Pizza is one of the most loved foods across the globe. It’s the perfect comfort food that can be customized in a million different ways.

Now, there is even more reason to rejoice for pizza lovers because a new study suggests that pizza could help fight cancer.

The Study

The study was conducted by researchers at Sbarro Health Research Organization. The study claimed that eating pizza could reduce the risk of cancer.

The study focused on the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet and specifically looked at how the ingredients in the diet affect the risk of cancer. The study found that the ingredients in pizza, like tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and whole wheat flour, have anti-cancer properties.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a common ingredient in pizzas. They are a rich source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Lycopene is known to reduce the risk of cancer, especially prostate cancer.

Tomatoes are also a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A, which help fight free radicals that can damage your DNA and lead to cancer.

Garlic

Garlic is another ingredient commonly found in pizzas. Garlic is known to have anti-cancer properties. It contains compounds like allicin, which can destroy cancer cells.

Garlic is also known to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce the risk of cancer. Eating garlic may also help reduce the risk of stomach and colorectal cancer.

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Olive Oil

Olive oil is used in pizza dough as well as in toppings. It is a rich source of healthy fats that are good for your heart. Olive oil also contains oleocanthal, a compound that has anti-inflammatory properties.

Chronic inflammation is known to be a risk factor for cancer, and consuming olive oil may help reduce this inflammation. Olive oil is also an excellent source of vitamins E and K, which have antioxidant properties.

Whole Wheat Flour

Whole wheat flour is used to make the pizza dough. It is a healthier option than refined flour, as it is rich in fiber and essential nutrients like iron. Whole wheat flour is also known to help reduce the risk of breast and colon cancer.

This is because it contains lignans, which are phytoestrogens that can help decrease the growth of cancer cells. Whole wheat flour is also lower on the glycemic index, meaning it can help regulate blood sugar levels.

Conclusion

It is important to note that this study does not give anyone a green light to indulge in pizza on a regular basis. While the ingredients in pizza may have anti-cancer properties, consuming too much of any food can have negative consequences.

It is also important to choose your pizza toppings wisely. Eating pizzas loaded with cheese and processed meats is not a healthy option, as they can increase the risk of cancer.

However, this study does provide an interesting perspective on the health benefits of pizza ingredients. As long as you choose healthy ingredients to top your pizza, you can enjoy it in moderation as part of a healthy, balanced diet.