Sunday November 22nd, 2009
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Pizza, Re-Imagined As Healthy
Posted by Su Avasthi on March 27, 2007 - 5:48pm.
I have been waiting for this news all of my life: Pizza might just be healthy.
And I'm not talking about pizza without cheese. Oh no, when it comes to pizza, I am a purist who likes a solid layer of mozzarella and toppings that are not healthy by anyone's standards. Naked pizza, in my humble opinion, is tasty enough, as are toppings like vegan sausage. But c'mon, if it's not a greasy slice, it's just not pizza.
According to an article at CNN.com, however, pizza is getting a healthy makeover, thanks to food scientists who have tweaked whole wheat pizza dough.
Normally, I get a bit leery when I hear the words "food scientists," but in this case, I confess that I am pretty thrilled. Especially since this study wasn't underwritten by the pizza industry.
It seems that these food scientists -- or geniuses, if you prefer -- have found ways to increase the antioxidant levels of whole-grain wheat pizza dough. Their tactics include longer baking times at higher temperatures and making sure that the dough rises for a much longer period of time.
They research showed that antioxidant levels rose by as much as 82 percent if the pizza was cooked for longer times in a hotter oven. The trick, it seems, is to make sure the pizza doesn't burn. They tested pizza in ovens ranging from 400-550 degrees Fahrenheit and used baking times from 7 to 14 minutes. (I'm not sure how this is different from any standard recipe, but then I can't toss dough in the air, either).
They also noted that dough that fermented for up to two days, rather than the standard 18 hours, had nearly double the antioxidant levels, which is probably due to a chemical reaction from the yeast.
Of course, there is a catch: any benefits we might get from the new-and-improved pizza crust will quickly be negated if we throw on too many layers of mozzarella and pepperoni.
Oh well, at least it's a step in the right direction.
i think any steps taken to make something soo good, truly healthier while still as tasty is a fantastic thing.
Interesting ... I was always under the assumption that the more something was cooked the less-healthy it gets. good thing I am willing to be proven wrong. Just don't burn it!
I wonder if they have considered sprouting the grains as well?
Nutritious, free-radical busting pizza to the rescue ! ... hehe
I too was under the assumption that pizza was a "good" food choice to make if you kept it to cheese, dough and sauce. I know that is what I tell myself since my kids eat it A LOT of it!!!
I have tried pizza made with spelt dough, which is supposed to be much better for you and it tasted wonderful, but then again, anything with cheese on it can't be all that bad.
I'm glad to hear about the healthier dough (Thanks Su!), and it sounds delicious too. However, pizza's bad rap has long been a pet peeve of mine. Like all foods, it's only as healthy as what goes into making it.
Pizza made with whole and minimally prepared ingredients--fresh tomatoes (not sugary jarred sauce), fresh unprocessed cheese, thin crust without trans fats, and veg and/or meat toppings--is not only perfectly healthy but also gobs more delicious. Just don't eat twelve slices and you'll be fine.
Plus, science suggests that tomatoes actually have more health benefits when cooked and eaten with fat:
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D07E3DA123EF937A15751C1A961958260&sec=health&spon=&pagewanted=all
Remember people, the world is filled with bad pizza, but you don't have to eat it. Stand by your pie!
It also just occurred to me that your article might just tip the scales in that long-standing war between those that throw out the crust and the "What are you doing? The crust is the best part!" crowd.
So true- pizza is only as good as the ingredients that go into it, like everything else in life. Good quality = good health!
You could make an entire balanced meal out of a pizza. Tomatoes are known antioxidants and whole wheat is a great carb to eat. I am someone who just loves my pies, anyway!!!I I used to be a cheese person and now I'm learning to appreciate a good, crunchy crust!!! I think I am making myself hungry and it is only 8:00 in the morning!!