We've all heard about how acidic foods are hard on our stomachs and our teeth. Whether you're seeking a low-acidity lifestyle because you already have acid reflux disease or are trying to prevent it from developing, learning the pH of your favorite foods is essential.
Nuts are a great and overall healthy snack. If you love pecans and don't want to cut them from your diet, you'll need to know whether pecans are acidic or not.
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Are Pecans Acidic?
Pecans have a pH rating of 6.6, meaning that they're acidic! The good news is that since their pH rating is only 6.6, they're closer to being neutral than super acidic. The pH rating of pecans is closer to neutral, which means that pecans are less likely to give you heartburn or acid reflux. Pecans make a delicious and nutritious snack as well as the perfect addition to meals.
Why You Should Eat Pecans
Eating pecans can provide your body with much-needed vitamins and nutrients. Plus, these nuts are higher in calories, which can make you feel fuller for longer.
Pecans are rich in monounsaturated fats. The main one you'll find in pecans is oleic acid, which has been known to reduce the risk of heart disease.
If you add a handful of pecans daily to your diet, it can help lower your bad cholesterol and increase your good cholesterol.
Lowering your bad cholesterol can help prevent you from having a stroke or developing coronary artery disease.
I already touched on the fact that pecans are able to keep you feeling fuller for longer, but adding nuts to your diet can help you lose weight. Eating pecans not only curbs your cravings and keeps you fuller for longer, but they can also help speed up your metabolism.
The reason pecans can speed up your metabolism is that they're rich in several B-complex vitamins and folates.
When you eat a serving of pecans, you're getting 38% of your recommended daily intake of an essential mineral, copper. Copper is vital to your health because it helps keep your nerve cells functioning correctly, boosts your immune system, and promotes red blood cells.
More studies need to be conducted on this health benefit, but some research suggests that eating pecans can help you have better blood sugar control. This may be due to the fiber content in the nuts. Pecans contain both water-soluble fiber and insoluble fiber.
When the fiber is ingested, a jelly material flows through the body and will absorb the sugar in your blood. One study showed that individuals who were overweight or obese and ate pecans for four weeks saw an improvement in their body's ability to produce insulin.
Another great benefit of eating pecans is that it can help prevent you from becoming constipated. The high fiber in the nuts will keep your stool regular and soft enough to prevent you from having painful hemorrhoids.
Can You Eat Pecans When You Have Acid Reflux Disease?
Healthcare professionals are split regarding whether you should or shouldn't eat pecans when you have acid reflux disease. Many believe that eating these nuts can cause your acid reflux disease to act up.
Others believe that since their pH is closer to neutral than super acidic, most people won't have a severe reaction if eaten in moderation. It's best to consult with your doctor about whether pecans can stay in your diet or not.
Where Are Pecans Grown?
Pecans grow in many countries around the world, but the United States is the leader in world pecan production. Pecans are the only nut tree native to the United States, and Georgia is the state where they're grown the most.
Albany, Georgia, has the most pecan trees per capita in the world, with 600,000 trees. Most of these trees will live to be around 200 years old, producing pecans every year. Even though most pecan trees only have nuts every two years, that's a lot of pecans over their lifespan.
Not only is the United States the leading producer of pecans in the world, but they're also the top consumers. Mexico is another major consumer of pecans in the world and one of the countries that the United States exports to the most.
The interesting thing about this is that Mexico is also the second-largest producer of pecans in the world. The United States and Mexico regularly export their pecans to Canada. Canada hardly produces any pecans, but they consume a large amount per citizen.
The Ever Popular Pecan Pie
Did you know that the popular pecan pie came to the United States when the French brought it to New Orleans? What many people think of as an American classic is actually French.
People on the holidays enjoy pecan pie or whenever they're getting a craving for sweet pecans. A fun fact about pecan pie is that there are an average of 78 pecans in one pecan pie.
Fantastic Pecan Recipes That Aren't Pecan Pie
If you want to incorporate pecans into your meals more, you can do that without making hundreds of pecan pies. You can make delicious breakfasts, lunches, dinners, desserts, and even snacks.
Are you looking for the perfect pecan dinner? Try making these maple-pecan pork chops. Your pork chops will be glazed in maple and pecan flavoring and topped with roasted pecans. Talk about a delicious dinner everyone will enjoy.
Pecan and coconut-crusted tilapia is the perfect summertime meal. Of course, you can make this whenever you want, though. You'll prepare a crust made from coconut and crushed pecans to run your fish in before frying or baking.
It added a delicious crunch to your meal, and the combination of coconut and pecan is to die for. Another way to incorporate pecans into your seafood dish is to make a pecan-crusted Cajun catfish. You'll have a little spice and a whole lot of crunch.
A delicious pecan dessert that isn't pecan pie is a carrot cake with pecan frosting. You'll prepare your favorite carrot cake recipe and create a creamy frosting with pecans. This may be your new favorite holiday dessert.
Don't know what to drink? Check out these articles: 20 Most and Least Acidic Juices and 20+ Alcoholic Drinks Ranked by Acidity Level