Pizza is also a favorite food, and health concerns have been raised in the last few decades over it. Vegetables are considered the most organic and healthy options worldwide. Vegetables are also an important ingredient in pizza and the most popular choice for pizza topping. So people get curious to know: Is vegan pizza healthier?
Table of Contents
What is a vegan diet?
A vegan diet is typically based on a whole vegetable diet, excluding animal byproducts like meat and eggs.
What is vegan Pizza?
Vegan pizza is a pizza that does not have any meat toppings, while plant-based alternatives like pepperoni and other vegetable toppings, are used. Vegetable pizza contains less saturated fat and calories as compared to traditional non-vegan pizza.
Is vegan pizza healthier?
Now, back to the question: is vegetable pizza healthier? The short answer is yes, but not as simple as it looks. Let’s explore it further:
Cheese of vegan pizza
Mozzarella cheese or other cheese types used in conventional pizzas are high in saturated fat, and this saturated fat can lead to high cholesterol levels, resulting in many health issues like heart disease.
On the other hand, plant-based cheese made from nuts or tofu is lower in calories and has healthier fats.
Nutrients in vegan pizza
Vegetable pizzas are loaded with vegetable toppings that are enriched with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These nutrients are important for health and can help us reduce the risk of diseases.
CRUST of vegan pizza
White flour is used in most conventional pizzas, which lacks the nutritional benefits of whole grain flour. In vegan pizza, whole wheat or gluten-free flours are used, which have more fiber content and nutritional value. Higher fiber levels can improve digestion and regulate blood sugar.
SAUCE of vegan pizza
Pizza sauce is commonly made from tomatoes: a vegetable ingredient that contains lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Most of the herbs used in pizza sauce are also from vegetable sources, like basil, oregano, or pepper flakes. Overall, this sauce makes it a healthier one.
TOPPINGS
A variety of toppings are available for seasoning pizza. Conventionally, meat is considered a common pizza topping because it is high in fat and cholesterol.
Meat toppings are mostly replaced with plant-based protein sources like tofu, tempeh, and beans. These options are lower in fat and calorie content, higher in protein ratio, and good sources of protein without using animal products.
Other plant-based toppings like mushrooms, peppers, spinach, and coriander are also great sources of nutrients and healthy topping options for pizzas.
Sustainable food system
Moreover, there are environmental factors to consider when choosing a vegan pizza. The production of animal products results in greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution. Thus, choosing a vegan pizza is also like choosing a healthier environment to live in.
Side effects of vegetable pizza
Like any other food type, there are also potential side effects to vegan pizza.
- One of the main concerns from people is a struggle with protein intake, as everyone taking a vegan diet remains worried about whether they are taking enough protein or lacking.
- Another concern is the high sodium content in vegan pizzas used to enhance the taste. High sodium content has many health hazards.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you ask, is vegan pizza healthy? The answer is yes, vegan pizza can be a healthier choice as compared to conventional pizza. It is high in nutrients and low in saturated fat and calories. When you are choosing a vegan pizza, make sure that all the protein and nutrient values required for the body are included in it.
Do all vegan pizzas are healthy?
Not all vegan pizzas are healthy. For a healthy choice, one has to carefully look for all ingredients used in pizza and take a portion of pizza. Opting for whole grain crust, vegetable toppings, and vegan based less processed cheese can help you achieve a healthier pizza.