In this hectic world, mealtime can be a hassle. It seems difficult to achieve a balanced diet when you have so many things to do throughout the day. As such, people are always looking for quick meals that provide all the necessary nutrients in one bite. If this is the case for you, then you need look no further than the yellow pages. The complete meal has been around for a long time, and you probably eat it more often than you realize. Still don’t know what this complete food is? It is none other than pizza.

For many, pizza may be just a snack or junk food, a fattening substance with no nutritional value. But contrary to this common notion, pizza can potentially be a healthy meal that can be both filling and nutritious. While it’s true that wolfing down six large slices of pizza in one go can definitely make you fat, eating them in the right amounts can be just as healthy as eating a serving of salad. What makes pizza so good is that it has all the food groups recommended by nutritionists and doctors for a proper diet.

Here’s a rundown of the types of food that can be found on most pizzas.

has grain pizza

The base of any pizza is the crust. It is the binder of the whole cake, where all the ingredients are found. The crust is simply bread, which is usually made from flour. This is a rich source of carbohydrates that the body uses as fuel for its daily function. The cereals food group is also a good source of vitamins and minerals that are necessary to maintain normal bodily processes. Pizza dough is also a source of fiber, much needed to keep the digestive system working.

Pizza has foods rich in protein

Pizza is rich in food products belonging to the meat group. The usual pizza may have pepperoni, Italian sausage, ground beef, ham, and other meats. Some pizzas may even have chicken, beef, or lamb. These types of foods are rich in protein, iron and vitamin D, among many other vitamins and minerals. These nutrients are necessary to build muscle and develop tissue. These nutrients are also used for the maintenance of hair and skin.

The pizza has dairy

Aside from the crust, a typical feature of any pizza is the cheese. Nothing beats the chewy, oozing goodness of melted mozzarella on top of any pizza. Some pizzas even have other types of cheeses like cheddar, feta, and gouda. Cheese, like other dairy products, is rich in calcium and protein. Calcium is a mineral necessary for the growth of strong bones and teeth. It is also an important element for the prevention of diseases such as osteoporosis.

pizza has fruit

Another typical ingredient of a pizza is tomato sauce. While most people would think of tomatoes as a vegetable, it’s basically a fruit. And like many nutritious fruits, tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and other minerals. It is also a good source of lycopene, which has been shown to help prevent cancer. Certain special types of pizzas also have other types of fruit. Hawaiian-style pizza has pineapple, which is another good source of vitamin C. There are even pizzas with avocado, which is a good source of essential fatty acids that raise good cholesterol in the blood.

pizza has vegetables

The pizzas also have healthy vegetables. Of course, there is the vegetarian pizza that contains no meat and only vegetables. These pizzas can be a great addition to salads and have almost the same, if not more, nutrients. A pizza may have slices of bell peppers. There may also be fungus. Some pizzas also have cabbage, lettuce, and other vegetables. Vegetables are rich in calcium, beta-carotene, iron, and other vitamins and minerals.

Pizza has Oils and Sweets

Pizzas can be a good source of complex energy from fat. Authentic Mediterranean and Italian pizzas often use olive oil, which is known to be very good for the heart. Other types of oils may also be present depending on the type of pizza. Sweets can also be found on pizzas, especially children’s ones.

Can of Pizza Included a Complete and Balanced Meal

If you’re looking for a quick meal that’s complete and healthy, you may be eating pizza. Of course, as with any other food, it’s best to keep everything in moderation. A slice or two would be fine for a meal, but a dozen might be too much. So the next time you order pizza at home, be thankful for such a good and complete meal.