What does the pecan tree symbolize? In this spiritual meaning of pecans guide, we will discuss the spiritual meaning of picking pecans. There are many ways to use pecans in your cooking. Pecan pie and ice cream are two of the most common. Some scientific research has shown that the nutrients found in pecans can increase a person’s lifespan, help prevent cancer and stimulate brain activity. However, there is another spiritual meaning of pecans that has been known for centuries by indigenous people who lived among the trees long before Europeans showed up on North American shores.
People all over the world are enjoying pecans for their sweet and nutty taste. Pecan trees produce the most profitable nut crop in the USA. The shell is thin, typically only one quarter of an inch. The shell is easily cracked with a light tap using a hammer to remove the meat inside called a “heart” or a nut.
The spiritual meaning of pecans is that they are a symbol of prosperity and abundance. Pecans are often used in rituals and ceremonies to bring about positive changes in life, like winning the lottery or finding love.
The word “pecan” comes from the Algonquin word “pakan,” which means “nut that rattles.” This is a reference to the fact that the shell of a pecan is hard and protects its contents, just like the shell of our bodies protects our souls.
Spiritual Meaning Of Picking Pecans
The pecan has a long history in Native American culture, and its spiritual meaning varies depending on the tribe. The pecan tree heralds a time of wealth and financial security. This could also indicate extra income, an inheritance or even retirement. The name Pecan is based on an Algonquin word; referring to nuts that needed to be cracked open with a stone.
For the Choctaw people, the pecan is considered sacred and is associated with the bear. According to legend, a woman named Nutsa had a dream in which she was told to plant a pecan tree by a bear spirit. When she did so, it grew into a very large tree that provided food for many people.
The Cherokee tribe considers the pecan to be sacred because it has eight nuts on each branch—the number eight is considered sacred by many Native American tribes because it represents infinity. The Cherokee also believe that when you eat pecans you can see into another realm.
Spiritual Meaning Of Pecans
What are Pecans?
Pecans (Carya illinoinensis) are large-sized deciduous tree, which belongs to the member of hickory family, Juglandaceae. Pecan nuts are botanical fruits and not true nuts. Each fruit is generally oblong, wrinkled and dark brown in color.
Though the pecan tree is native to south central and south eastern regions of the United States, it is now cultivated around the world. The pecan tree is the state tree of Texas. Spanish explorers used to call the pecan, nuez de la arruga that translates close to the meaning “wrinkle nut”.
Nutritional Highlights
Among the nuts, pecans contain highest amount of total phenols, proanthocyanidins, flavonoids and flavan-3-ols. Pecans are about 74% fat out of which 8% is saturated fats, 58% is monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and 27% is polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Pecans contain (24 mg/100g) of gamma tocopherols (160% Daily Value). Pecans are a rich source of manganese, copper, magnesium, thiamine, phosphorus, zinc, iron, protein and fiber. Pecans contain β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
Health Benefits of Pecans
Lower Cholesterol and Triglycerides
Pecans are believed to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in people with normal lipid levels. Studies have shown that total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides are lowered after consuming pecan diet. Beta-sitosterol in pecans is known to lower blood cholesterol levels and reduce absorption of cholesterol in the body. Pecans have about 95 milligrams of plant sterols per 100 grams and 90 percent of that, is in the form of beta-sitosterol. Pecans can double the cholesterol-lowering properties of any heart-healthy diet and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Consuming at least 1 ounce (28 grams) of nuts about 4 to 5 times a week can lower risk of coronary heart disease by 35 percent in women.
Lower Breast Cancer Risk
Pecans are rich in MUFA and fiber. Powered with antioxidants, pecans lower the risk of developing precancerous fibrocystic breast disease also called fibroadenomas. Along with walnuts and peanuts, pecans also exhibited anti-proliferative effect due to the ellagic acid it contains.
