As processed foods are considered among the main risk factors for causing cancer, two popular pizza toppings can be replaced with healthier versions to do the exact opposite! A US-based oncology dietician and the author have revealed five basic ideas for making a “tasty and wholesome” pizza, subs, or your favourite pies, which can substitute sausages and pepperoni as main ingredients.

The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer classified processed meat as carcinogenic to humans in 2015, noting there is sufficient evidence from various studies that eating processed meat can cause colorectal cancer.

Processed meats are non-vegetarian foods that have been preserved by curing, salting, smoking, drying, or canning, like sausages, hot dogs, salamis, ham, cured bacon, salted and cured meat, corned beef, dried meat, beef jerky or canned meat.

Processed meat has consistently been linked with harmful effects on health. This is a fact that health-conscious people have been aware of for decades. For this reason, eating high amounts of processed meat is more common among people with unhealthy lifestyle habits.

According to Dr. Andrews, you can give pizza a chance by swapping pepperoni for plant foods or chicken. “There are so many amazing options,” Andrews told her million followers on Instagram. Here are five of her healthiest, yet delicious relicious recipes.

Instead of the usual preservative and sodium-loaded meats – load your pizza with nutrient-rich vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, and tomatoes. “Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a flavor punch!” she said.

Vegetables are not just loaded with macronutrients but also help lower your risk of cancer since they are rich in minerals that prevent the development of cancerous cells – and boost fibre which helps you maintain a healthy weight.

Mediterranean cuisine is considered among the healthiest globally to help you keep fit and flourish. This diet highlights the importance of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats – all of which are great for your overall well-being.

You can load your pizza with Mediterranean ingredients like olives, artichokes, cherry tomatoes, and olive oil – which reduce the risk of various types of cancer including colon and prostate cancers.

Loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory and anti-tumour properties, these ingredients are delicious as well.

A classic pizza is the Margherita one with basil, tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese spread over a thin crust. Dr. Andrews recommends adding this mozzarella - a soft cheese that is lower in sodium and calories than most other cheeses. It is also packed with probiotics that benefit your immune system.

You can also make your pizza crust with whole grains, which is high in fibre and which protect against colon cancer. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, you must consume at least 30 grams of fibre a day.

Make a pizza with low-sodium and super healthy ricotta cheese along with kale, spinach, and garlic greens, which help you keep salt at low levels.

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