Health · Medical Research · 8 hrs ago
Pecans may improve cholesterol when they replace less healthy snacks
A review of research published in 2025 found that pecans may improve blood cholesterol when they replace less healthy foods.
The review examined studies from 2000 to 2025, including research on pecan consumption in adults.
In one 12-week trial, 138 adults with at least one sign of metabolic syndrome were studied, and those eating 57 grams of pecans daily had lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels than the control group.
Pecans contain mostly unsaturated fats, fibre and minerals, but a 28-gram serving has about 196 calories, so portion size matters.
The strongest evidence is for improvements in blood fats, including total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
Findings on blood sugar, blood vessel function and inflammation were mixed, and more controlled studies are needed to clarify those effects.
The advice is to use a small handful instead of less healthy snacks, as part of a balanced diet, rather than simply adding pecans to usual meals.
A 2025 scientific review found that pecans may improve blood lipid measures when they replace less healthy foods or snacks.
The review reported reductions in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol and triglycerides across human trials.
In one 12-week trial, 138 adults with at least one metabolic syndrome criterion were studied.
Participants who ate 57 grams of pecans daily had lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides than the control group.
The review found mixed results for glucose, vascular function and inflammation, and said more controlled studies are needed.
- Who
- Researchers reviewing studies on pecans, including a trial involving 138 adults.
- What
- A review found that replacing less healthy foods or snacks with pecans was associated with improved blood lipid measures.
- When
- The review was published in 2025. The article was published on November 9, 2026.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- Researchers examined pecans’ possible effects on cholesterol and cardiovascular health.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The review covered studies conducted during this period.
The review was published in the journal Nutrients.
A cited trial compared adults who ate 57 grams of pecans daily with a control group.
- Review period
- 2000–2025
- Review publication
- 2025, Nutrients
- Trial participants
- 138 adults with at least one metabolic syndrome criterion
- Pecan intake in trial
- 57 grams daily for 12 weeks
- Total cholesterol difference
- About 8.1 mg/dL lower than the control group
- LDL difference
- About 7.2 mg/dL lower than the control group