Patrick Oconnell
Cheese and pizza are often associated with inflammation due to their saturated fat content. Saturated fats have been linked to triggering adipose (fat tissue) inflammation, which is an indicator of heart disease and worsens arthritis inflammation. However, no single food, including cheese, is directly related to causing inflammation. Italian researchers have found that consuming half a pizza or more per week may improve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, possibly due to ingredients like cheese and olive oil. This may be because dairy products have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body.
Does Cheese on Pizza Cause Inflammation?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese on pizza causes inflammation | No one food, including cheese, is directly related to causing inflammation. |
| Cheese and inflammation | Cheese is often associated with inflammation due to its nutrient profile and how it's usually consumed. |
| Cheese and rheumatoid arthritis | Italian researchers found that people who ate half a pizza or more per week reported feeling better in terms of their rheumatoid arthritis, possibly due to ingredients like cheese and olive oil. |
| Cheese and saturated fat | Cheese may be of concern when it comes to inflammation due to its saturated fat content. |
| Pizza and inflammation | Pizza is considered an inflammatory food. |
| Pizza and rheumatoid arthritis | Italian studies suggest that pizza consumption may have protective anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on rheumatoid arthritis. |
| Pizza and saturated fat | Pizza is one of the biggest sources of saturated fat in the average American diet, which is associated with inflammation. |
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What You'll Learn
- Cheese and pizza are major sources of saturated fat, which causes inflammation
- Mozzarella cheese may have anti-inflammatory properties
- Pizza with whole grain dough, tomato sauce, and fewer toppings may be healthier
- Processed cheese is linked to inflammation
- Other foods on pizza, like meat, also cause inflammation
Cheese and pizza are major sources of saturated fat, which causes inflammation
Cheese and pizza are major sources of saturated fat, which is associated with inflammation. While no one food, including cheese, is directly related to inflammation, the saturated fat content of some cheeses may be of concern. According to the National Cancer Institute, pizza and cheese are the biggest sources of saturated fat in the average American diet. Saturated fat has been linked to triggering adipose (fat tissue) inflammation, which is an indicator of heart disease and can worsen arthritis inflammation.
The way cheese is often consumed may lend itself to being more inflammatory than other forms of dairy. For example, cheese is commonly paired with other foods high in saturated fat, such as ground beef in a lasagna or pepperoni on a pizza. As a result, a meal containing cheese may have a much higher saturated fat content than a meal with other dairy products like yogurt or milk.
The effects of cheese on inflammation may also depend on the type of cheese and the quantity consumed. For instance, a 1-ounce serving of whole-milk Cheddar cheese contains 5 grams of saturated fat, while a 6-ounce container of whole-milk plain yogurt has only 3.5 grams. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting saturated fat to no more than 10% of one's daily caloric intake.
In addition to saturated fat, other factors such as artificial additives, sugar, and omega-6 fatty acids found in some foods can also contribute to inflammation. It is important to note that acute inflammation is a normal and beneficial response of the body to infections or injuries, while chronic inflammation is the long-term type that can lead to health issues.
While pizza and cheese are associated with inflammation due to their saturated fat content, some studies suggest that pizza may have protective anti-inflammatory effects. Italian researchers have found that people who ate half a pizza or more per week reported feeling better in terms of their rheumatoid arthritis. This effect is attributed to the mozzarella cheese and, to a lesser extent, olive oil used in Italian pizzas. However, it is important to note that these studies have limitations and confounding factors that need to be rigorously examined.
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Mozzarella cheese may have anti-inflammatory properties
While pizza and cheese are commonly thought to cause inflammation, some sources suggest that pizza may help to alleviate symptoms of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Italian researchers found that people who ate half a pizza or more per week reported feeling better in terms of their rheumatoid arthritis. This may be due to ingredients like cheese and olive oil.
Mozzarella cheese, which is commonly used on pizza, may have anti-inflammatory properties. Mozzarella is a soft cheese that is lower in sodium and calories than most other cheeses. It also contains probiotics, including strains of Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus fermentum, which may improve gut health and regularity, promote immunity, and decrease inflammation. One study found that drinking fermented dairy containing Lactobacillus fermentum for three months significantly reduced the duration of respiratory infections. These results suggest that dairy products containing this probiotic, such as mozzarella, may strengthen the immune system and improve the body's response to infections.
Other cheeses that may have anti-inflammatory properties include goat cheese, which contains A2 casein, and Swiss cheese, which has been found to contain probiotics that may decrease inflammation.
While cheese can be a source of nutrients, it is also high in saturated fat, which has been linked to inflammation. Therefore, it is recommended to consume cheese in moderation, with the American Heart Association suggesting that foods with saturated fat should account for just 5 to 6 percent of daily calories.
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Pizza with whole grain dough, tomato sauce, and fewer toppings may be healthier
Pizza is often considered an inflammatory food due to its cheese content, as well as other ingredients such as white bread and processed meat toppings. However, Italian researchers found that people who ate half a pizza or more per week reported improved symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis. This finding has been attributed to the use of whole grain dough, tomato sauce, olive oil, and fewer toppings in Italian-style pizzas, which may be healthier than the cheese-heavy pizzas commonly found in the US.
