Is Italian Food Healthy? We’d Say So!

In America, classic Italian food is a nationwide favorite. Delicious pasta and sauces, perfectly crispy pizza, and decadent desserts are always on the menu somewhere nearby. Flavorful and filling, Italian food can also be part of a healthy balanced diet. Surprised? Don’t be! The Italian people are some of the healthiest around, and they enjoy one of the longest life expectancies in the world. Here are some of the elements that make Italian food a healthy choice.

Italian Cuisine Takes Inspiration from the Mediterranean Diet

Inspired by the eating habits of the people of Italy, Greece, and Spain, the Mediterranean diet includes hearty portions of olive oil, vegetables, fruits, and seafood, as well as moderate intakes of cheese, yogurt, and wine. There's some evidence that the Mediterranean diet can lower the risk of heart disease and diabetes, and its adoption has been associated with a reduction in mortality across the board. Today the Mediterranean diet remains popular for health and weight loss benefits. And it’s delicious! As a delicious ItalianSmyrna Market Village restaurant, we know a thing or two about the benefits of a Mediterranean diet. So, keep reading to learn more about how Mediterranean food isn’t just tasty but also good for you!

Focus is on Quality

While great Italian food is packed with fantastic flavors, it's not often packed with a whole lot of ingredients or overly processed items. In preparing our classic Italian cuisine, we rely on the freshest meats, vegetables, and cheeses, and we really let them shine in our recipes. It’s easy with fresh pasta made from flour, eggs, and water, plus rich sauces made from cream or wine with fresh cheeses or vegetables. One thing you won't see? Highly processed ingredients, hydrogenated oils, and a long list of chemicals you can't pronounce. The best Italian food focuses on quality ingredients, which is why we believe in fresh, simple dishes, just like you would find on the kitchen table of any Italian grandmother.

Healthy Ingredients

Healthy food starts with healthy ingredients. Italians live in a region that’s perfect for growing healthy vegetables, which is why so many of their dishes rely on them. Some of our favorite flavors come from ingredients packed with healthy nutrients and vitamins:

Tomatoes: Essential to great Italian cooking, tomatoes are a great source of vitamin c and lycopene. Lycopene can help boost heart health and may even give protection against some forms of cancer. Your body is able to access lycopene easier in the tasty fruits when tomatoes are cooked in oil. Sounds like the perfect excuse to order spaghetti!

Olive oil: High in healthy monounsaturated fats that help lower "bad" LDL cholesterol, olive oil has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help boost heart health. It’s a common ingredient in Italian cooking for its delicious flavors and aromatics. Skip the ranch, and try a little drizzle of olive oil and red pepper flakes to take pizza crust to the next level.

Garlic: It’s a key ingredient in most Italian food, and studies show it may lower your risk of certain cancers. It also offers key heart health protection, and may also help lower cholesterol.

Red Wine: Rich and antioxidants, red wine in moderation has been shown to help lower back cholesterol and keep hearts healthy. It can even help regulate blood sugar and potentially reduce the risk of certain cancers. We'll toast to that!

It’s also important to note that any food can be considered “unhealthy” when eaten in excess. Moderation is key to enjoying a healthy diet of any kind, so we recommend Italian food as part of a balanced diet and active lifestyle.

Real Vegetarian Options

Whether you’ve adopted the lifestyle, or you’re just exploring some new Meatless Monday options, Italian food makes it easy to eat vegetarian. Today’s Italian food vegetarian options include delicious eggplant lasagna, with imported ricotta cheese, homemade marinara sauce, and deliciously melty mozzarella cheese. Or try the penne and broccoli, with penne pasta and broccoli sauteed with olive oil and garlic, topped with tomato and freshly shaved Parmesan cheese. Of course, Tuscany salad is always on the menu, with freshfield greens, crumbled feta, perfectly ripe tomatoes, plump kalamata olives, crispy artichoke hearts, tart pepperoncinis, crunchy onion, and balsamic vinaigrette.

Visit Zucca Pizza for Healthy Italian Food near Smyrna

Know where to find the best healthy Italian food in Smyrna? Zucca Bar & Pizzeria! OurItalian restaurantoffers award-winning pizza, fresh pasta, and a wine selection that would make any Italian proud. Kick back and relax on the patio, or step inside for family-friendly booths and bar seating and enjoy all your favorite Italian dishes in a warm, welcoming environment.

Zucca Bar & Pizzeria is open late all week long. Join us on the patio or at the bar, where we’re serving up top-shelf spirits until 4 a.m. throughout the week, and 3 a.m. on Saturday. There’s no better place to meet for food and drinks in Smyrna! Looking to throw a party? Our private event space is perfectly suited for gathering of any size! Book now for graduation party space, rehearsal dinners, corporate events, and other special occasions. 770-803-9990

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