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Pecan vs. Walnut — Health Impact and Nutrition Comparison

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Article author photo Zvart Movsisyan by Zvart Movsisyan | Last updated on May 19, 2023
Medically reviewed by Elen Khachatrian Article author photo Elen Khachatrian
Pecan
vs
Walnut

Summary

It is essential to emphasize that walnut and pecan are a goldmine of energy and nutrients, which is why they are highly recommended by dieticians and nutritionists.

Both of them are rich in unsaturated fats. Pecan is richer in monounsaturated fat, while walnut is richer in polyunsaturated fat, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

In vitamin content, pecan wins hands down. It is especially richer in vitamin A and vitamin E and considerably higher in vitamins B1 and B5.

It is important to point out the potential risks of allergy, simultaneous medication use, as well as overeating, which can result in obesity or digestive dysfunctions. Enjoy your nuts, and don’t forget about moderation.

Introduction

What kind of snacks do you prefer? Some specialists claim that nuts are the best choice. Among the many other nuts, pecan and walnut are unique for nutrients and health benefits. Both of them are edible tree nuts. Despite several similarities, they have quite a few differences. Let’s discuss them.

Main Differences

Pecan originated in South Central America and Mexico, dating back to the 16th century, while walnut owes its origin to Asia and Europe and dates back to 7000 B.C. The Romans called walnuts “Jupiter’s royal acorn.”

Did you know that “pecan” means a nut that needs a stone to be cracked because it is extremely hard to do by hand? Pecans also have oval or elongated shells in a dark brown color.

On the other hand, walnut shells are easy to crack or open, even by hand. It is round-shaped and light brown colored. Walnuts look like “little brains” and are famously known for their brain-boosting function.

Pecans are drier and sweeter, while walnuts may be a little bitter due to their rich oil content. That’s why sometimes pecans are used in roasted form.

Both of them are widely used not only in raw form but also as an ingredient in pastries, candies, salads, cookies, and pasta, as well as in producing walnut butter and oil.

Both are widely consumed worldwide; however, pecan is primarily consumed in North America. Prices depend on the territory; pecan is cheaper in North America, and, inversely, walnut is cheaper in Europe and Asia.

Taste and Texture

In comparison to other nuts, walnuts are generally more bitter and are utilized to give desserts, salads, granolas, and oatmeal a crunchy consistency, among other things. On the other hand, pecans have a unique flavor and are slightly sweeter in taste. 

They both have a hard shell; however, the texture of pecans is somewhat waxy, while walnuts are crunchier.

Nutrition

Pecan is slightly higher in dietary fiber. Conversely, walnut is richer in protein and essential amino acids. It is also worth mentioning that pecan contains less sodium and has a lower glycemic index.

By contrast, walnut is lower in sugar and saturated fats. Both contain equal amounts of cholesterol.

Minerals

In terms of mineral content, there is no significant difference between these two nuts. Nevertheless, walnut is the winner in this category, with a higher content of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, as well as copper, and iron.

On the other side, pecan is higher in zinc.

Mineral Comparison

Mineral comparison score is based on the number of minerals by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
Pecan
3
:
7
Walnut
Contains less Sodium -100%
Contains more Zinc +46.6%
Contains more Manganese +31.8%
Contains more Calcium +40%
Contains more Iron +15%
Contains more Magnesium +30.6%
Contains more Phosphorus +24.9%
Contains more Copper +32.2%
Contains more Selenium +28.9%
Equal in Potassium - 441
Calcium Iron Magnesium Phosphorus Potassium Sodium Zinc Copper Manganese Selenium 22% 95% 87% 119% 37% 0% 124% 400% 587% 21%
Calcium Iron Magnesium Phosphorus Potassium Sodium Zinc Copper Manganese Selenium 30% 110% 113% 149% 39% 1% 85% 529% 446% 27%
Contains less Sodium -100%
Contains more Zinc +46.6%
Contains more Manganese +31.8%
Contains more Calcium +40%
Contains more Iron +15%
Contains more Magnesium +30.6%
Contains more Phosphorus +24.9%
Contains more Copper +32.2%
Contains more Selenium +28.9%
Equal in Potassium - 441

Vitamins

From the viewpoint of vitamins, pecan is the title holder. Pecan is fairly richer in vitamin B1, vitamin E, and vitamin A, and to a lesser extent, higher in vitamin B5 and vitamin K.

