Let’s address the elephant in the room! If there’s one go-to food that this generation quite literally gorge on, its pizza!
It’s probably one of the most popular universal comfort foods, that becomes almost undeniable part of any celebrations even!
Quite ironically, it’s one of the most debatable foods as well – thanks to the plethora of choice for its toppings!
Whether you want pepperoni or pineapple on your pizza – is up to your choice. However, there definitely is room for making smarter choices with respect to toppings – as your health is related to it.
The dietician says….
Nichole Andrews, a Washington oncology dietitian and author, revealed five ideas for “tasty, wholesome” pizzas to sub for pies with processed meats like pepperoni or precooked sausage.
The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer classified processed meat as “carcinogenic to humans” in 2015, noting there is “sufficient evidence from epidemiological studies that eating processed meat causes colorectal cancer.”
Processed meats — which include hot dogs, ham, sausages, corned beef and beef jerky — have been prepared in a way to enhance flavor or improve preservation. The WHO said some of these processes can produce potentially cancer-causing chemicals.
As per Andrews, you can still give pizza a chance by swapping pepperoni for plant foods or chicken. She took to her Instagram and said, “There are so many amazing options!”
There are ample options to pick from when you want to gorge in a pizza but still want to be mindful about your health. Read on.
Veggie delight: Andrews asked to “Load up on bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach and tomatoes, add a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a flavour punch!” As per her, veggies can lower your risk of cancer because they contain vitamins and minerals that can help prevent the development of cancerous cells, and they boast fibre, which helps to maintain a healthy weight.
White and greens: A diet high in salt has been linked to an increased risk of stomach cancer. Andrews suggested making a white pizza with a low-sodium ricotta base, kale, garlic and a little mozzarella.
Pesto chicken veggie: Andrews recommends swapping tomato sauce for a low-sodium basil pesto and adding zucchini, rotisserie chicken, roasted red peppers and spinach. Rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C and fiber, spinach may help protect against colon and breast cancers.
