How Your Favorite Thanksgiving Pies Are Actually Good For You

There’s nothing quite as comforting as tucking into a warm slice of sweet and savory pie.

And now that the season of overindulgence is upon us, there are more excuses than ever to overindulge. However, if the guilt of this is making you feel a little disappointed, we have some delicious news for you.

“While pie should be consumed with care and moderation, some pies can actually help you meet your nutrient and fiber needs, as well as help you stay on track with an overall pattern of healthy eating,” registered dietitian Rickelle Tallent told The Post.

While they may be calorie-dense, some of your favorite fruit-filled pies offer several health benefits in the form of vitamins, antioxidants, and—most importantly—fiber.

“Most people in America lack adequate fiber intake,” said Dr. Raj Singh for The Post. “Pumpkin, a common pie ingredient, provides essential fiber in your diet.”

If you want to make your pie more diet-friendly, Singh recommends minimizing the use of butter, opting for brown sugar as a substitute, and resisting the temptation of extra servings.

You might also consider making a crumble instead of a pie, since a crumble doesn’t contain a top or bottom crust, where most of the calories reside.

However, remember that while balance is key, sometimes giving in to temptation is the healthiest move.

“Allowing yourself to enjoy a piece of pie now and then, rather than cutting it out completely, actually makes it more likely that you’ll eat within your calorie needs, maintain a body weight that’s healthy for you, and live a longer, healthier life,” Tallent said. out.

Here are some of the other health benefits of your Thanksgiving favorites.

Pumpkin pie

Of the three in this article, pumpkin is probably the winner in terms of nutritional value.

“Pumpkin peas provide a good dose of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients such as vitamin A, potassium, fiber and antioxidants, which are positively associated with gut health, heart health, healthy vision, prevention of chronic diseases and life expectancy”, said Tallent. .

Pumpkin is also a good source of vitamin C, vitamin E, iron and folate – all of which help boost your immune system.

Last but not least, pumpkin contains phosphorus – a mineral that has many benefits, including keeping your bones nice and strong.

Pecan pie

Pecans are packed with omega-3 fatty acids – which are great for heart, brain and eye health – as well as anti-inflammatory minerals like manganese and copper.

They are rich in unsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) levels while promoting good cholesterol (HDL), leading to better cardiovascular function.

They also contain essential nutrients such as zinc, vitamin A, vitamin E, riboflavin, folate, thiamin and manganese.

Finally, pecans provide a good dose of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, as well as fiber, which can help regulate blood sugar levels and keep you feeling fuller longer.

Apple pie

Apples are a rich source of dietary fiber, antioxidants and vitamin C. They also contain fisetin, a compound that may protect you against memory loss and Alzheimer’s.

Because apples are high in soluble fiber and polyphenols, some research has shown that they are associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

Plus, no apple pie recipe would be complete without cinnamon, which has its own health benefits. It’s loaded with powerful antioxidants and can help manage blood sugar levels, reduce the risk of heart disease, and ward off the flu and other viruses.