At the same time, walnut is drastically higher in vitamin B6.

Vitamin Comparison

Vitamin comparison score is based on the number of vitamins by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
Pecan
6
:
4
Walnut
Contains more Vitamin A +180%
Contains more Vitamin E +100%
Contains more Vitamin B1 +93.5%
Contains more Vitamin B5 +51.4%
Contains more Vitamin K +29.6%
Contains more Vitamin C +18.2%
Contains more Vitamin B2 +15.4%
Contains more Vitamin B6 +155.7%
Contains more Folate +345.5%
Equal in Vitamin B3 - 1.125
Vitamin A Vitamin E Vitamin D Vitamin C Vitamin B1 Vitamin B2 Vitamin B3 Vitamin B5 Vitamin B6 Folate Vitamin B12 Vitamin K 4% 28% 0% 4% 166% 30% 22% 52% 49% 17% 0% 9%
Vitamin A Vitamin E Vitamin D Vitamin C Vitamin B1 Vitamin B2 Vitamin B3 Vitamin B5 Vitamin B6 Folate Vitamin B12 Vitamin K 2% 14% 0% 5% 86% 35% 22% 35% 124% 74% 0% 7%
Contains more Vitamin A +180%
Contains more Vitamin E +100%
Contains more Vitamin B1 +93.5%
Contains more Vitamin B5 +51.4%
Contains more Vitamin K +29.6%
Contains more Vitamin C +18.2%
Contains more Vitamin B2 +15.4%
Contains more Vitamin B6 +155.7%
Contains more Folate +345.5%
Equal in Vitamin B3 - 1.125

Fats

From the very start, it is necessary to point out that both pecan and walnut are rich sources of unsaturated fats. In fact, from the comparison charts below, you can easily notice that pecan is extremely rich in monounsaturated fats. On the other hand, walnut is higher in polyunsaturated fat, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which we will discuss later. Walnut is also higher in linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic, and arachidonic acids, essential nutrients that our body can only get from food or supplements

Fat Type Comparison

Fat type breakdown side-by-side comparison
Pecan
1
:
2
Walnut
Contains more Monounsaturated Fat +356.7%
Contains more Polyunsaturated fat +118.3%
Equal in Saturated Fat - 6.126
9% 59% 32%
Saturated Fat: 6.18 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 40.801 g
Polyunsaturated fat: 21.614 g
10% 14% 76%
Saturated Fat: 6.126 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 8.933 g
Polyunsaturated fat: 47.174 g
Contains more Monounsaturated Fat +356.7%
Contains more Polyunsaturated fat +118.3%
Equal in Saturated Fat - 6.126

Calories

Both nuts are high in calories. Pecan has 691 calories per 100g, and walnut contains 654 calories per 100g.

Carbohydrates

The carb content of these nuts is equal: 14g per 100g.

Health Benefits

Heart Health


Pecan and walnut are rich in unsaturated fats while being low in saturated fats. According to a study published in 2001, monounsaturated fatty acids, highly contained in pecan, contribute to lowering blood total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol), and triglyceride levels, reducing the risk of coronary heart disease (1).

On the other hand, we have walnut with an extremely high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly omega-3 (such as alpha-linolenic acid) and omega-6 - the highest among all the tree nuts. They also contribute to decreasing cholesterol levels, blood thinning, and vasodilatation, preventing by this way thrombosis, atherosclerosis, and hypertension (2). 

 Alzheimer’s Disease

It is worth mentioning that walnuts and pecans are among the most important sources of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols and vitamin E, which are famous for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. According to a review published in 2017, the main polyphenol of walnuts is pedunculagin, an ellagitannin (3). Several studies prove the role of ellagitannin against disease development and progression, including neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and different types of cancer.

Walnut is higher in vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), essential for many enzyme reactions in our organism, including the processing of proteins, carbs, and fats formation of red blood cells and neurotransmitters, which ensures transmission of impulses in the nervous system. Adequate intake of vitamin B6 may prevent and treat anemia and symptoms of PMS, reduce Alzheimer’s disease risk, and support brain function. It also helps improve our mood.

