India, March 24 -- A recent study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggested that swapping a regular snack for a handful of pecans could benefit cardiovascular health.

Pecans are rich in antioxidants, monounsaturated fats, and fiber - nutrients known to support heart health by reducing the risk of heart disease.

"Replacing typical snacks with pecans improved key risk factors for heart disease including blood cholesterol levels and diet quality," said lead author Kristina Petersen, an associate professor of Nutritional Sciences at Penn State, said.

"These results add to the evidence supporting the cardiovascular benefits of nuts and offer new insights into how adults can incorporate nuts into their diet".

The 12-we...