Are pecans good for you?

Pecans are a healthy addition to many diets. They contain more than 19 nutrients, including folic acid, calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc and vitamins A, B and E. Research from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows that pecans rank among the top 15 most antioxidant-rich foods.

One serving of 18 pecan halves contains about 200 calories and 21 grams of fat. Consuming pecans regularly can help lower bad cholesterol by up to 33 percent. The vitamin E in pecans also nourishes brain health, helping to prevent or delay the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as "Lou Gehrig's disease."