Q: What do the new 2010 U.S. Dietary Guidelines have to say about including pecans in the diet?
A: Though the Guidelines haven’t been finalized yet, the preliminary report issued by the U.S. Dietary Guidelines Committee clearly recognizes nuts, including pecans, as nutrient-rich foods that should be included regularly in the diet of Americans. In fact, one of the major recommendations of the report is that Americans shift to more plant-based diets that emphasize nuts as well as seeds, vegetables, cooked dry beans and peas, fruits and whole grains. For the first time, the report provides specific guidance on vegetarian and vegan diets, as well as the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) Diet and presents all three as examples of healthful dietary options. In addition, the report concluded, as a result of evidence reviewed by the committee, that consumption of nuts, as part of a nutritionally adequate, calorie-controlled diet, may reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and the LDL: HDL cholesterol ratio in the blood. The report also recognized nuts, including pecans, as sources of protein, magnesium, phosphorus, fiber and vitamin E in the American diet. The final USDA Dietary Guidelines, which are revised and released every five years, are expected to be published in November, 2010.
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Previous Questions |
Q: I know that eating nuts can help lower cholesterol, but can they also lower levels of other compounds found in the blood that increase risk of coronary heart disease?
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Q: I love pecans as part of some of my favorite foods, such as a topping for sweet potatoes, sprinkled on casseroles and even, my all time favorite, pecan pie. How can I make these favorites part of my diet, while still controlling my weight?
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Q: Is it important that I include antioxidant-rich foods at breakfast?
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Q: I’m concerned that I might not be getting enough zinc in my diet. Are Georgia pecans a good source of the mineral?
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Q: I read that vitamin E may help reduce blood clots. Since pecans are rich in vitamin E, could eating Georgia pecans provide a similar benefit?
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Q: How much magnesium do pecans contain and what are the health benefits of eating magnesium-rich foods?
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Q: What’s the recommended daily intake of fiber and can pecans help me reach the recommended amount?
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Q: I read about a new study that found the high-protein Atkins diet was more successful than the Zone in helping people lose weight. If I follow the Atkins diet can I eat pecans?
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Q: I’ve heard that a “Mediterranean-style” diet is one of the most healthful ways to eat. Do Georgia pecans fit into that kind of a diet?
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Q: I’ve heard that nuts are a good source of the amino acid L-arginine. What can it do for me and are Georgia pecans a good source?
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Q: Does roasting Georgia pecans in the oven have any effect on their nutritional value?
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Q: I’m expecting, and I love pecans. Is it okay for my baby if I regularly eat pecans?
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Q: I read that there were some new findings about the naturally healthful components in pecans. What's the latest?
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Q: I’m trying to lose weight by eating a diet based on the glycemic index. Is that a good idea and how do Georgia pecans fit into the diet picture?
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Q: I’ve heard that nuts, including Georgia pecans, are considered “brain food.” Can eating pecans really benefit my brain?
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Q: I heard that the American Heart Association has just issued new dietary recommendations for a healthy heart. Is it still okay to include Georgia pecans in my diet?
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Q: I've heard that it's important to balance the amount of omega-3 fatty acids to omega-6 fatty acids in my diet. How do I balance these fats, and where do Georgia pecans fit in the picture?
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Q: My doctor says I have diverticulosis; do I have to stop eating pecans?
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Q: I have high blood pressure and I'm trying to avoid high-sodium foods. Is it okay to eat pecans?
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Q: What is it about nuts, including Georgia pecans, that may help prevent diseases such as heart disease and diabetes?
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Q: I’ve heard a lot on the news lately about a new study that showed low-fat diets don’t provide any health benefits. Does that mean I can eat more pecans?
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Q: I’ve read that nuts are rich in antioxidants. How do Georgia Pecans rate compared to other foods?
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Q: Do Georgia pecans have any unique anti-cancer properties?
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Q: I’m concerned about my child’s weight and want him to eat healthfully. Does the new Food Pyramid for Kids allow for pecans in his diet?
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Q: Does the fat found in pecans fit in with heart-healthy eating recommendations as well as those from the new Food Pyramid?
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Q: Do pecans count as a snack in the new Pyramid? How much can I have?
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Q: I know there's a labeling health claim for nuts. What is it and what does it mean?
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Q: My doctor says my cholesterol is too high and I need to change my diet. Will I have to give up Georgia pecans?
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Q: I'm trying to watch what I eat so I can lose some weight. Can I include Georgia pecans on my weight-loss diet?
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Q: I saw on the news not long ago that the new 2005 Dietary Guidelines were released by the government. What exactly are they?
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