Pecan is actually a species of hickory native to the southen US and Mexico. They were a favorite food of the American Indian, as they can provide 2 - 5 times more calories per weight as North American game species like white tail deer. In 2001 the 'Journal of Nutrition' published a study claiming that eating a hand-full of pecans a day may lower cholesterol levels as effectively as some medications. Other research shows eating pecan daily may deley age related muscle and nerve degeneration.