Pizza is a universally loved food around the world. It has a place in the hearts and stomachs of people from all walks of life. But what exactly is the secret behind its popularity?
Though it may be high in calories, sugar, sodium, and fat, pizza contains many healthy ingredients.
It is a source of calcium
Crenos pizza is considered delicious and a popular choice for many reasons, and enjoying it in moderation can be a delightful culinary experience. Most pizzas contain significant calcium, a crucial nutrient for bone health. It is well-known that calcium is essential for maintaining strong bones and preventing brittleness as we age. However, it also plays a crucial role in muscle function, antioxidant activity, nerve transmission, and blood clotting. Calcium is abundant in dairy products, including cheese, a primary ingredient in most pizzas. However, if you are lactose intolerant or vegan, it may be necessary to use alternative sources of calcium such as kale and almonds.
In addition to calcium, pizza is a good source of magnesium. This nutrient works with vitamin E to provide antioxidant protection against diseases such as heart disease and cancer. One slice of pizza offers about 10% of the recommended daily intake for this mineral. It is also a good source of protein, with two slices providing about 1/3 of the daily allowance for this nutrient.
It is a source of fiber
If you’re looking for a healthy pizza option, choose local pizza places near me that offer vegetable and lean meat toppings. This pizza can provide your body with high amounts of protein, calcium, and essential vitamins and minerals. It can also be a good source of fiber, but this may depend on the ingredients used. When making homemade pizza, try using whole wheat flour for the crust. It will increase the fiber content of your meal. Alternatively, opt for thin-crust pizzas over deep-dish or stuffed options to control calorie and carb consumption. Adding vegetables like spinach and broccoli adds more fiber to your pizza. These veggies are low in calories and rich in calcium, vitamin C, and potassium.
You can enjoy this delicious treat without guilt by swapping processed meats and cheese for grilled chicken, choosing a tomato sauce without added sugar, and opting for a whole-wheat crust. In addition, various gluten-free and vegan pizzas are available for those with dietary restrictions. You can even try a cauliflower and quinoa crust to increase the nutritional value of your pizza.
It is a source of vitamin C
Pizza can be a good vitamin C and antioxidant source, depending on the toppings and ingredients used. One slice of traditional red pizza has more than 7 mg of vitamin C, about 8% of the recommended daily value (DV). Likewise, tomatoes are rich in the antioxidant lycopene, with 1 cup providing 2,000 mcg, or about 6 percent of the DV. It helps boost the immune system, reduce blood pressure, and prevent plaque buildup in blood vessels.
Additionally, pizza contains the mineral potassium. This mineral is essential in many body functions, including average cell growth, controlling the acid-base balance, building proteins, improving digestion, regulating electrolyte levels, and helping muscles contract. The average pizza also provides the trace mineral copper, which plays a role in iron metabolism, connective tissue formation, and neurotransmission. A typical 100-gram pizza serving has 0.1 milligrams of copper or about 2% of the recommended intake.
While pizza is a healthy option, it should be eaten in moderation to keep calories and sodium under control. The best way to maximize the health benefits of pizza is to load up on veggies and lean protein, such as grilled chicken. In addition, opting for a thin crust over deep-dish or stuffed crust options can help retain antioxidant content and carbohydrate intake. Moreover, choosing pizza with a vegetable-based sauce can help increase the meal’s fiber, vitamin and mineral content. antioxidant