Health Benefits of Pumpkin Pie

Depending on the recipe, pumpkin pie can be loaded with unhealthy amounts of sugar and fat. However, pumpkin pie also contains many nutrients that are good for you.

Fiber

• Half a cup of pumpkin pie filling provides up to 11 grams of fiber, nearly a quarter of the recommended daily intake for the average adult. The soluble fiber in pumpkin and other fruits and vegetables is good for the digestive tract and the heart.

Vitamin A

• One slice of pumpkin pie contains more than 100 percent of your daily value of vitamin A. Adequate intake of vitamin A is necessary for good eyesight, proper function of the immune system and production of red blood cells.

Other vitamins and minerals

• Pumpkin pie filling also contains potassium, vitamin C and iron, while the crust provides several of the B vitamins.

Carotenoids

• Yellow and orange-fleshed vegetables and fruits, including pumpkins and squash, contain nutrients called carotenoids. According to information from the National Institutes of Health, consumption of carotenoids may be associated with lowered risks for certain cancers.

Warning

• While the filling of a pumpkin pie is highly nutritious, the crust can add as much as 188 grams of fat and can account for nearly a quarter of your cholesterol limit for the day.