Five Vegetarian Pizza Toppings That Pack A Protein Punch
Posted on: 25 September 2018
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If you are a new vegetarian or wanting to reduce your meat intake, you will need to find alternative sources of protein to take the place of meat in your diet. There are many great sources of non-meat protein, and most of them make excellent pizza toppings. This means you can easily meet your daily protein requirements while still enjoy a delicious slice of pizza. If you're looking to up your protein intake, these are the top five toppings you should add to your pizza takeout order.
Spinach
Spinach has 2.9 grams of protein per 100 grams. Although not the highest ratio on this list, the many other benefits such as vitamins A and E, calcium, and fiber make it an excellent choice. Also, it is easier for your body to absorb the vitamins and minerals in cooked spinach than its raw counterpart, so ordering it on pizza occasionally can boost the benefits you receive from eating it.
Broccoli
Broccoli offers 2.8 grams of protein per 100 grams. It is also packed with vitamins K and C as well as calcium and folic acid, making it an especially good choice of topping for female vegetarians who may need greater amounts of calcium and folic acid.
Cheese
Most cheeses are a good source of protein, but if you really want to pack a protein punch, you should choose your cheese carefully. Parmesan offers 38 grams of protein per 100 grams while mozzarella only offers 28 grams of protein for the same amount. While both of these are a good amount of protein, you may want to mix and match to get your ideal flavor with the perfect amount of protein.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms offer 3.1 grams of protein per 100 grams, making them the go-to choice for pizza topping if you want some extra protein but aren't a fan of green vegetables. They are also known for supporting the immune system and helping prevent cellular damage.
Artichokes
Artichokes may be the best option for a vegetarian pizza topping packed with protein. They offer 3.1 grams of protein per 100 grams.
Just how much protein do you need a day? It depends on your activity level, size, and health. The average sedentary man generally requires around 56 grams per day, and the average sedentary woman just 46 grams. This means decking out your pizza with a few choice protein-rich toppings can make a significant impact on your protein goals.