On the other hand, pecan is higher in vitamin B1 (thiamin), which plays a significant role in energy metabolism, also involved in transforming proteins, carbs, and fats. Besides the health benefits of vitamin B6 shown above, vitamin B1 also prevents or delays cataracts and contributes to proper digestion by secretion of hydrochloric acid. As a powerful antioxidant, thiamin has anti-aging properties (4).

Diabetes

According to a study published in 2016, the consumption of walnut oil by people with diabetes mellitus type 2 was shown to decrease blood glucose levels (2).

According to one study (5), consuming a serving of pecans per day can enhance blood insulin, insulin resistance, and beta-cell activity in at-risk persons. 
Furthermore, because pecans have a low glycemic index, they do not induce blood sugar spikes, even in diabetics.

You can find more info about pecan and diabetes on this link.

Other Health Benefits

In terms of minerals, walnut is the winner with higher calcium and phosphorus levels, which prevents osteoporosis, and also higher in manganese and magnesium, with antioxidant and brain-boosting functions.

On the other side, pecan is higher in zinc, which contributes to good eyesight and skin, nail, and hair reparation. Zinc is also crucial for sexual health due to its significant role in the formation of germ cells and the improvement of sperm quality.

Downsides and Risks

If you are sure that pecans and walnuts are superfoods and are eager to enjoy them, you should wait a minute, as there are some downsides.

Above all, an allergic reaction is the most common risk of pecans and walnuts, as well as other nuts. The allergy symptoms can vary from hives around the mouth, diarrhea, abnormal breathing, and asthma attacks up to anaphylaxis.

Although dieticians recommend pecan and walnut as part of different weight-loss diets, you can quickly gain weight if you eat more than the daily recommended quantity.

There are substances in walnuts called tannins, which decrease the absorption of other medications. Taking some medications simultaneously with black walnut should be avoided.

And finally, you can get diarrhea and vomiting by eating a large number of nuts due to their high fiber content.

Article author photo Zvart Movsisyan
Education: Medical Biochemistry MD
Last updated: May 19, 2023
Medically reviewed by Elen Khachatrian

Infographic

Pecan vs Walnut infographic
Infographic link

Macronutrient Comparison

Macronutrient breakdown side-by-side comparison
Pecan
2
:
3
Walnut
Contains more Fats +10.4%
Contains more Protein +66.1%
Contains more Water +15.6%
Contains more Other +20.3%
Equal in Fats - 65.21
Equal in Carbs - 13.71
9% 72% 14% 4%
Protein: 9.17 g
Fats: 71.97 g
Carbs: 13.86 g
Water: 3.52 g
Other: 1.48 g
15% 65% 14% 4% 2%
Protein: 15.23 g
Fats: 65.21 g
Carbs: 13.71 g
Water: 4.07 g
Other: 1.78 g
Contains more Fats +10.4%
Contains more Protein +66.1%
Contains more Water +15.6%
Contains more Other +20.3%
Equal in Fats - 65.21
Equal in Carbs - 13.71

Carbohydrate type comparison

Carbohydrate type breakdown side-by-side comparison
Pecan
2
:
2
Walnut
Contains more Starch +666.7%
Contains more Sucrose +60.5%
Contains more Glucose +100%
Contains more Fructose +125%
10% 88%
Starch: 0.46 g
Sucrose: 3.9 g
Glucose: 0.04 g
Fructose: 0.04 g
Lactose: 0 g
Maltose: 0 g
Galactose: 0 g
2% 91% 3% 3%
Starch: 0.06 g
Sucrose: 2.43 g
Glucose: 0.08 g
Fructose: 0.09 g
Lactose: 0 g
Maltose: 0 g
Galactose: 0 g
Contains more Starch +666.7%
Contains more Sucrose +60.5%
Contains more Glucose +100%
Contains more Fructose +125%

Comparison summary table

Pay attention to the rightmost column. It displays the amounts side by side, giving a clearer understanding of the difference.
Pecan Walnut
Lower in Sugar ok
Lower in Saturated Fat ok
Lower in Glycemic Index ok
Rich in minerals ok
Lower in Sodium ok
Lower in price ok
Lower in Cholesterol Equal
Rich in vitamins Equal