To make a healthier pizza, start by making a whole grain dough using a blend of flours, such as whole wheat, all-purpose, and soy or garbanzo bean flours. This combination increases the protein and fiber content of the crust, improving its nutritional profile. You can also add ingredients like instant/rapid-rise yeast, sugar, and Parmesan cheese to enhance the flavor and texture of the dough.
Once you've prepared the dough, roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness. For a crispier crust, use a higher oven temperature; for a softer crust, a lower temperature is better. Transfer the dough to a heated pizza stone or baking pan, and top with a thin layer of tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes. Go easy on the cheese, as it is high in saturated fat and sodium, and opt for healthier alternatives like avocado, hummus, or nut butter. Load up on vegetables and herbs, and feel free to get creative with your toppings!
Finally, bake your pizza until the crust and cheese are lightly golden. The baking time will depend on the number of toppings, but it typically ranges from 6 to 12 minutes. And that's it! You've made a healthier pizza with whole grain dough, tomato sauce, and plenty of nutritious toppings. Enjoy your delicious creation, and remember to practice portion control to avoid overindulgence, which can lead to health issues.
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Processed cheese is linked to inflammation
While no single food, including cheese, is directly related to causing inflammation, processed cheese is linked to inflammation. This is due to its nutrient profile and how it is typically consumed. For instance, cheese is often paired with other foods high in saturated fat, such as ground beef in a lasagna or pepperoni on a pizza. As a result, a meal with cheese may contain much more saturated fat than a yogurt paired with fresh fruit. Saturated fats have been linked to triggering adipose (fat tissue) inflammation, which is an indicator of heart disease and worsens arthritis inflammation. According to the National Cancer Institute, pizza and cheese are the biggest sources of saturated fats in the average American diet.
The way cheese is processed also matters. Heavily processed and highly refined foods, such as fast-food takeaways and some microwave meals, can increase inflammation. This is because they contribute to weight gain, which is known to raise overall inflammation levels in the body, and they are also high in saturated fats.
Some individuals with chronic pain should watch their consumption of processed dairy products, such as whole milk, sugary yogurts, and processed cheeses. Instead, opting for fermented dairy products like Greek yogurt and milk kefir is recommended.
To determine if cheese triggers inflammation in your body, you can try eliminating it from your diet for a short period to see if it brings any improvement to your aches and pains. However, it is important to focus on one food at a time to accurately determine its impact on your symptoms.
It is worth noting that some studies have found that pizza consumption may have protective anti-inflammatory effects, particularly in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. Italian researchers have found that people who ate half a pizza or more per week reported feeling better in terms of their rheumatoid arthritis. This effect is believed to be driven by the mozzarella cheese and, to a lesser extent, the olive oil used in Italian pizzas.
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Other foods on pizza, like meat, also cause inflammation
Pizza is a well-known source of inflammation, and while cheese is a common culprit, other toppings can also contribute to this issue. Meat toppings, in particular, can be problematic. Red and processed meats are high in saturated fats, which are linked to inflammation. These meats are often cooked at high temperatures, leading to the production of compounds that trigger inflammation. Additionally, frying meat influences the gut microbiome, resulting in increased systemic inflammation.
Meat products, especially red meat, are significant contributors to inflammation in the body. The high content of saturated fats in red and processed meats can lead to weight gain, which is a known factor in raising overall inflammation levels. Consuming fried meats can also lead to changes in the gut microbiome, which is associated with increased systemic inflammation.
Processed meats, such as hot dogs and packaged lunch meats, are packed with advanced glycation end products (AGEs) that directly stimulate inflammation in the body. AGEs are formed when food is fried, and they contribute to the inflammation process. Meat slices, along with other processed foods, tinned food, and fried foods, are listed among the inflammatory foods to be avoided by those seeking to reduce their intake of inflammation-causing agents.
It is worth noting that the type of meat and its preparation methods can make a difference. For example, fried meats and processed meats are more likely to contribute to inflammation than other forms of meat preparation. Additionally, the overall diet and lifestyle choices also play a role in managing inflammation. Following an anti-inflammatory diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, can help reduce body-wide inflammation.
While meat toppings on pizza can contribute to inflammation, it is important to consider the overall dietary and lifestyle context. The effects of meat toppings may be influenced by the presence of other anti-inflammatory ingredients in a pizza, such as olive oil, or the overall balance of a person's diet and lifestyle choices outside of pizza consumption.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese on pizza is one of the biggest sources of saturated fats in the average American diet, which is associated with inflammation. However, no one food, including cheese, is directly related to causing inflammation.
Fried foods, such as French fries and chicken nuggets, produce advanced glycation end products, commonly known as AGEs, which directly stimulate inflammation in the body. Other foods that cause inflammation include margarine, white bread, processed foods, tinned food, cakes, biscuits, meat slices, sweetened yoghurt, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners.
Yes, brown/wholegrain bread, pasta, and rice are anti-inflammatory foods. Other anti-inflammatory foods include fruits, vegetables, and fish.
There is conflicting evidence on whether pizza causes inflammation. Some studies suggest that pizza and mozzarella cheese have anti-inflammatory properties, especially in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. However, other sources claim that pizza is inflammatory due to its high saturated fat content.
