Hey there, folks!
Let’s talk about your favourite food…
Pizza!
People think that pizza is all about fat, carbs and calories.
Some even consider it a slower version of fast food.
What if we told you there is more to pizza then you’ve been told?
Pizza has some nutritious ingredients like protein and Vitamin K. Apart from that, it’s
also known to release serotonin, which influences positive emotions.
Let’s talk about these benefits and more...
#1 It Is High In Vitamin K
Now you might be wondering, “What is Vitamin K?”
It is a group of fat-soluble vitamins that help to break down protein.
It is also responsible for helping the body absorb calcium, which is necessary for the
human body.
In a study, it was found that pizza contains Vitamin K.
The same study also pointed out that toppings didn’t have a big impact on this nutrient.
But of course, if your slice comes with broccoli or spinach, it will supply more of this nutrient.
Both of these vegetables have a lot of Vitamin K in them.
#2 It Contains Antioxidants
This is where people who order veggie pizza win over others.
Especially those who like spinach.
Spinach contains a lot of antioxidants.
Antioxidants are necessary in providing protection against free radicals.
It’s not just spinach.
One of the key ingredients of pizza is the tomato sauce.
Tomatoes are also a good source of antioxidants.
But we wouldn’t recommend adding extra sauce.
You can check out our video, “15 Side Effects of Eating Too Many Tomatoes” for more information.
#3 Lowers Risk of Heart Diseases
When something has antioxidants, it will help your heart.
One particular antioxidant is very useful in this case, it is called lycopene.
Lycopene protects your heart from stress and allows it to pump blood freely.
One study has even shown that lycopene gets rid of oxidative stress.
More importantly, it has also shown that lycopene protects your heart from inflammation.
Oh, and since it’s an antioxidant, it will take out those free radicals.
#4 It Contains Protein
Wait meat lovers, don’t rejoice yet.
Pizza contains a lot of processed meat that doesn't contain as much protein as you may
need.
This doesn’t mean you don’t have options.
Just shift to grilled meat.
A grilled chicken topping would be able to solve your protein problem.
It is a well-known source.
So the next time you are ordering pizza, ask for grilled chicken instead of sausages or
pepperoni.
#5 It Contains Fiber
When asked for a pizza base, always choose the whole grain base.
Whole grains contain a lot of dietary fiber.
It is very important in helping you digest food better.
It slows down the digestion process, making sure that all the toxic waste gets processed
properly.
More importantly, it helps you feel full for a longer period of time.
This also helps you lose weight.
Now that sounds helpful, right?
We did a video on why you should eat more fiber.
If you haven’t checked it out yet, feel free to do so.
It will help you understand more about the effects of fiber on the human body.
#6 Pizza Sauce Contains Vitamin C
When something is made from tomatoes, it will come with a lot of Vitamin C.
This Vitamin helps to strengthen your bones and muscles.
More importantly, it is also responsible for your body’s ability to absorb iron and produce
collagen.
If those things weren’t good enough to impress you, then you should know that Vitamin C also
boosts your immune system.
That sounds great, right?
This doesn’t mean that you stop consuming other sources of Vitamin C. Make sure you
are having plenty of oranges and lemons on a regular basis.
#7 It Is Good For Your Brain And Mood
There is another interesting fact that we would like to share with you about pizza.
The Vitamin K that pizza gets from its sauce and spinach is useful to prevent gradual cognitive
decline.
So, if you have older people at home with declining mental health, you can treat them
once in a while.
Apart from that, spinach contains folate that improves blood circulation in your brain.
Oh and remember, pizza releases serotonin.
Even studies have shown that high levels of serotonin are good for fighting depression.
So, eating pizza could help you steer clear of the blues.
Alright, now it is time for more serious discussion.
Just because pizza contains all these benefits, it doesn’t mean you can have it any way
you like.
There are certain things you need to keep in mind while ordering pizza.
#1 Always Choose A Good Base
When you choose a base that is made from whole grains, you get tons of fiber.
Similarly, each base comes with its own perks.
So make sure you have done your research when it comes to choosing your base.
Although, we would always recommend a whole grain base due to dietary fiber and its positive
effects.
#2 Avoid Processed Meat
Pepperoni may be tasty but processed meat doesn’t have the nutrients that you would
generally need.
So switch to something grilled or fresh.
Despite all of these things, pizza isn’t something you should eat on a regular basis.
Having too much isn’t good for your body.
Here are some of the flaws...
#1 It Is High In Calories
Even 100 grams of regular crust pizza has something close to 266 calories.
Now that’s quite a lot when you think about it.
Limit your intake to a few slices and you will be fine.
Don’t treat pizza like a regular meal.
Unless you are planning on gaining a lot of weight.
Come to think of it, that’s our next point...
#2 It Can Make You Gain Weight
Regular indulgence of pizza means you will ingest more calories than you can burn.
That is never a good idea in any type of scenario.
More importantly, pizza also contains a lot of fat that can accumulate in your belly.
If that continues, you will be at risk of developing hypertension and diabetes.
#3 It Increases Your Risk Of Getting Strokes
Pizza has one heck of a lot of sodium.
This is why it’s a problem if you are having too much.
Sodium is known to elevate the blood pressure levels of your body.
The more sodium you consume on a regular basis, the higher your chances of getting hypertension.
Hypertension brings on other problems, one of them being strokes.
This is especially true for individuals approaching their 40s and over.
#4 It Can Kill Your Appetite
Even if you’re ordering pizza with whole grains, you will face this problem.
The culprit is dietary fiber.
While dietary fiber is mostly good, it has some issues.
It does keep your belly full for a long period of time.
This is how it helps the digestion process.
But if you have too many pizzas, it can ruin your appetite.
Dietary fiber slows down your digestion process to the point you will no longer feel hungry.
That is not a good thing, as it may lead you to malnutrition.
You can avoid this issue by limiting your pizza intake and staying hydrated.
Do you like pizza?
Would you consider eating it after watching this video?
Let us know in the comments below...
We would love to hear from you!