Does pizza have any health benefits?

Today we're talking about a classic dish that has been enjoyed by people all over the world for generations – pizza. But, the big question on everyone's mind is, does this delicious meal have any health benefits? The answer, like many things in nutrition, is not simple.

On one hand, pizza can be high in calories, unhealthy fats, and salt, all of which can contribute to weight gain and increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and other health issues. A typical slice of pepperoni pizza, for example, can contain over 300 calories and more than 10 grams of fat.

However, if made properly, pizza can also have some health benefits. For example, the tomato sauce used on pizza is a good source of lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. Whole-grain crusts, rather than refined flour, provide fiber and important nutrients. Toppings such as vegetables, lean meats, and low-fat cheese can add important nutrients to the diet.

The key to making pizza a healthy food is to focus on portion control and ingredient choices. Eating a smaller portion of pizza and choosing a thin crust topped with plenty of vegetables, lean protein, and low-fat cheese can help to reduce calorie and fat content. Additionally, it's important to avoid consuming large amounts of processed meats, like pepperoni or sausage, as these have been linked to an increased risk of cancer and other health problems.

Pizza can be both a healthy and unhealthy food, depending on the ingredients used and how it's prepared. To enjoy pizza in a healthier way, choose whole grain crust, limit high-fat toppings, and focus on portion control. With a little bit of effort, you can still enjoy the taste of pizza while taking care of your health.

The toppings with the most health benefits to put on a pizza

1.  Vegetables: Tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and spinach are all good choices. They add flavor and texture while providing important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

2.  Lean protein: Chicken, turkey, and lean cuts of beef or pork are healthy protein choices that can be added to a pizza.

3.  Low-fat cheese: Cheese is a staple of pizza, but it's also high in fat and calories. To keep pizza healthy, opt for low-fat cheese options, such as mozzarella or feta, which still provide flavor while reducing the calorie and fat content. The Kirkland brand pizza mozzarella is pretty low in calories. My favorite is Saputo, but that’s more of a Canadian thing.

4.  Whole grains: Choose a whole-grain crust instead of a refined flour crust. This adds fiber and important nutrients to the pizza.

5.  Herbs and spices: Basil, oregano, and garlic are flavorful additions to pizza that offer health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and improving heart health.

Remember, it's also important to watch portion sizes and avoid overloading on high-fat toppings, such as processed meats and extra cheese. With a few smart ingredient choices, pizza can be a nutritious and delicious part of a healthy diet.

The least healthy toppings to put on a pizza

1.  Processed meats: Pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and ham are high in unhealthy saturated and trans fats, sodium, and calories. These meats have also been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.

2.  High-fat cheese: Full-fat cheese, such as blue cheese or cheddar, can quickly add extra fat and calories to a pizza.

3.  Sweet toppings: Fruit, such as pineapple or peaches, or sugary sauces, like barbecue or honey mustard, can add excessive sugar and calories to a pizza.

4.  Refined flour crust: White flour crusts lack fiber and important nutrients, making them less nutritious than whole-grain crusts.

5.  Dipping sauces: Rich, creamy dips, such as ranch or alfredo, are high in fat and calories and can quickly add excess calories to a meal. Use hot sauce instead. Most hot sauce has zero calories. Frank’s Red Hot is great on pizza.

Here are some unique and healthy pizza topping combinations you probably haven’t tried

1.  Grilled chicken, roasted red peppers, goat cheese, and arugula: The sweetness of the red peppers is a great balance to the tangy goat cheese, and the fresh arugula adds a nice crunch.

2.  Shrimp, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese: The combination of juicy shrimp and savory sun-dried tomatoes, combined with the saltiness of feta cheese, creates a burst of flavor with every bite.

3.  Caramelized onions, Portobello mushrooms, and goat cheese: The natural sweetness of caramelized onions is the perfect complement to the earthy flavor of Portobello mushrooms and the tanginess of goat cheese.

4.  Grilled eggplant, zucchini, and roasted tomatoes: The smoky flavor of grilled eggplant and zucchini is a delicious contrast to the sweetness of roasted tomatoes.

5.  Grilled chicken, pesto, and cherry tomatoes: The herbaceous and nutty flavors of pesto pair perfectly with juicy cherry tomatoes and tender grilled chicken.

6.  Roasted butternut squash, sage, and goat cheese: The natural sweetness of butternut squash and the earthy flavor of sage are elevated by the tanginess of goat cheese.

7.  Roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, and Kalamata olives: The combination of sweet and salty flavors from the roasted red peppers, tangy artichoke hearts, and salty Kalamata olives make for a delicious and satisfying pizza.

Pizza can indeed be a part of a healthy diet if you make the right choices. By selecting a whole-grain crust, plenty of veggies, and lean protein, you can enjoy the taste of pizza without sacrificing your health. Remember, it's all about balance and moderation. Now, who's ready for a slice?