Pecans

nuts-seeds

Pecans

8/ 10Excellent
Controversy: 5.3

Rated by 11 diets

7 approve3 caution1 avoid

How the diets react

Approves7
Caution3
Disapproves1
Is Pecans Healthy?

Yes — Pecans is broadly considered healthy. 7 out of 11 diets approve it.

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g
Calories
691kcal
Protein
9.2g
Carbs
14g
Fat
72g
Fiber
9.6g
Sugar
3.9g
Sodium
0mg

Diet Ratings

KetoApproved

Pecans are excellent for keto: ~1.7g net carbs per ounce, 20g fat, 2.6g protein per ounce. Very low carb, high fat, rich in antioxidants. One of the best nut choices.

VeganApproved

Whole plant food, rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and minerals. Minimally processed. Excellent nutritional profile and fully plant-based.

PaleoApproved

Pecans are whole nuts with a favorable omega-3 to omega-6 ratio and high monounsaturated fat content. They are unprocessed, ancestral, and universally approved by paleo authorities. No significant controversy exists.

MediterraneanCaution

Nutritious nut with healthy fats and antioxidants, but not native to Mediterranean region. Higher in calories and fat. Acceptable in moderation but not a traditional Mediterranean staple.

CarnivoreAvoid

Tree nut and plant seed. Plant-derived and explicitly excluded from carnivore diet along with all nuts and seeds.

Whole30Approved

Pecans are whole, unprocessed tree nuts explicitly allowed on Whole30. They are a compliant source of healthy fats and antioxidants. No excluded ingredients.

Low-FODMAPApproved

Pecans are low in FODMAPs at standard serving sizes. Monash supports 15 pecan halves (14g) as low-FODMAP.

DASHApproved

Good source of monounsaturated fats, fiber, and magnesium. Lower in saturated fat than cashews. Supports DASH principles. Acceptable in moderation. Choose unsalted varieties.

ZoneCaution

Pecans are primarily monounsaturated fat with low carbs (~4g per ounce), making them Zone-compatible. However, they contain slightly higher omega-6 than almonds or macadamia nuts. Approximately 0.75 ounce (15-17 halves) = 1 fat block. Acceptable but not optimal compared to almonds.

Good source of polyphenols and antioxidants, particularly ellagic acid. Reasonable omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. Anti-inflammatory compounds support cardiovascular health. Solid choice though slightly less omega-3 than walnuts.

Pecans provide 2.6g protein and 2.7g fiber per ounce but are calorie-dense (196 cal/oz) with 20g fat per ounce. While mostly unsaturated, the high fat concentration may worsen GLP-1 side effects in sensitive patients. Better as an occasional garnish than a staple snack.

Controversy Index

Score range: 19/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.

Consensus5.3Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Pecans

Keto 9/10
  • 1.7g net carbs per ounce
  • Highest fat content among nuts (20g/oz)
  • Rich in antioxidants
  • Ideal keto staple
Vegan 9/10
  • Whole food
  • High antioxidant content
  • Healthy monounsaturated fats
  • Mineral-rich
Paleo 9/10
  • whole unprocessed nut
  • favorable fat profile
  • ancestral food
  • nutrient-dense
Mediterranean 6/10
  • Not Mediterranean native
  • High calorie density
  • Contains healthy fats
  • Acceptable in moderation
Whole30 9/10
  • Whole tree nut
  • No excluded ingredients
  • Nutrient-dense
Low-FODMAP 9/10
  • Monash tested: 15 halves low-FODMAP
  • Low fermentable carbohydrate content
  • Good fat and fiber source
DASH 8/10
  • Monounsaturated fats
  • Good fiber source
  • Magnesium-rich
  • Low saturated fat
  • Choose unsalted
Zone 6/10
  • Monounsaturated fat dominant
  • Low-glycemic
  • Slightly elevated omega-6
  • Moderate portion per fat block
  • Anti-inflammatory polyphenols
  • Polyphenols
  • Ellagic acid
  • Antioxidants
  • Reasonable fat profile
  • Whole food
  • Low protein
  • Good fiber
  • Very high fat density
  • High calorie density
  • May trigger nausea
  • Portion control essential
Is Pecans Healthy? Diet Ratings & Controversy Score | FoodRef.ai