Eating a daily handful of pecans is linked to better heart health, according to a review of 50 studies.

A review of over 50 studies from 2000 to 2025 finds that eating a daily handful of pecans is linked to improved heart health, including lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol, triglycerides, and non-HDL cholesterol, as well as reduced lipid oxidation. Pecans, rich in beneficial nutrients, are associated with better diet quality and higher Healthy Eating Index scores. While their effect on weight and blood sugar remains unclear, the research supports including pecans as part of a heart-healthy diet. The study, led by Illinois Institute of Technology, was funded by the American Pecan Promotion Board, which had no influence on the findings.