Q: I’m concerned that I might not be getting enough zinc in my diet. Are Georgia pecans a good source of the mineral?
A: Georgia pecans are indeed a good source of the mineral zinc. A one-ounce serving (about 19 halves) provides more than 10 percent of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of the mineral for men or women. Zinc is important for good health because it’s involved in more than 300 enzymes needed for a wide variety of body functions including processing carbohydrates, proteins and fats for energy. It also helps promote cell reproduction and tissue growth and repair throughout the body. And zinc is essential for a healthy immune system, especially among older people. In fact, a team of researchers from Tufts University recently found that among people who were at least 65 years of age and older, those with normal levels of zinc in their blood were about 50 percent less likely to develop pneumonia than those whose zinc levels were low. Not only were those whose blood levels were low in zinc more likely to become sick, they were slower to recover and more likely to die from the disease.
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Previous Questions |
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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