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There’s nothing quite as comforting as tucking into a warm slice of sweet, gooey pie.
And now that the season of overindulgence is upon us, there are more excuses than ever to, well, overindulge. If, however, the guilt of doing so is making you feel a little crumb-y, we’ve got some delicious news for you.
“While pie should be consumed mindfully and in moderation, certain pies can actually help you meet your nutrient and fiber needs, as well as help you to stay on track with an overall healthful eating pattern,” registered dietitian Rickelle Tallent told The Post.
While they may be calorically dense, some of your favorite fruit-filled pies offer some health benefits in the form of vitamins, antioxidants, and — most crucially — fiber.
“The majority of people in America lack adequate fiber intake,” Dr. Raj Singh told The Post. “Pumpkin, a common pie ingredient, delivers essential fiber to your diet.”
If you do want to make your pie more diet-friendly, Singh recommends minimizing butter usage, opting for brown sugar as a substitute and resisting the temptation of additional servings.
You could also consider making a crumble instead of a pie, since a crumble doesn’t contain a top or bottom crust, which is where the most of the calories lie.
Don’t forget, however, that while balance is key, sometimes giving in to temptation is the healthiest move.
“Allowing yourself to enjoy an occasional slice of pie, rather than completely forbidding it, actually makes it more likely you’ll eat within your calorie needs, maintain a body weight that’s healthy for you and live a longer, healthier life,” Tallent pointed 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 pie offers a good dose of vitamins, minerals and other food components such as vitamin A, potassium, fiber, and antioxidants, which are positively associated with gut health, heart health, healthy vision, chronic disease prevention and longevity,” Tallent said.
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’re rich in monounsaturated fats, which can help reduce bad cholesterol levels (LDL) while promoting good cholesterol (HDL), leading to better cardiovascular function.
They also contain essential nutrients such as zinc, vitamin A, vitamin E, Riboflavin, folate, thiamine and manganese.
Finally, pecans provide a good dose of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, as well as fiber, which can help regulate your blood sugar levels and keep you feeling full longer.
Apple pie
Apples are a rich source of dietary fiber, antioxidants and vitamin C. They also contain fisetin, a compound that can help protect you against memory loss and Alzheimer’s.
Because apples are high in soluble fiber and polyphenols, some research has shown that they are linked to 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.
