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Pizza: Calories & Nutrition Facts

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Most people would agree that pizza is not a “healthy” food. In this section, you will receive an overview of some of the reasons why – namely the saturated fat content and high calorie count.

Saturated Fat Content

Though the nutritional value of pizza varies greatly from one kind to another, most pizzas have one thing in common – a thick layer of cheese on top. When you check the calorie counter for cheese, you will see that it is high in saturated fats. In recent years, there was a good bit of controversy regarding the dangers of a diet high in saturated fats, but some suggest that saturated fat has less of an impact on the risk for heart disease than previously thought. Saturated fats from certain types of cheese (like hard cheese and natural cheese) are less likely to have a significant impact on heart health than processed cheeses.

High in Calories

Another thing that nearly all types of pizza have in common is the fact that they are high in calories. The dough consists primarily of carbohydrates while the cheese is a combination of fat and protein. If you select high-calorie toppings like bacon or pepperoni, you will only be adding to the calorie content of your pizza. Because pizza is so high in calories, it is recommended that you enjoy this food in moderation. Rather than chowing down on a whole pie, enjoy a slice or two for an indulgent meal.
Though pizza is typically not considered a health food, some of the ingredients used in pizza may provide health benefits. Refer to the calorie calculator for different types of pizza to see the calories and nutritional value.

Calcium Content

Since pizza is often made with cheese, it generally provides a decent amount of calcium. Calcium is an important mineral that is essential for healthy bones and teeth. If your diet does not provide adequate amounts of calcium, you may develop a bone-related condition called osteoporosis which results in bone density loss. The cheese used in pizza may also contain vitamin B, a vitamin that helps your body to absorb and utilize calcium appropriately.

Potential Weight Gain

As you have already read, pizza is generally a high-calorie food. The combination of carb-loaded pizza dough, fat-loaded cheese, and any number of toppings generally leads to pizza being very high in calories. If you indulge in pizza too often, or if you fail to exercise portion control, you could unwittingly increase your daily calorie intake by hundreds or even thousands of calories. That kind of calorie excess could lead to weight gain if you are not careful.