Italian cuisine is so much more than just pepperoni pizza—with its abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and good fats, Italian food is surprisingly healthy. At Riverfront Pizza & Sports Bar in Covington, KY, you can customize gourmet pizzas that are not only delicious, but also filled with nutritious benefits. When choosing your toppings, remember the natural advantages of authentic Italian food.

5 Reasons Why Italian Food Is Good for You

1. Good Fats

Not all fats are bad. In fact, your body needs a certain amount of fat to function, and the substance exists in almost every food. Bad fats—saturated and trans—raise bad cholesterol and can damage the heart. Good fats, on the other hand, help your heart stay healthy. Luckily, Italian cuisine is full of good fats such as olive oil and the omega-3 fatty acids in fish.

2. Heart Health

What is fine Italian dining without a glass of red wine? Research shows that a glass or two of the drink per day can help protect blood vessels, prevent clotting, and lower the risk of heart attacks. Crushed or chopped garlic, which is abundant in nearly all Italian foods, can also prevent blood clots.

3. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an essential antioxidant that aids your body’s immune system, helps heal sunburn, prevents certain types of cancer, and keeps blood pressure low—and there’s a lot of it in tomatoes. When cooked, tomatoes also release lycopene, an antioxidant that promotes heart health.

4. Antioxidants

Antioxidants keep your cells from deteriorating by blocking the dangerous chain reaction caused by free radicals—unstable cells that cause cells they interact with to break down. Antioxidants like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and beta-carotene can slow down this process by intercepting the chain before it gets out of hand. Italian cuisine staples like tomatoes, dark leafy greens, and extra-virgin olive oil are all rich in antioxidants.

5. Fiber

Italian cuisine is traditionally made with fresh vegetables, beans, and whole grains, all of which contain fiber. Adding fiber to your diet eases constipation, preserves healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and prevents diseases in the colon. Bruschetta made with whole wheat toast is packed with fiber, not to mention antioxidants and good fats.

At Riverfront Pizza & Sports Bar, you’ll find options like chicken parmesan and fish hoagies, which contain the nutritional benefits of Italian food. After you check out their menu, you can order online and save 10%, or call (859) 261-4800 to place an order for your family’s next favorite meal.