Pecans are by far my favorite nut. I love them for their sweet buttery flavor and health benefits.
Health Benefits of Pecans:
1. Heart Healthy
Pecans contain monounsaturated fats along with antioxidants which help reduce the risk of heart disease. Adding pecans to your diet can help decrease your LDL, ‘bad cholesterol’ and increase HDL ‘good cholesterol’. Keeping your cholesterol in a healthy range can prevent stroke and coronary artery disease.
2. Improves Digestion
Pecans are full of fiber which helps to support your gut health. Fiber aids in regular bowel movements which are so important to help prevent toxins from building up in your body.
3. Helps with Weight Loss
Eating nuts provides a feeling of fullness and pecans are a very rich source of B vitamins which help to increase the rate of metabolism.
4. Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Pecans are rich in magnesium which is known for its anti-inflammatory benefits. Increased magnesium intake reduces inflammation in the body. Inflammation is the root cause of almost all disease.
6. Boosts Immunity
Pecans are a rich source of manganese which is a powerful antioxidant. This trace mineral protects your nerve cells from free-radical damage, thus boosting immune function.
7. Skin Benefits
Pecan nuts are an excellent source of vitamin E, vitamin A, zinc, folate and phosphorus which play roles in maintaining a healthy complexion.
The antioxidants in pecans, ellagic acid, vitamin A and vitamin E, fight and eliminate free radicals. These free radicals are responsible for causing damage throughout the body, including skin damage.
Pecans are my go to snack. Sometimes I pair them with apple slices sprinkled with a little Ceylon cinnamon but my favorite snack is simply pecans and blueberries.
Add pecans to your diet and notice the enjoyment and benefits they can bring.
I love fall! Well, if I’m completely honest, I love all of the seasons. I may wish Wisconsin winters were just a bit shorter, but I digress. Fall brings a crispness to the air, but still welcomes the warmth of the afternoon sunshine. It brings the desire for all things apple, pumpkin and cinnamon. Soon it will bring a chill that beckons a crackling fire in the fireplace and big comfy sweaters.
Summer is Coming to an End
As summer comes to an end, and the days of being barefoot, lounging in the sunshine and being outside until well after the 8 o’clock sunset, give way to boots, shorter days and more time spent indoors; I embrace the beauty of fall with long walks through the forests of red, orange & yellow, more hot tea & soups and time spent curled up with a blanket and a book.
From The Vibrancy of Summer to The Melancholy of Fall
As the days become shorter, my mood seems to wane as the vibrancy of summer fades. Fall brings a melancholy to my soul. Over the years I have found ways to mitigate this melancholy. One of these ways is to make time for being outside with my feet in the grass, even when there is a chill in the air.
Grounding Is An Easy Way to Improve Your Mood
I find it amazing that this one simple act can improve my mood for an entire day! This is not just my quirky way to find more joy, there is an explanation as to why this helps. Grounding, also known as earthing, is the simple act of being barefoot outside. Research suggests that this can counteract stress and anxiety, boost your mood and even reduce inflammation.
The Science Behind Grounding
The theory behind grounding is that our modern lifestyle has disconnected us from the electrons naturally present in the earth. Without the electrons, free radicals in our bodies, that are missing these electrons, adversely affect many of the body’s processes. This free radical damage could be responsible for increased inflammation, increased stress and anxiety, poor sleep quality, and chronic pain. Several studies exist that support the theory of grounding, but these studies have been the subject of controversy and skepticism. However, I have experienced my own benefits through the simple act of putting my feet on the earth.
How To Get Grounded
There are many ways to become grounded and all of them focus on reconnecting with the earth.
Walking barefoot on the grass, sand or in the water
Lying on the ground and having the skin of your body in contact with the earth
Submerging in water: just wading in or completely submerging your body
Using grounding equipment, when going outside is not an option – you can find many options online
These items have a cord that connects to a grounded outlet
Grounding Is Becoming More Necessary
Grounding has been increasing in popularity around the world. Some grounding researchers suggest that changing environments are responsible for more people losing access to the benefits of grounding. One theory from a study is that grounding affects our living matrix, which is the central connector between living cells. Electrical conductivity exists within the matrix that functions as an immune system defense, similar to antioxidants. Through grounding, the natural defenses of the body can be restored. With less opportunities to get outside and more health issues arising, maybe our bodies are naturally drawn to getting back our connection to the earth.
More Studies May Be Needed, In The Meantime, Try It Out For Yourself
Most of the studies on grounding are small and rely somewhat on subjective measures, such as self-reported feelings, stress, pain or mood. However, some studies also rely on blood markers, such as those that detect inflammation. More research is needed but you can see for yourself if you experience any benefits just by taking the time to put your feet on the ground.
Slow Down & Breathe, Feel the Earth Under Your Feet & Enjoy Fall
With the crispness of fall in the air, in addition to enjoying all things apples, pumpkin and cinnamon, take the opportunity to slow down, breathe deeply, and appreciate the beauty of nature around you with your feet on the earth.
