Pumpkin

vegetables

Pumpkin

8/ 10Excellent
Controversy: 5.8

Rated by 11 diets

6 approve3 caution2 avoid
Is Pumpkin Healthy?

Yes — Pumpkin is broadly considered healthy. 6 out of 11 diets approve it.

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g
Calories
26kcal
Protein
1g
Carbs
6.5g
Fat
0.1g
Fiber
0.5g
Sugar
2.8g
Sodium
1mg

Diet Ratings

Keto2/10AVOID

Pumpkin contains approximately 5-6g net carbs per 100g. While lower than butternut squash, it is still a starchy vegetable with significant carbohydrate content unsuitable for strict keto adherence.

Vegan9/10APPROVED

Whole plant squash with no animal products or derivatives. Rich in vitamin A, potassium, and antioxidants. Pure pumpkin puree is vegan-approved.

Paleo6/10CAUTION

Winter squash with moderate carbohydrate content. Acceptable in paleo but portion-sensitive. Pure pumpkin approved; avoid sweetened preparations.

iStrict low-carb paleo advocates limit squash; others accept in moderation as nutrient-dense tuber alternative.

Mediterranean8/10APPROVED

Winter squash with high beta-carotene and fiber. Low calorie density. Traditional in Mediterranean regions. Supports eye health and immune function.

Carnivore1/10AVOID

Plant-derived gourd with high carbohydrate and sugar content. Excluded from all carnivore diet protocols.

Whole309/10APPROVED

Pumpkin is a whole vegetable with no excluded ingredients. Fully compliant with Whole30 rules. Pure pumpkin puree without additives is acceptable.

Low-FODMAP8/10APPROVED

Pumpkin is low-FODMAP at standard servings (1 cup cooked). Monash University has tested and confirmed low-FODMAP status.

DASH8/10APPROVED

Excellent DASH vegetable. Very low sodium, good fiber, rich in potassium and beta-carotene. Low calorie density supports weight management.

Zone5/10CAUTION

Moderate-to-high carbohydrate content with moderate glycemic index. Requires careful portioning in Zone meals. Better as measured carbohydrate block than unlimited vegetable.

Anti-Inflammatory8/10APPROVED

Excellent source of beta-carotene, vitamin C, and potassium. Rich in antioxidants and polyphenols. Low calorie, high fiber. Supports immune function and reduces oxidative stress.

GLP-1 Friendly5/10CAUTION

Good fiber and nutrient-dense (vitamin A), but higher natural sugar (5g per 100g) and calorie density (26 cal/100g) than non-starchy vegetables. Portion-sensitive. Acceptable in moderation but not ideal as primary vegetable. Pumpkin puree often contains added sugar.

Controversy Index

Score range: 19/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.

Consensus5.8Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Pumpkin

Vegan 9/10
  • 100% plant-based
  • Whole food
  • High in vitamin A
  • Versatile preparation
Paleo 6/10
  • Moderate carbohydrates
  • Nutrient-dense
  • Avoid sweetened versions
Mediterranean 8/10
  • High beta-carotene
  • Low calorie density
  • Traditional Mediterranean use
  • Immune support
Whole30 9/10
  • Whole vegetable
  • No excluded ingredients
  • Unprocessed
  • Higher natural sugar content
Low-FODMAP 8/10
  • Low fructan content
  • Low GOS content
  • Tested by Monash University
DASH 8/10
  • Very low sodium
  • Good fiber
  • High potassium
  • Beta-carotene content
Zone 5/10
  • Moderate glycemic index
  • Significant carbohydrate density
  • Requires portion control
  • Starchy vegetable
  • Beta-carotene
  • Vitamin C and potassium
  • Antioxidants
  • Low calorie, high fiber
  • good fiber content
  • nutrient-dense
  • higher natural sugar
  • portion-dependent
  • check for added sugar in prepared forms
Last reviewed: Our methodology