Is pizza your favorite "unhealthy" food? Did you know that roughly three billion pizzas are sold every year in the United States? That's a lot of cheese and dough!

While pizza isn't one of the healthiest foods in the world, there are a few benefits to eating pizza. Do you need more reasons to eat pizza? We've got them.

Not sure if we're telling the truth? That's okay, let's talk about it. Keep reading to learn all about some of the health benefits of pizza that you've never heard about. 

1. Pizza is a Protein Powerhouse

Do you get enough protein in your diet?

This is one area in which pizza undeniably shines. It doesn't matter what kind of pizza you're getting; you'll get a protein punch.

Protein makes up the content of your nails, hair, muscles, and bones. It keeps you moving, energized, and strong. We all need adequate protein to get strong and stay healthy.

If you choose to get meat on your pizza, you know you'll have lean (or not so lean) protein piled onto your pie. Even if you don't like meat, cheese alone is a great source of protein!

Pizza as a post-workout dinner? Yes, please.

2. Red Sauce is Good for You

The base of your pizza is usually a thick red sauce, right? That sauce is made from tomatoes (and sometimes other additions like onions, red peppers, and more). 

Tomatoes are great for your body. They're full of antioxidants. One such antioxidant is lycopene, which is thought to lower the risks of heart disease.

This means that pizza, in moderation, might help your heart health!

3. It's Great for Social Behavior

Socializing is an important part of your physical and mental health. While some of us may have the occasional pizza alone (we don't judge), most people share a pizza with friends.

Pizza promotes healthy social behaviors and bonding. 

4. Get Your Veggies in

Do you eat enough vegetables? If you're like most people following the standard American diet, the answer is probably "no."

While your pizza can't replace fresh fruits and vegetables, it can still give you some of those helpful nutrients that you need. 

The sauce itself is made from a fruit or a combination of fruits and vegetables, depending on the sauce style. You can add all kinds of vegetables onto the top of your pizza for added nutritional benefits. 

5. The Mental Health Benefits

When we eat certain beloved foods, our brains get a rush of dopamine. Dopamine is one of the happy chemicals in our brain that make us feel relaxed and at-ease. 

While pizza isn't a replacement for a healthy lifestyle, it can make you feel better in the moment and give you the energy to go about your day.

There Are Real Health Benefits of Pizza

While pizza isn't a treat you should indulge in every day, don't stress over its lack of nutritional value. Pizza isn't comprised of empty calories; it has protein, vitamins, antioxidants, and more. 

Are you hungry for pizza? Check out our menu and give us a call. We're ready to serve you.