The Healthiest Pizza Options In Dallas

Who says pizza can't be part of a healthy, balanced diet? When it comes to pizza toppings, everybody has their favorites, but when you are looking to slim down for swimsuit season, keep a resolution or just eat healthier, there are plenty of options. Here are seven of the healthiest pizza toppings so you can enjoy your pie guilt-free.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes have lycopene. What's lycopene? Lycopene is a carotenoid pigment that has long been associated with the deep red color of many tomatoes. Basically, what this means is that tomatoes are packed with antioxidants which, according to the Mayo Clinic, help the body stay strong and assist in warding off cancer and heart disease.

Spinach

This dark leafy green was noted for giving Popeye his amazing strength and now we know why. Spinach is a power-house green and those that have lactose problems will be happy to know that spinach is filled with calcium.

Pineapple

Adding a little sweetness to your pizza with pineapple will also add a healthy dose of vitamin C and three-fourths of your daily manganese requirement. According to Food Facts by Mercola.com, Vitamin C is a main component in building healthy organs, blood vessels, tissues and skin. For a healthy glow, add some fresh (not canned) pineapple to your pizza.

Green Peppers

One of the mildest in the pepper family, green peppers are not shy when it comes to their nutrient content. Green peppers have fiber which will help you feel full, and they even have some protein. They are packed with vitamin C to help fight cancer and vitamin K, which has been linked to curbing osteoporosis. You do not have to eat them raw. Studies have shown that cooked green peppers have more vitamin K than raw ones.

Olives

Green or black? It doesn't matter. Green olives are picked before they are ripe and black ones are picked at the peak of ripeness. While olives are part of the fruit family, just like tomatoes, you do not normally see them in a fruit salad. For such a small food, olives really do a big job. Health-wise, they contain Oleuropein, a compound found only in olives, which decreases the oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol and contains omega-3-rich alpha-linolenic acid. Olives are kings in the Mediterranean diet and their antioxidant properties have been shown to help in preventing breast and stomach cancer and relieving headaches. Another thing to note about olives: they contain no sugar.

Onions

One of the world's most used vegetables, onions are loaded with two phytochemicals — allium and allyl disulphide, which convert to allicin when the bulb is crushed or cut. This enzyme activation helps the body, along with olyphenols (another phytochemical in onions) and an antioxidant flavonoid called quercetin, in fighting cancer as well as diabetes.

Mushrooms

While mushrooms are not technically a vegetable, they are part of the fungi family and possess some healthy qualities. These little buttons are a good source of iron and, according to Medical News Today, they help regulate blood pressure, inhibit the growth of cancer cells and improve immune response to infection.

You can easily make great tasting, healthy pizza at home using these recipes. But if you want to go out, don't worry -- there are are some great places in Dallas that make delicious and nutritious pizza.

Pizza Lounge

841 Exposition Ave.
Dallas, TX 75226
(214) 887-6900
www.pizzaloungedallas.com

Pizza Lounge located across the street from Fair Park in Dallas, Texas is known for its eclectic pizza creations. The Nickle and Dime Bag contains an entire bag of spinach! The Wild Calabrese includes crowns of Calabrese broccoli, Cremini, and wild mushrooms with Pizza Lounge's own special white sauce. There are plenty of other pizza options on their menu.

Olivella's

3406 Mcfarlin Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75205
(214) 528-7070
www.olivellas.com

Olivella's four Dallas locations offer more than just traditional toppings. Ever try a pizza with no cheese? The Rossa is a simple but flavorful pizza with no cheese and is a great choice for those who want a lighter option or have trouble with lactose. Some of the unusual toppings offered at Olivella are arugula, walnuts, pears, truffle oil, and sundried, cherry and grape tomatoes.

This article was written by Robin D. Everson of Examiner.com for CBS Local.