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.
According to an oncology dietitian, making smarter decisions about what you put on your slice could lower your risk of cancer.
Here’s how to turn your pizza into a health-conscious meal without sacrificing flavour.
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.
A large-scale study published this year found that people who consume a lot of red or processed meat face a higher risk of colorectal cancer. These odds increase even more for people with certain genetic variants.
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!”
Cancer-safe pizza recipes:
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.
Mediterranean: The Mediterranean diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats. The eating plan may reduce the risk of several types of cancer, including colorectal and prostate cancers, because it features foods with anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties. If you go by Andrews’ recommendation, you can top your pizza with olives, artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes and a drizzle of olive oil. Sprinkle in some feta crumbles for extra richness.
Margherita makeover: Andrews said, “Keep it classic with fresh tomatoes, basil and mozzarella on a whole-grain crust. Simple but satisfying!” Most whole grains are high in fibre, which protects against colon cancer by moving poop through the gut more quickly. The American Institute for Cancer Research recommends consuming at least 30 grams of fibre a day.
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.
