We know pizza makes you smile, but is it good for you?
There aren’t many foods that are as universally loved as pizza.
Pizza is a dish of Italian origin; the city of Naples is considered its birthplace.
Photo: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn
Traditionally, pizza is topped with a tomato-based sauce and cheese, but this can vary.
Depending on people’s preferences, pizza can also betopped with vegetables and/or meats, like pepperoni and sausage.
That’s a lot of pizza!
Here are the nutrition facts of three varieties of pizzas:
Is Pizza Healthy?
Assuming you are sticking to proper portion sizes, here are some effects you may see.
Pizza also contains other nutrients that support bone health as well, like zinc and magnesium.
The2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americansrecommends adults limit sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg per day.
Sure, downing an entire pepperoni pie in one sitting is not the healthiest practice.
Enjoy your pizza with a side salad and skip the ultra-processed toppings to give your meal a nutritional boost.
Pizza can absolutely be enjoyed once a week.
There is no one food that will sabotage your weight.
It is best to look at whether your overall diet is balanced.
There are plenty of pizza choices that can be considered healthy.
Topping choices on the more nutritious side are vegetables, chicken, shrimp and cheese.
Both pizza and burgers can be made in very healthy ways.
For example, a burger made with lean beef and served on a whole-grain bun is a nutritious meal.
Pizza is not only OK for weight loss but can also be weight-loss-friendly.
Depriving yourself of your favorite foods is not recommended when you are on a weight-loss journey.
