3 Surprising Health Benefits of Pizza
No matter where you are in the world, pizza is one of the most popular foods. Since there are different styles of pizza, it's a food that is often shared among families, friends, and loved ones from different cultures. A universal favorite, pizza is just as popular at the Super Bowl, a children's birthday party, or a celebration with friends.
You might assume that pizza is just junk food that you shouldn't eat, but it's much more than that. In fact, the variety of toppings, crusts and cheeses that are available make pizza a very versatile food and one that can deliver a wide variety of health benefits. Here are some of the better reasons to eat pizza:
Reasons to Take a Guilt-Free Bite Out of Your Pizza
Benefit #1: Pizza is a Protein Powerhouse
Most people are aware that pizza is high in calories. The big surprise, though, is that pizza contains a lot of protein. If you are wondering what type of protein is found in pizza, it's mainly in cheese. Pizza also contains a fair amount of the amino acid L-glutamine, which is an antioxidant that helps your body build muscle.
By itself, pizza doesn't contain a lot of protein, but when you add protein-rich toppings, you'll find that pizza can become an important part of a protein-rich diet. If you ever need a quick and delectable post-workout treat, then pizza is definitely the way to go!
Benefit #2: Red Sauce is Packed with Antioxidants
Your red sauce on your pizza might be a tasty marinara, salsa, or tomato sauce, but one thing is for sure – it's filled with antioxidants. For example, your marinara sauce might be made from fire-roasted red peppers, tomatoes, and olive oil.
The antioxidants that are found in your red sauce are called lycopene and beta-carotene. Antioxidants are important because they can help prevent free radical damage to your body.
Free radical damage can lead to chronic diseases, heart disease and cancer. By simply eating more foods with antioxidants, you can help protect yourself against these common diseases.
Benefit #3: A Delicious Way to Enjoy Vegetables
If you have a hard time eating your veggies, then there might be no better way to get them into your diet than with a slice of pizza. Most pizzas have a wide variety of vegetables piled high on top of the cheese and the crust.
The vegetables that you'll typically find on pizza include:
Red and green peppers;
Onions;
Mushrooms;
Tomatoes;
While you might primarily think of pizza as a meat lover's treat, it can be a nutritious meal for vegetarians or anyone else who is looking for a healthy meal that's also high in protein.
The Bottom Line: Pizza is the Ultimate Comfort Food that can Uplift the Mood and Your Health
While pizza can be a fattening, greasy meal, it can also be a healthy alternative to a fast-food burger and fries. In fact, pizza is getting a good reputation, not only as a tasty lunch or dinner but for eating in a healthy way, too.
Since pizza is comfort food, you'll probably feel better when you are eating it, too. It's the yin and yang of pizza that makes it so versatile – along with the delicious flavors and toppings, it can also be a healthy food to enjoy on a regular basis. As long as you don't overindulge, pizza can still be a tasty treat that you can enjoy without worry.
Are You Looking for the Best Pizza Joint in Surrey, BC?
For your next game night, you won't have to look any further as we’re a pizza restaurant in Surrey that’s always ready to deliver the perfect pie. You can get your next pizza fix at Top in Town Pizza, where you can experience love at the first slice!