Oncology nutritionist reveals the best pizza toppings to reduce cancer risk

Turns out you can add pepperoni and salami as pizza ingredients.

Nichole Andrews, a Washington, D.C.-based nutritionist and oncology author, is revealing five ideas for “delicious, healthy” pizza instead of processed meat pie like pepperoni or pre-cooked sausage.

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

Processed meats – which include hot dogs, bacon, sausages, ground beef and beef – are prepared in a way to enhance flavor or improve preservation. The WHO says some of these processes can produce chemicals that can cause cancer.

A large-scale study published this year found that people who consume a lot of red or processed meat face a higher risk of colorectal cancer. These chances increase even more for people with certain genetic variants.

Andrews says you can still give pizza a shot by swapping out the peppers for plant-based or chicken.

“There are so many amazing options,” Andrews recently said on Instagram.

Here are five of her cooking recipes to know.

Vegetable delight

“Top it with bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach and tomatoes,” advises Andrews. “Add a sprinkling of fresh herbs for flavor!”

Vegetables can lower the risk of cancer because they contain vitamins and minerals that can help prevent the development of cancer cells, and they boast fiber, which helps maintain a healthy weight.

Mediterranean

The Mediterranean diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats.

The eating plan may reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, including colorectal and prostate cancer, because it contains foods with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties.

Andrews recommends topping your pizza with olives, artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes and a drizzle of olive oil. Sprinkle on a few slices of feta for extra richness.

Makeover Margherita

“Keep it classic with fresh tomatoes, basil and mozzarella in a whole grain crust. Simple but satisfying!” Andrews wrote.

Most whole grains are rich in fiber, which protects against colon cancer by moving stool through the colon faster. The American Institute for Cancer Research recommends consuming at least 30 grams of fiber per day.

White pizza with greens

A diet high in salt has been linked to an increased risk of stomach cancer.

Andrews suggests making a white pizza with a low sodium ricotta base, kale, garlic and some mozzarella.

Chicken Vegetable Pesto

Andrews suggests swapping the tomato sauce for a low-sodium basil pesto and adding zucchini, rotisserie chicken, roasted red peppers and spinach.

Rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C and fiber, spinach may help protect against colon and breast cancer.