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?
A: They sure do! While olive oil is typically the first thing that comes to mind when you think of eating the Mediterranean way, nuts, such as Georgia pecans, are also a main focus of the diet. The Mediterranean way of eating includes a generous amount of fruits and vegetables, very little red meat, eating fish on a regular basis, drinking red wine in moderation and of course, olive oil and nuts. This dietary pattern has been linked with a reduced risk of dying from heart disease or cancer—about 25 percent less--and has even been referred to as “the gold standard” for heart-healthy diets. Researchers have also found that eating a Mediterranean-style diet, may help keep blood sugar and blood insulin levels low even when most of the fat comes from nuts instead of olive oil. Georgia pecans can contribute to the disease-preventing qualities of the Mediterranean diet, in part, because they are rich in monounsaturated fats, the kind olive oil is famous for, and are low in saturated fats, the kind that can clog arteries. The naturally occurring compounds, called phytonutrients, which are found in all plant foods, including pecans, may contribute to the Mediterranean diet’s health benefits as well.
