It’s easy, it’s tasty, and for many, a family favorite.
But doctors and dieticians say there is one frozen food in particular that you should stop buying immediately, as it can be very bad for your health!
New research found eating frozen pizza may have a detrimental impact on your heart health.
Dietary experts say that the processed ingredients in this convenient meal can put you at risk of heart disease and other health issues.
As the researchers note, “most frozen pizzas are loaded with unhealthy ingredients, including processed meats, high-fat cheeses, and sugary sauces.”
The processed ingredients are bad enough on their own due to the high amounts of fat and calories but offer no nutritional value.
And when you throw them all together, you’ve frankly got a recipe for disaster when it comes to your heart health.
“While an occasional slice of pizza won’t kill you, eating frozen pizzas on a regular basis can increase your risk of developing heart disease or other cardiovascular problems,” said Krutika Nanavati, speaking to Yahoo News. Nanavati is a registered dietician with Clinicspots.
Some frozen pizzas may be even worse than others. Nanavati told Yahoo that “topping it off with processed meats and full-fat cheese can make it even worse.” Processed meats like sausage and pepperoni, in particular, can take a serious toll on your heart health.
Nanavati explains these ingredients “are often high in saturated fat and sodium, both of which can be detrimental to your health if you consume too much.”
He notes that “eating processed meats can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems, so it’s best to avoid them as much as possible.”
Overall, no processed frozen food is going to be a good idea for your health, so it’s generally best to skip the freezer section at the grocery store altogether, says Nanavati — unless, of course, you’re buying frozen fruits and vegetables, which she says can be just as nutritious as fresh.
If you’re really craving pizza, it’s likely worth the effort to make it yourself with fresh ingredients and lots of nutritious veggies rather than throwing a frozen one in the oven.
Or look for healthier alternatives that are now available in the frozen pizza section that are organic and vegan with crusts made from things like broccoli or cauliflower.