In this very hectic world, meal time can be such a hassle. It seems hard to squeeze in a balanced diet when you have to do so many things throughout the day. As such, people are always on the look out for quick meals that provide all the necessary nutrients in one bite. If this is the case with you, then you need not look further than the yellow pages. The complete meal has long been around that you are probably eating it more often than you notice. Still puzzled as to what this complete food is? It is none other than the pizza.
For many, pizza may just be a snack or junk food, a fattening substance of empty nutritive value. But contrary to this common notion, the pizza can potentially be a healthful meal that can be both filling and nutritious. While it is true that wolfing down six big slices of pizza in one sitting can definitely make one fat, eating it in the right amounts can just be as healthy as eating a serving of salad. What makes pizza so good is that it has all the food groups recommended by nutritionists and doctors for a proper nutrition.
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Here is a run down of the types of food that can be found in most pizzas.
Pizza Has Grain
The basis of any pizza is the crust. It is the binder of the whole pie, where all the ingredients are situated. Crust is simply bread, which is usually made of flour. This is a rich source of carbohydrates which the body uses as fuel for its everyday function. The grain food group is also a good source of vitamins and minerals that are necessary for maintaining normal body processes. The pizza crust is also a source fiber, which is very necessary for maintaining the function of the digestive system.
Pizza Has Protein-Rich Foods
Pizza is rich in food products belonging to the meat group. The usual pizza can have pepperoni, Italian sausages, ground beef, ham and other meats. Some pizzas can even have chicken, veal, or lamb. These types of food are rich in protein, iron, and vitamin D, among many other vitamins and minerals. These nutrients are necessary for building muscle and developing tissue. These nutrients are also used for maintaining hair and skin.
Pizza Has Dairy Products
Aside from the crust, a typical feature of any pizza is the cheese. Nothing beats the chewy, oozing goodness of melted mozzarella on top of any pizza. Some pizzas even have other kinds of cheeses like cheddar, feta, and Gouda. Cheese, like other dairy products is rich in calcium and protein. Calcium is a necessary mineral for growing strong bones and teeth. It is also an important element for preventing diseases like osteoporosis.
Pizza Has Fruits
Another typical ingredient of a pizza is the tomato sauce. While most people would think that tomatoes are vegetables, it is basically a fruit. And like many nutritious fruits, tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and other minerals. It is also a good source lycopene, which has been shown to help prevent cancer. Certain special types of pizzas also have other kinds of fruits. The Hawaiian style pizza has pineapple, which is another good source of vitamin C. Some Asian style pizzas have mandarin orange. There are even pizzas with avocado, which is a good source of essential fatty acids that increase the level of good cholesterol in the blood.
Pizza Has Vegetables
Pizzas also have healthy vegetables. Of course there is the vegetarian pizza that contains no meat and only vegetables. Such pizzas can very much be likened to salads and have almost the same, if not more nutrients. A pizza can have slivers of bell peppers. There can also be mushrooms. Some pizzas also have cabbage, lettuce, and other greens. Vegetables are rich in calcium, beta carotene, iron, and other vitamins and minerals.
Pizza has Oils and Sweets
Pizzas can be a good source of complex energy from fats. Authentic Mediterranean and Italian pizzas often have olive oil, which is known to be very good to the heart. Other types of oils may also be present depending on the type of pizza. Sweets can also be found in pizzas, especially those for kids.
Pizza Can Comprise a Complete Balanced Meal
If you are looking for a quick meal that is complete and healthy, then you may well be eating pizza. Of course like with any other food, it is best to keep everything in moderation. A slice or two would be fine for a meal, but a dozen may be too much. So the next time you order pizza for delivery, just be grateful for such a good and complete meal.
Pizza Has All the Major Food Groups
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