Pecan is widely consumed by residents of the United States, where, by the way, it grows. It is the southern part of the United States that is considered the birthplace of this wood product, where it is most often found off the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. The pecan fruit looks like a walnut, but its taste is slightly different. In this article we will talk in detail about the caloric content and beneficial properties of this nut, as well as how to choose it correctly, clean it and preserve it for a long time.
Calorie and chemical composition
In 100 g of this wood product there are 691 kcal, among all calories the protein part is 9.2 g, carbohydrate - 4.3 g, fatty - 72.0 g. This nut contains a wide range of various mineral substances, micro- and macroelements, polyunsaturated fatty acids, food fibers, mono - and disaccharides. 
In addition, pecans are rich in a variety of vitamin B compounds, as well as vitamins K, A, E, C, PP. The composition of the product also includes choline, beta-carotene and many minerals: potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium.
Beneficial features
This nut is considered to be similar to walnut, not only by its biological description, but also by some useful properties. In addition, pecan make a tasty and healthy butter, even with the taste of chocolate, which can be found on store shelves.
I have equally useful properties: nutmeg, hazelnuts, manchurian nuts, cashews, walnuts, almonds, pine nuts, filberts, black and brazil nuts.
Nuts
One of the most important beneficial properties of these nuts is the presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are able to suppress the level of "bad" cholesterol (Omega-6) and increase the level of good (Omega-3). The composition of Omega-3 is irreplaceable oleic acid, which is not produced by the human body and must come into it from the outside. 
Omega-3 is found only in certain types of nuts, flaxseed oil and in some types of sea fish. Most of the people living in our country lack polyunsaturated fatty acids, and therefore we have always had an increased risk of death from cardiovascular diseases. Omega-3 is able to normalize the work of the heart muscle, improve the condition of the blood vessels, and thus reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack. In addition, these fatty acids kill germ tumors in the human body, and also normalize the condition of the skin.
Did you know? 80% of the world's pecan reserves are in the United States.Pecan ordinary has a high calorie content due to the fact that it contains a lot of healthy fats. Some of them have antioxidant properties and slow down the aging process. By the way, this factor is greatly influenced by omega-3 fatty acids.
During the experiments, scientists have found that smokers who eat natural sources of omega-3 wrinkles are much less than smokers who avoid taking polyunsaturated fatty acids.This nut is very rich in carotene, which helps to maintain normal vision for years. Carotene prevents the occurrence of many diseases of the organs of vision, including cataracts and glaucoma. 
In addition, carotene has anti-toxic properties and helps to remove various toxic substances from the blood, as well as prevents the deposition on the walls of blood vessels of the by-products of fat oxidation, which form atherosclerosis plaques. If you still didn’t know what pecans are, keep in mind that these are some of the best natural gifts against hypertension and arrhythmias.
In addition, pecan nuts help strengthen the body's defenses and improve appetite. They are also able to adjust the level of testosterone, which directly affects the quality of sex life. Regular consumption of such nuts will allow the functioning of many vital organs.
Oils
In this section, we will talk about the benefits of natural, pressed butter from nuts, and not about pasta, which is spread on bread, and gives your taste buds chocolate flavor. Of course, pasta is also useful in some specific cases, but natural oil has, of course, much more beneficial properties. 
Important! Buy only cold-pressed oil, because during hot processing some vitamins in its composition, as well as polyunsaturated fatty acids, can break down into other components of the substance that no longer benefit the body.Natural pecan oil has found its application not only in cooking, but also in medicine and cosmetology. Moreover, in the last two areas, this product is used much more often than ordinary nuts, since the oil contains much more various useful substances per unit mass.
The best oil in terms of the concentration of the most useful substances will be, if in its manufacture using the method of cold pressing. Natural pecan oil will have a pleasant nutty smell and a soft delicate taste. 
Nut oil can be taken both internally and externally. It all depends on what purpose you are going to use it. If pecan butter is filled with vegetable or fruit salads, it will help alleviate cold symptoms, relieve headaches, and strengthen the cardiovascular system. This product can also be applied to the skin. Pecan product will become an indispensable tool for insect bites, hematomas, sunburn, irritation, fungal infections, etc.
Did you know? Pecan tree is able to bear fruit for 300 years.Pecan product found its application in cosmetology. Here oil is used to moisturize, soften and protect the skin. This tool protects the epidermis well from various external stimuli. Peanut oil can be used for any skin type, but more beneficial and effective it will affect dry and mature skin.
The condition of the skin is beneficially influenced by: hellebore, prickly pear and citronella oil, lagenaria, zabrus, yarrow, sage, monarda, marjoram, gravilat, royal jelly and even boletus mushrooms.
Possible harm
Pecan has many beneficial properties, and it has practically no contraindications. One and the main contraindication to the use of this product are allergic reactions. If you do not have those, then you can safely eat it. But with unlimited use should be careful, this is especially important for women who watch their figure.
You need to be careful, because 300 grams of these nuts will close the entire daily rate of nutrition, as they will give your body about two thousand calories.
How to choose when buying
These nuts reach their peak of maturity only in the fall, so you should buy them during this period of the year. When choosing, pay attention to the shell: it must be clean and without mechanical damage. Shake the nuts and listen carefully to the sound, if everything rattles inside, it means that the product is old, and quite possibly last year's. It is best to buy pecans in the opened form. So you can sniff them and carefully examine. Choose only those nuts that have a natural smell, and with this holistic structure.
In what form to use
Pecans can be consumed in a completely different form: raw, dried, fried. In addition, these nuts will be delicious filling for a variety of salads and pastries. And some gourmets insist on elite beverages on pecans (brandy, liqueur, etc.). Salad, rice and fish dishes can be refined with nut butter, especially the delicious combination of pecan butter and trout meat. 
Important! Heat-treated nuts lose some of their nutrients.Some residents of the United States make delicious coffee from these nuts: they grind coffee beans and nuts and make brewed coffee that has a special and unique taste. Athletes prepare energy drinks from such nuts, which are both healthy, nutritious and tasty.
How to clean
For the most comfortable cleaning of these nuts from the shell you need to use the nut nut. But before that you can ease your task a little. Pour all the nuts (not yet peeled) into the pan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, and after - remove from heat. Then drain the water from the pan and allow the nuts to dry. After that they can be cleaned with the help of a walnut nut. 
How to store at home
Pecans, in fact, like other types of nuts, are best kept in the refrigerator. Due to the lowered temperature, the oxidation processes of the walnut compound substances slow down a lot, which will prolong the useful life of the pecan. It is best to keep the nuts in vacuum packaging, which will prevent the flow of various gaseous substances there.
When storing nuts in the fridge, they will remain fresh and tasty for 60 days, but if you freeze them, you can extend the freshness to 180 days. And if pecan is stored in the shell, the freshness will remain even longer, in the refrigerator - for 250-270 days, and in the freezer - for 700-800 days. 
The benefits of pecans are significant enough to be eaten regularly. Essential polyunsaturated fatty acids in combination with various minerals and vitamins make this product special in the field of cooking. So eat these nuts at least periodically, but try to follow the increased calorie content.
