Research has discovered that eating pecans may help to slow the progression of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), more commonly called Lou Gehrig’s disease. A recent study published in Current Topics in Nutraceutical Research shows that pecans could help protect the neurological system due to their large quantities of vitamin E, a potent antioxidant.
Pecans Contain Antioxidants
Indeed, pecans contain the most antioxidants out of all the tree nuts. Numerous studies have demonstrated the cell-protective benefits of antioxidants, and this could explain why research has found them to be useful for preventing debilitating conditions like heart disease, dementia, cancer and Parkinson’s disease.
Study Performed with Pecans
At the University of Massachusetts at Lowell, Thomas Shea, PhD, and his team performed a series of studies on laboratory mice that were genetically altered to display the kind of motor neuron death seen with ALS. The mice were separated into three groups.
One was fed a control diet, and the other two were fed varying amounts of crushed pecans along with their regular food. The mice were subjected to motor neuron tests both before and after to determine whether there was improvement.
The researchers discovered that motor function declines in the pecan-fed mice were delayed significantly in comparison to the mice fed a control diet. Furthermore, it was found that the benefits were dose-dependent. More pecans meant better results.
Dr. Shea said of the results, “This data suggests that eating pecans regularly could offer considerable benefits from both nutrients and antioxidants.” Aside from being rich in vitamin E, kosher pecans are also excellent sources of selenium, magnesium, multiple B vitamins, phosphorus, folate, vitamin A and zinc.