Pizza has all the major food groups

In this hectic world, mealtime can be a hassle. It seems difficult to eat a balanced diet when you have to do so many things throughout the day. As such, people are always looking for fast foods that provide all the necessary nutrients in one bite. If this is the case for you, then you don’t need to look any further than the yellow pages. Whole food has been around for a long time and you are probably eating it more often than you realize. Still stumped as to what this complete meal is? It is none other than pizza.

For many, pizza may simply be a snack or junk food, a fattening substance with empty nutritional value. But contrary to this common notion, pizza can potentially be a healthy meal that can be hearty and nutritious. While it is true that devouring six large slices of pizza in one sitting can definitely make you fat, eating them in the right amounts can be just as healthy as eating a slice of salad. What makes pizza so good is that it has all the food groups recommended by nutritionists and doctors for proper nutrition.

Here’s a rundown of the types of food that can be found in most pizzas.

The pizza has grain

The base of any pizza is the base. It is the binder of the whole cake, where all the ingredients are located. The crust is simply bread, which is generally made from flour. This is a rich source of carbohydrates that the body uses as fuel for its daily function. The grain food group is also a good source of vitamins and minerals that are necessary to maintain normal body processes. Pizza dough is also a source of fiber, which is very necessary to maintain the function of the digestive system.

Pizza has high protein foods

Pizza is rich in food products belonging to the group of meats. The usual pizza can have pepperoni, Italian sausage, ground beef, ham, and other meats. Some pizzas may even have chicken, beef, or lamb. These types of foods 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 to maintain hair and skin.

The pizza has dairy products

Apart from the crust, a typical characteristic 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 types of cheeses like cheddar, feta, and gouda. Cheese, like other dairy products, is rich in calcium and protein. Calcium is a mineral necessary for building strong bones and teeth. It is also an important element to prevent diseases such as osteoporosis.

The pizza has fruits

Another typical ingredient in a pizza is tomato sauce. While most people would think of tomatoes as a vegetable, 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 of lycopene, which has been shown to help prevent cancer. Certain special types of pizzas also have other types of fruit. 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.

The pizza has vegetables

The pizzas also have healthy vegetables. Of course, there is the vegetarian pizza that does not contain meat and only vegetables. These pizzas can be compared a lot to salads and have almost the same, if not more, nutrients. A pizza can have slices of bell peppers. There may also be mushrooms. Some pizzas also have cabbage, lettuce, and other vegetables. Vegetables are rich in calcium, beta-carotene, iron, and other vitamins and minerals.

The pizza has oils and sweets

Pizzas can be a good source of complex energy from fat. Authentic Mediterranean and Italian pizzas often have olive oil, which is known to be very good for 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 children.

Pizza can be a complete and balanced meal

If you are looking for a fast food that is complete and healthy, it is very possible that you are eating pizza. Of course, as 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 can be too much. So next time you order pizza for delivery, be thankful for such a good and complete meal.