HEALTH & BEAUTY HEALTH
Fresh Take
MAKING PIZZA A HEALTHY OPTION FOR PI DAY By Dylan Roche
You don’t have to be a math enthusiast to be excited for Pi Day on March 14th, observed because 3.14 are the first three of infinite digits in the famous mathematical constant pi. (Get it?) Although the annual observation is about celebrating mathematics and numbers, many people just look forward to an excuse to enjoy pie. If you’re one of them—and hey, who isn’t?—you might consider pizza pie for lunch or dinner. But eating pizza doesn’t have to imply being unhealthy. Sure, most people think of pizza as junk food, and with good reason. The pizza you get from your typical delivery chain is probably a mess of white flour, overly sugared sauce, excess sodium, too much cheese, and lots of processed meat. The Cleveland Clinic even estimates that a two-serving slice of meat lover’s pizza from a chain pizza restaurant could exceed a whole week’s worth of your daily recommended saturated fat intake. But pizza can be a healthy option if you do it right. This year, you can celebrate Pi Day by making a pizza at home that combines a whole-grain or vegetable crust with fresh tomato sauce and lots of vegetables on top. Do it right and here are just a few of the health benefits you’ll enjoy: 88
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FIBER: The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that at least half the grains you eat should be whole grains instead of refined ones. Why? Because when you consume all parts of the grain (the bran, the germ, and the endosperm) instead of the versions that are processed to have the germ and bran removed, you’re getting more fiber and nutrients. Fiber is good for helping you feel fuller faster and stay fuller longer, helping you maintain a healthy weight. It’s also good for lowering your risk of heart disease and diabetes. CALCIUM: As with other dairy products, that cheese you’re topping your pizza with is full of calcium, which is important for building and maintaining strong bones. Just be careful to opt for a reduced-fat for fatfree cheese. Fat-free versions might not melt very well, but giving it a spritz of antioxidant-rich olive oil before putting it in the oven will help. The U.S. Department of Agriculture lists 1 cup of fat-free mozzarella cheese as having
about 1,085 milligrams of calcium (about 84 percent of your daily value) for only 159 calories. That cheese is also a great source of protein, vitamin B12, and zinc. LYCOPENE: Ever wonder what gives tomatoes their bright red color? They get it from the phytochemical lycopene, which is good for protecting both your prostate and your skin. It’s also worth noting that lycopene concentrates during the cooking process, so the extended simmer you give your tomatoes on the stovetop when you’re making sauce is going to make them better for your health. And all of this is just a starting point—from here, it’s all about what nutritious toppings you want to choose. Spinach? It’s a great source of iron. Grilled chicken? Nice way to add protein plus vitamin B12. If you’re somebody who likes plain pizza, you can still get some extra nutrients by preparing a side of salad or antipasto with lots of marinated vegetables, lean meats, and heart-healthy olives