Boost Energy
Pecans provide around 691 Kcal energy per 100gm. Pecan diet increases MUFA, PUFA, insoluble fiber, magnesium, copper, manganese, B complexes and energy. Those looking to gain weight may resort to liberal intake of pecans. Pecan-based snacks can be an ideal mid meal snack. It can be consumed directly or added to various dishes.
Antioxidant
The high bioavailability of polyphenols in nuts including pecans reduce plasma lipid peroxidation and increase plasma antioxidant capacity. Pecan is low in PUFA, which helps in improvement in oxidation status or increase in antioxidant enzyme activity. Pecan reduces oxidative stress that plays an important role in diseases like hypertension, coronary heart disease,inflammation, type 2 diabetes, cancer and endothelial dysfunction. Pecans are also rich in Vitamin E which adds to its antioxidant properties. Pecans have ellagic acid, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin that help to remove free radicals.
Lower the Risk of Stroke
Vitamin E is a scavenger of free radical. It helps prevent oxidation of LDL, which is a step in the atherosclerotic process. Studies have shown that diet rich in Vitamin E, lowers the risk of stroke deaths.
Help in Weight Loss
Compared with low-fat diet, moderate fat diet helps to decrease mean body weight, and waist circumference. Pecan is 70% fat food and has about 58% MUFA. Pecans like any other tree nut provides satiety, thereby making one consume fewer calories. Pecans can help balance calorie intake and calorie burn ratio.
Support Digestive Function
Pecans have about 9gm fiber per 100gm. Fiber cleanses the gastrointestinal function, prevents constipation, and facilitates smooth bowel function. Fiber intake reduces risk of colitis, colon cancer, piles and hemorrhoids. Pecans also boosts metabolism.
Bone and Teeth Health
Pecans are rich in phosphorus, which helps to promote bone and teeth health. Phosphorus plays an important role in the production of RNA & DNA. It helps in repair and growth of cells and tissues. Manganese helps to increase the mineral density of spinal bone and prevents osteoporosis. About 100gm pecans provide 4.5mg or 200% daily value of manganese.
Support the Nervous System
Manganese is vital for the normal functioning of the brain and the nervous system throughout the body. Manganese protects the nerve cells from the damage by free-radicals. Manganese helps the body to form bones, connective tissue, sex hormones and blood clotting factors. Pecans are an excellent source of dietary manganese.
Skin And Hair Care
Intake of vitamin E promotes healthy skin and hair. Zinc and Vitamin A in pecan helps to make the skin spotless. The fat content of pecan makes the skin soft and supple from within, thereby reducing wrinkles, dullness and dryness. Pecans help to combat iron deficiency.
Caveat
Pecans are rich in gamma-tocopherol Vitamin E which is associated to respiratory disorders and reduction in lung function. Some people might be allergic to pecans.
Recipe:
No Bake Apple & Pecan Energy Bites
Ingredients
- Apple 1
- Lemon juice 2-3 Tbsp
- Oats ½ cup
- Dried coconut ½ cup
- Pecans ½ cup
- Almond butter ½ cup
- Honey 4 Tbsp
- Vanilla extract 1 Tsp
- Cinnamon powder 1Tsp
- Pinch of Salt
Process:
- In a bowl mix almond butter, honey and vanilla extract
- Grate apple and add lemon juice to it.
- In another bowl add oats, grated coconut, crushed pecans, salt, and cinnamon.
- Add grated apple and almond butter mixture to the oats and pecan bowl.
- Mix well and roll in small balls or bars.
- Serve as balls, bar or lollipops.
what does the pecan tree symbolize
Pecans symbolize peace and harmony, so they’re a good choice for anyone who’s feeling stressed out. They also represent wisdom and knowledge, so if you’ve got a lot going on in your life and need to take some time to reflect, pecans might be just the thing.
Pecans are also associated with patience, which makes them a great gift for someone who’s having difficulty waiting for something (like a job interview or an important phone call).