All nutrients comparison - raw data values

Nutrient Pecan Walnut Opinion
Net carbs 4.26g 7.01g Walnut
Protein 9.17g 15.23g Walnut
Fats 71.97g 65.21g Pecan
Carbs 13.86g 13.71g Pecan
Calories 691kcal 654kcal Pecan
Starch 0.46g 0.06g Pecan
Fructose 0.04g 0.09g Walnut
Sugar 3.97g 2.61g Walnut
Fiber 9.6g 6.7g Pecan
Calcium 70mg 98mg Walnut
Iron 2.53mg 2.91mg Walnut
Magnesium 121mg 158mg Walnut
Phosphorus 277mg 346mg Walnut
Potassium 410mg 441mg Walnut
Sodium 0mg 2mg Pecan
Zinc 4.53mg 3.09mg Pecan
Copper 1.2mg 1.586mg Walnut
Manganese 4.5mg 3.414mg Pecan
Selenium 3.8µg 4.9µg Walnut
Vitamin A 56IU 20IU Pecan
Vitamin A RAE 3µg 1µg Pecan
Vitamin E 1.4mg 0.7mg Pecan
Vitamin C 1.1mg 1.3mg Walnut
Vitamin B1 0.66mg 0.341mg Pecan
Vitamin B2 0.13mg 0.15mg Walnut
Vitamin B3 1.167mg 1.125mg Pecan
Vitamin B5 0.863mg 0.57mg Pecan
Vitamin B6 0.21mg 0.537mg Walnut
Folate 22µg 98µg Walnut
Vitamin K 3.5µg 2.7µg Pecan
Tryptophan 0.093mg 0.17mg Walnut
Threonine 0.306mg 0.596mg Walnut
Isoleucine 0.336mg 0.625mg Walnut
Leucine 0.598mg 1.17mg Walnut
Lysine 0.287mg 0.424mg Walnut
Methionine 0.183mg 0.236mg Walnut
Phenylalanine 0.426mg 0.711mg Walnut
Valine 0.411mg 0.753mg Walnut
Histidine 0.262mg 0.391mg Walnut
Saturated Fat 6.18g 6.126g Walnut
Monounsaturated Fat 40.801g 8.933g Pecan
Polyunsaturated fat 21.614g 47.174g Walnut

Which food is preferable for your diet?

ok
ok
is better in case of low diet
Pecan Walnut
Low Fats diet ok
Low Carbs diet ok
Low Calories diet ok
Low Glycemic Index diet ok

People also compare

Vitamins & Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score

The summary scores indicate the extent to which this food can fulfill your daily vitamin and mineral requirements if you consume 3 servings, consisting of 100 grams of each (an approximation of 3 serving sizes).
Vitamins Daily Need Coverage Score
31%
Pecan
33%
Walnut
Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score
149%
Pecan
152%
Walnut

Comparison summary

Which food is lower in Sugar?
Walnut
Walnut is lower in Sugar (difference - 1.36g)
Which food is lower in Saturated Fat?
Walnut
Walnut is lower in Saturated Fat (difference - 0.053999999999999g)
Which food is lower in glycemic index?
Walnut
Walnut is lower in glycemic index (difference - 10)
Which food is richer in minerals?
Walnut
Walnut is relatively richer in minerals
Which food contains less Sodium?
Pecan
Pecan contains less Sodium (difference - 2mg)
Which food is cheaper?
Pecan
Pecan is cheaper (difference - $2)
Which food contains less Cholesterol?
?
The foods are relatively equal in Cholesterol (0 mg)
Which food is richer in vitamins?
?
It cannot be stated which food is richer in vitamins. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information.

References

The source of all the nutrient values on the page (excluding the main article the sources for which are presented separately if present) is the USDA's FoodCentral. The exact links to the foods presented on this page can be found below.

  1. Pecan - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170182/nutrients
  2. Walnut - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170187/nutrients

All the Daily Values are presented for males aged 31-50, for 2000-calorie diets.

Data provided by FoodStruct.com should be considered and used as information only. Please consult your physician before beginning any diet.