People often joke about pizza being healthy as a way to feel better about their favorite food. However, the irony is that it actually can be good for your health. Since this food allows for so much control over the ingredients, it’s easy to customize it and increase the health benefits. Here are just some of the ways that stopping by your favorite pizza place will be good for you. 

3 Reasons Stopping at a Pizza Place Is a Healthy Choice 

1. Lycopene

If you stick to the classics and order your pizza with tomato sauce, you will benefit from the nutrients in tomatoes. They are full of lycopene, an antioxidant that helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Your body absorbs lycopene better from cooked tomatoes, making pizza sauce an ideal way to get it into your diet. 

2. Vegetable & Protein Options

How healthy your pizza is will partially depend on the toppings. Peppers, mushrooms, and olives, some of the most popular choices, pack a nutritious punch. Mushrooms contain potassium, selenium, and riboflavin, while peppers are full of vitamin C. Additionally, olives contain flavonoids and unsaturated fats that help fight off heart disease and reduce cholesterol. 

While any vegetable you pick is going to offer some health benefits, this doesn’t mean you should only eat veggie pizzas. Meats offer protein without making your slice unhealthy. Go for grilled chicken, ham, and shrimp, as leaner meats provide protein without a lot of added fat. 

3. Spices 

Two common ingredients in pizza sauce, oregano and garlic, offer health benefits. Oregano is rich in antioxidants and useful for boosting immunity, aiding in digestion and improving heart and bone health. Also, garlic has been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. 

Are you in the mood for a healthy slice? Papa Rocco’s in Gulf Shores, AL, serves hot pizzas and cold beers daily. Stop in to take a load off by enjoying live music and delicious food options. With a wide variety of specialty pizzas, such as their Seafood Primavera Pizza or their Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza, they’re more than just a pizza place. They have a wide array of seafood options, including steamed crab and fresh oysters. Check out their full menu online, or give this pizza place a call today to ask about specials at (251) 948-7262.