Pizza is a universally loved food that has its origins in Italy. It is made from a round, flattened base of leavened wheat-based dough, topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and various other toppings, and baked at high temperatures. While pizza is often thought of as a guilty pleasure food, it actually has several surprising health benefits that make it a great addition to your diet. In this blog, we will discuss why everyone should eat pizza and how it can be a healthier option than you might think.
High in Proteins
Pizza is an excellent source of protein, with an average slice containing around 12 grams. Protein is essential for building muscle, making hair, blood, and tissue, as well as producing antibodies and enzymes. Eating enough protein is essential for good health, and pizza can be a great way to get the protein your body needs while enjoying a delicious meal.
Facilitates to absorb of lycopene
Lycopene is an antioxidant found in tomatoes, which are a key ingredient in pizza sauce. Lycopene helps to reduce blood pressure and lower high cholesterol, making it an essential nutrient for heart health. Cooked tomatoes contain more lycopene than fresh tomatoes, making pizza a great way to absorb this important antioxidant.
Fresh Vegetables
Many pizza restaurants offer a variety of fresh vegetables as toppings, including tomato, artichoke, onion, bell pepper, mushroom, and olive. These vegetables are a great way to add additional nutrients to your diet, such as vitamin B3, vitamin E, and antioxidants. Artichokes can also help to regulate blood pressure and lower "bad" LDL cholesterol.
Thin-Crust Pizza
If you're looking for a healthier option, try ordering a thin-crust pizza. Not only does it have fewer calories than regular pizza crust, but it also has a much better balance of carbs, protein, and fat. Thin-crust pizza can be a great way to enjoy pizza while sticking to your health goals.
Breakfast Option
Pizza can be a better option for breakfast than some cereals, as it contains a good balance of carbs, protein, and fat. Whether it's piping hot out of the oven or out of the fridge, it's a great first meal in the morning. So, next time someone tries to make you feel guilty about your breakfast choices, remind them that pizza is healthier than various breakfasts and cereals.
Whole-Wheat Pizza Crust
Whole-wheat pizza crust adds fiber to your diet, which can help you feel full faster and eat less. Fiber is essential for maintaining good digestive health and preventing diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. The whole-wheat dough also has fewer carbohydrates than white dough, making it a great option for those looking to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
Cheat Meal Option
Whether you're on a short-term diet or making long-term changes to your diet, you should definitely schedule a cheat day for yourself. When you try to eat the right things every day, there comes a time when you only want to eat what you shouldn't. Depending on how long you've been ignoring your cravings, you can plan to enjoy your favorite pizza with a cheat meal so you can stay consistent in your food choices and don't have to deal with guilt.
Stronger Bones
Dairy products such as cheese are good sources of calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and preventing osteoporosis. Cheese also contains protein and fat, making it a great addition to a healthy diet. When ordering pizza, consider asking for a "light cheese" option to reduce the amount of cheese and calories in your meal.
Freshly Made Pizza can be high in Calories, Carbs & Sodium
Freshly-made pizzas often contain healthier ingredients than the prepared pizzas sold at convenience stores and fast-food restaurants. Most Pizzerias make their dough from scratch using simple ingredients like olive oil and flour. Depending on the shop, there are also shops that use healthy toppings such as sugar-free homemade sauces and cream cheese. For the most part, freshly baked pizzas are high in calories and sodium, as they are usually topped with cheese, salty meats, and other high-calorie toppings. Also, some Pizzas have added sugar in the crust, certain toppings, and sauces. Additionally, choosing a pizza or deep dish with a thin crust helps to maintain the carbs and total calorie content of the slice.
In conclusion, Pizza is a food that everyone should enjoy once in a while. It is a delicious and versatile treat that can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy diet. By choosing simple crusts and healthy toppings, you can enjoy the nutritional benefits of Pizza while also satisfying your cravings. So, the next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, consider treating yourself to a slice of Pizza.
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