Frozen pizzas, in particular, contain unhealthy ingredients and are considered ultra-processed food, which is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality.
Frozen pizzas are calorie-dense, with one serving of a popular three meat croissant crust pizza containing 410 calories. A daily guideline for boys in ages 5 – 13 is 1,200 to 2,000, depending on growth and activity level.
Saturated fats are abundant in frozen pizzas, particularly in the cheese, pork, and beef toppings, which can lead to heart problems like atherosclerosis and raise LDL "bad" cholesterol levels.
Frozen pizzas are high in sodium, with pizza being the second leading contributor of sodium in the U.S. diet. Too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure, a significant risk factor for heart disease.
Frozen pizzas are also high in refined carbohydrates and sugar, which digest quickly and raise blood sugar levels, leading to insulin resistance and the precursor to type 2 diabetes.
To reduce the negative health effects of pizza, consider making your own with healthier ingredients or opting for healthier frozen pizza options. Cutting back on pizza consumption may lead to a healthier heart and better quality of life.
Pizza is a beloved food that is perfect for dinner on a lazy night or as a party snack, but have you ever thought about how unhealthy it can be? Frozen pizzas, in particular, are known for delivering a perfect storm of heart-harming elements. Here's why you should consider cutting back on this popular food.
First, frozen pizzas are ultra-processed food, meaning they contain unfamiliar and often unhealthy ingredients. One study found that daily servings of ultra-processed foods, like frozen pizza, are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality.
Second, frozen pizzas are also calorie-dense. One serving of a popular three meat croissant crust pizza contains 410 calories, but who eats just one slice of pizza? Eating more daily calories than your body needs can lead to obesity, which has consistently been linked to cardiovascular disease.
Third, saturated fats are abundant in frozen pizzas, particularly in the cheese, pork, and beef toppings. High levels of saturated fats have been linked to heart problems like atherosclerosis, and research has shown that they can raise LDL "bad" cholesterol levels and put you at a higher risk for heart disease.
Fourth, frozen pizzas are also high in sodium. Pizza is the second leading contributor of sodium in the U.S. diet, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest. Eating pizza on any given day gives you about a third of your sodium intake for the day, and too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure, a significant risk factor for heart disease.
Finally, frozen pizzas are also high in refined carbohydrates and sugar. Refined carbohydrates, like the white flour crust, digest quickly and raise blood sugar levels, leading to insulin resistance and the precursor to type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes puts adults at higher risk of death from heart disease.
While pizza may be a delicious comfort food, it's important to be mindful of its potential negative health effects. If you can't resist the allure of pizza, consider making your own with healthier ingredients or opting for healthier frozen pizza options. Cutting back on this popular food may lead to a healthier heart and a better quality of life.
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