Is Pizza a Good Source of Protein?
Pizza, who can resist this mouth-watering dish, anyway? We all know that pizza has been a favorite for many people worldwide. In fact, no matter in which country you are living, you must have a favorite pizza brand, right? But wait, did you ever think pizza is a good source of protein? To answer this question, let’s dive into the world of tasty pizza!
How Much Protein We Can Find in Pizza?
First of all, how much protein is in pizza?
Well, the protein you can get in pizza can vary from one pizza to another. Overall, it depends on the type of sauce, toppings, and crust However, mostly, each pizza provides around 12 grams of protein. Yes, this protein comes from cheese and toppings like pepperoni and chicken
Moreover, you can mix the toppings and style of crust according to your specific needs and preferences Well, it will be great
How About Fat-Free Pizza? Does It Offer Protein?
The fats we can get from pizza are mainly from cheese Usually, pizzas come with cheddar and mozzarella both offer high amounts of saturated fat and salt
On the other hand, pizza also has great levels of vitamins and minerals. Calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc can be mentioned Accordingly, all these vitamins and minerals can contribute to your healthy diet.
Does Cheese Pizza Provide More Proteins?
Yes, it does!
Regarding protein in cheese pizza, you must note that a slice of cheese pizza provides 12 grams of protein Again, it depends on the type of pizza and the toppings used
For example, you can get up to 20 grams of protein for a slice of meat lovers pizza Or else, if you go for a whole wheat crust, this pizza offers more protein for you
Also, of course, it depends on the brand and preparation method of baking the pizza Thus, checking the nutrition information available on the printed pizza boxes is always a great idea
Can We Find Carbs in a Pizza Slice?
Yes, the number of carbohydrates in a pizza slice can also vary, like protein Overall, a medium, thin-crust pizza slice without any cheese and toppings contains 17 grams of carbs Meanwhile, a regular-crust pizza slice provides about 30 grams of carbs
Here is a tip for you: you should consider going for thin-crust pizza to get 5-10 fewer grams of carbs per slice!
Can Pizza be a Good Source of Protein?
So, the big question is, is pizza a good source of protein?
Alright, let’s break it down!
The protein we can get from pizza ranges from about 10% to 14%
Since most of this protein comes from cheese and meat toppings, this protein is of a high nutritional quality. Hence, this is why pizza is highly important and delicious for those growing children
But there’s more!
Have a look at more reasons to love pizza!
Pizza Can Help Your Diet Really?
When we first look at a pizza, we might think it will be high in fat content. However, research has shown that the fat content of most pizzas rarely exceeds the 10% level So, if you compare this to a juicy steak with over 20% fat, you will realize just how good pizza is for you
Moreover, because vegetable oil, olive oil, and oil-based shortenings are the best in the crust formulation, pizza is a good source of polyunsaturated fat, with only modest cholesterol contributions (through meat and cheese toppings) to the diet
Pizzas Are Quite High in Complex Carbohydrates
Yes, pizzas are also quite high in complex carbohydrates, primarily from starches Thus making this delicious dish a good energy food
On the other hand, some pizzas are low in fiber content. This is especially true when you use regular white pizza flour in making the crust However, if you use whole wheat or multi-grain flour, the fiber content of your pizza can be improved significantly.
OK, But What About Caloric Content?
Research has mentioned that the caloric content of pizzas does not have to be excessive. Some cheese pizzas have a caloric content similar to regular bread products What does this mean?
This means about 340 calories for 1/4 of a 13″ cheese pizza and 370 calories for the same portion as a pepperoni pizza Plus, about 400 calories for 1/4 of a 13″ supreme-topped pizza Do note that this applies only to pizzas with a normal cheese application. Yes, not to pizzas with double cheese or cheese-stuffed crusts in addition to the cheese on the pizza Plus, adding a large portion of meat topping would also significantly increase the caloric content of a pizza Again, everything is about moderation
The only issue we still need to address with pizza is its relatively high sodium content With meat and cheese toppings as the main contributors of sodium to pizza, the sodium level can be controlled to some extent through the judicious use of these toppings
Above all, aside from the sodium issue, pizza is both a delicious and nutritious food
Two slices (1/4) of a typical 13″ cheese and meat pizza provide:
● 1/3 of the daily recommended allowance for protein
● 12% to 15% for vitamin A
● 30% to 45% for thiamin
● 25% to 30% for riboflavin
● 20% to 30% for niacin
● 40% to 50% for calcium
● 18% to 25% for iron
Well, this is not a bad contribution to one’s daily diet, right?
Summing Up
So, is pizza a good protein source?
Yes, we must say that it is! This delicious dish can be healthy and delightful at the same time In addition to the protein, pizza also provides some nutrients and minerals that are good for your health
Well then, what not to enjoy from pizza after all?