Dubious medicinal value
Popeye consumed copious quantities of spinach for strength to impress Olive Oyl. Kids sing about beans being the "musical fruit," old timers eat a banana each day, fish for brain food, and bran to "keep regular."
Americans search for secret remedies to prevent or cure long lists of perceived maladies.
One of the latest is the trend toward nuts; especially non-salted pecans.
They are available at any grocery department, can be ordered over the Internet, or by contacting a member of the National Pecan Shellers organization.
Many varieties of pecans are readably available in ample supply, and reasonably priced. They are an ideal snack food after a busy day at work. Instead of salty chips, enjoy a handful of toasted pecans.
Dietitians say pecans can lower cholesterol. The benefit of medications can be increased by adding a handful of pecans to your daily diet, they say.
There is scientific evidence that pecans help produce a more healthy heart. They make losing weight easier. While pecans contain fat, it's the "good" fat.
April is National Pecan Month, a good time to try this tasty treat. We have a handful (or two) each evening since our heart arrest a couple of years ago. We've tried all kinds, including those great big pecan halves that are great for decorating pies and cakes. But the best tasting, in our estimation, are the medium sized which we buy by the bag from growers at Ardmore Okla.
We can't guarantee that pecans have any healthful values, but we'll tell you why we eat them — we like 'em.
— BILL MEYER
