Pizza is among the world’s most popular dishes and it is enjoyed universally. However, the dish has always found itself at the center of controversy when it comes to the advantages of consuming it. One of the most common myths about pizza is that it is a fast food that is unhealthy. In reality, pizza is a nutritional meal that can offer adequate sustenance to your body and metabolism. The pizza that you enjoy in a pizza restaurant is a good source of essential nutrients such as sodium and calcium. Here are the top four surprising benefits of pizza.
Pizza Contains Powerful Antioxidants
The most nutritious component of pizza is the crust. A pizza crust that is made of whole wheat contains antioxidants which are helpful for preventing a wide range of chronic diseases such as cancer. Science has also found out that pizza which is fermented for at least two days and baked at a temperature of 2880C maximizes the amount of antioxidants which is even healthier.
Improves Your Calcium Intake
Pizza also offers you a good way to increase your calcium intake. Cheese is known to be among the best sources of calcium. The tomato source is also a good source of calcium. This means that if you consume pizza, you enjoy at least two different sources of calcium. A single slice of pizza contains at least 220 milligrams of calcium which is about 25 percent of your daily required value. Order a pizza that is topped with broccoli, spinach, or seafood to increase your calcium intake. Calcium is an essential mineral since it helps you to keep your bones strong and also helps your nerves, muscles, and blood vessels to function properly.
Lowers the Risk of a Heart Disease
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene which is an antioxidant that is believed to help prevent heart disease among other health problems. Various studies have shown that lycopene-rich foods are best metabolized when consumed with a little bit of oil or fat since this unique combination allows your intestines to absorb the lycopene efficiently. Adding some cheese to your tomato sauce-rich pizza makes it even more nutritious.
It Can Boost Your Immunity
Your pizza sauce is also loaded with vitamin C which your body requires to prevent various diseases such as common cold. A study conducted by the University of Arizona in the United States found out that adding oregano to your pizza sauce could boost your immunity. The primary component of Oregano is carvacrol which promotes a balanced blood sugar and also protects your liver.
