For majority, pizza may just be a junk food or snack, a fattening substance of ZERO nutritive value. But converse to this common perception, the pizza can be a healthful meal that can be both filling & 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 & doctors for a proper nutrition.

Here is a rundown 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 major nutrients are situated. Crust is purely 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 & minerals that are necessary for keeping up normal body processes.

The crust of pizza is also a source fiber, which is very necessary for maintaining the function of the digestive system.

Pizza Has Dairy Products

Aside from the crust, a typical feature of any pizza is the cheese. Some pizzas contain a variety of cheeses like feta, cheddar, & Gouda. Cheese, like other dairy products is rich in calcium & protein. Calcium is a necessary mineral for growing strong bones & teeth. It is also a key ingredient for preventing diseases like osteoporosis.

Pizza Has Protein-Rich Foods

Pizza is rich in food products belonging to the meat group. The usual pizza can have Italian sausages, pepperoni, ham, ground beef & other meats. Some pizzas can even have chicken, veal, or lamb. These types of food are rich in protein, iron, & vitamin D, among many other vitamins & minerals. These nutrients are necessary for building muscle & developing tissue.

Pizza Has Vegetables

Pizzas also have healthy vegetables. Of course there is the vegetarian pizza that contains no meat & only vegetables. Such pizzas can very much be likened to salads & have almost the same, if not more nutrients. A pizza can have slivers of bell peppers. Some pizzas also have lettuce, cabbage, & other greens. Vegetables are rich in calcium, beta carotene, iron, & other vitamins & minerals.

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, & 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. Pizzas of Hawaiian have pineapple, which is a good source of vitamin C. Some pizzas of Asia have mandarin orange. Even avocado is also present in some pizzas, which is a good source of important fatty acids that increase the level of good cholesterol in the blood.

Pizza Can Comprise a Complete Balanced Meal

If you are looking for a quick meal that is complete & 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 & complete meal.

Pizza has Oils & Sweets

Pizzas can be a good source of complex energy from fats. Authentic Mediterranean & 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.