/Eating-Pecans-to-Protect-the-Brain.html
https://www.nutrition-and-you.com/pecans.html

About Sara Ding

Sara Ding is the founder of Juicing-for-Health.com. She is a certified Wellness Health Coach, Nutritional Consultant and a Detox Specialist. She helps busy men and women identify their health issues at the root cause, in order to eliminate the problems for optimum physical/mental health and wellbeing.

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