Pumpkin season is here! From coffee drinks to baked goods, it seems like pumpkin is everywhere once the slightest hint of fall arrives. But if you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), you may be wondering: is pumpkin good for kidney patients? And what about the potassium in pumpkin? As a registered dietitian specializing in kidney nutrition, I’m here to share the full story about pumpkins for kidney patients that want to expand their food choices with this seasonal squash. Read on to learn about the nutritional value of pumpkin, benefits of including pumpkin in your diet, tips for adding pumpkin in realistic ways, and kidney-friendly pumpkin recipes.
Table of Contents
Nutrition Facts for Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a nutrient-loaded winter squash. Here’s a quick breakdown of the full nutrition facts for pumpkin, both raw and canned options, from the USDA Food Database.
| 1 cup raw pumpkin (1” cubes)(116 grams by weight) | 1 cup canned pumpkin (245 grams by weight) | |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 30 | 83 |
| Total Fat (grams, g) | 0 | 0 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 0 | 0 |
| Carbohydrates (g) | 7 | 20 |
| Fiber (g) | <1 | 7 |
| Protein (g) | 1 | 3 |
| Potassium (milligrams, mg) | 394 | 505 |
| Phosphorus, organic (mg) | 51 | 84 |
| Vitamin C (mg) | 10 | 10 |
| Vitamin A (micrograms) | 494 | 1,910 |
| Iron (mg) | 0.9 | 3.4 |
Pumpkin is high in potassium and fiber content while being low in calories. It is also a good source of vitamins A, C, and E.
Is canned or fresh pumpkin better for kidney patients?
Canned or fresh pumpkin both fit in a kidney-friendly diet. The largest consideration will be regarding potassium.
It’s more common to use smaller amounts of canned pumpkin in recipes rather than diced pumpkin. For example, making pumpkin bread using canned pumpkin may require one cup for the entire loaf.
Nutrition of Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are a nutrient-rich choice as well that can fit in many kidney-friendly diets.
| 1 ounce roasted pumpkin seeds | |
|---|---|
| Calories | 163 |
| Total Fat (grams, g) | 14 |
| Monounsaturated fat (g) | 4 |
| Polyunsaturated fat (g) | 6 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 2 |
| Carbohydrates (g) | 4 |
| Fiber (g) | 2 |
| Protein (g) | 8 |
| Potassium (milligrams, mg) | 223 |
| Phosphorus, organic (mg) | 332 |
| Iron (mg) | 2.3 |
| Magnesium (mg) | 156 |
As you can see, pumpkin seeds are also a great source of magnesium. Magnesium is a nutrient that is very important for people with kidney disease.
Nutrition of Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie is a traditional holiday dessert throughout the fall and winter. It can also be included in a renal diet in moderation, just like most desserts and indulgences.
One slice (133 grams) of pumpkin pie has 222 milligrams of potassium.
Research-Backed Benefits of Pumpkin
Pumpkin and its seeds have been studied for health benefits beyond potassium content.
Lowers Blood Pressure & Supports Heart Health
Research has found that eating enough potassium while following a low-sodium diet can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and reduce the risk of death.
Newer research shows that limiting potassium in a renal diet not as helpful as we once thought.
Additionally, pumpkin seed oil may help postmenopausal women better control blood pressure.
Hormone Balance
Pumpkin seed oil may help with imbalanced sex hormones, thanks to the polyphenols, carotenoids, and other health-related properties involved.
This is just one example of how seed oils are a good option for many, with proven health benefits.
Anti-Inflammatory Protection
The beta-carotene and other carotenoids in pumpkin serve as potent antioxidants.
They help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation, contributing to protection against cancer, heart disease, and age-related eye disorders.
Supports Immune Function, Skin & Eye Health
Vitamin A and C boost immune defense and help with skin cell turnover. Antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin help protect eyes from age-related damage like macular degeneration.
Enhances Digestive and Gut Health
As mentioned, pumpkin is packed with fiber. It is also a water-rich vegetable.
The high content of both fiber and water in pumpkin help with digestion. Both nutrients promote intestinal transit and balance the microbiota of the gut.
Is Pumpkin Bad for Kidneys?
While historically listed as a food to limit or avoid, you should now see that pumpkin can provide many benefits that align with kidney health.
If you have been instructed by your healthcare provider to limit potassium, limiting pumpkin will likely be a part of your diet plan.
However, including a quarter-cup of canned pumpkin will provide just 126 milligrams of potassium. This can easily fit even in a low-potassium diet.
And while the phosphorus in pumpkin may feel like it’s bad for kidney patients, it’s important to understand that the phosphorus coming from pumpkin, including pumpkin seeds, is organic.
This means it is not easily absorbed into the bloodstream. Therefore, it will not make a significant impact on your blood phosphorus levels.
When shopping for canned pumpkin and pumpkin-infused products, read the ingredient list to help avoid phosphate additives.
This type of phosphorus, otherwise known as inorganic phosphorus, is more highly absorbed and may make phosphorus control more difficult.
The bottom line is that pumpkin is not bad for kidney patients. In fact, it could be a good addition thanks to the nutrients naturally found in pumpkin.
Tips for Kidney Patients to Enjoy Pumpkin
As you should know now, there are some great advantages in enjoying some pumpkin in a kidney-friendly diet. Here are a few ideas to help you enjoy it year-round.
- Add a few tablespoons of canned pumpkin into cake, cookie, waffle or pancake batter
- Try pumpkin-spice flavored coffee and creamers (just check for added phosphorus on the label).
- Use pumpkin spice seasoning to add in the warming flavors of pumpkin pie without the pumpkin
- Stir canned pumpkin into soups for a creamy, thicker texture or add diced pumpkin for a fun and different flavor
- Add canned pumpkin to pasta sauces, chili, or curries for a rich, slightly sweet undertone.
- Mix pumpkin puree into your favorite vanilla yogurt, along with pumpkin pie spices, for a fun fall-inspired breakfast or snack. Top with pumpkin seeds for crunch!
Canned pumpkin freezes well. If you find yourself using a small amount at a time, try freezing pumpkin using an ice tray.
Add 1 tablespoon to each ice cube section and freeze until solid. Remove the pumpkin cubes from the tray and into a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Free Kidney-Friendly Pumpkin Recipes
Get a free recipe e-book with 5 delicious recipes featuring pumpkins! Each recipe has less than 500 milligrams potassium per serving; something anyone can fit into a renal diet.
How you fit it in is up to you and your dietitian. How does pumpkin mac and cheese sound?
Summary
Pumpkin has many benefits that can help people with CKD enjoy their diet while also supporting heart health, gut health, and more.
While rich in potassium, smaller amounts of pumpkin can be included for those on a potassium restriction.
The phosphorus from pumpkin and pumpkin seeds is organic and therefore not likely to make a negative impact on blood phosphorus levels.
While fresh pumpkin is seasonal, canned pumpkin is available year-round to be enjoyed whenever.
Jen Hernandez is a registered dietitian and board-certified specialist in renal nutrition. She has nearly a decade of experience with kidney disease patients in all stages - from stage 1 through kidney transplant. Jen writes on the blog of Plant-Powered Kidneys to help reach and teach more kidney patients about how they can enjoy more foods in a plant-based diet while protecting kidney health.
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