A new study suggests adding pecans to the diet may delay the progression of age-related motor neuron degeneration, including diseases like ALS, which is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Lowell conducted studies on three groups of mice specifically bred to demonstrate severe decline in motor neuron function that are commonly used in studies of ALS. Each of the three groups was fed a control diet or one of two diets containing differing amounts of pecans. The animals’ motor neuron functions were tested using standard methods both before and after they received the diets.

They found that mice that ate a diet supplemented with pecans displayed a significant delay in decline in motor function compared to mice receiving no pecans.

"These findings suggest regular consumption of pecans may provide significant nutritive and antioxidant benefits for your body," said lead researcher Thomas Shea, Ph.D.

Researchers suspect that vitamin E – a natural antioxidant found in pecans – may provide a key element to neurological protection shown in the study. Pecans are the most antioxidant-rich tree nut and are among the top 15 foods to contain the highest antioxidant capacity, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Eating a handful of pecans contains more than 19 vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc and several B vitamins.