What Is Whole Grain Pizza Dough?

Many health conscious people are adding whole grains to their diets for the numerous benefits. Whole grain pizza dough is a great way to increase the nutritional value of pizza by substituting whole grain flour for the typical refined flour that is usually used. The flour-making process, called refining, removes several parts of the grain such as the bran and the germ, making the resulting product less nutritious. Whole grain pizza dough is made using flour that leaves these important components intact, which boosts its nutritional content. It can be made using a variety of grains, so it's possible for most people to find an option that they enjoy.

There are lots of benefits to having a diet that includes a variety of whole grains. Whole grains are a valuable source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals such as potassium and vitamin B. Diets high in fiber from whole grains are helpful in maintaining a healthy body weight. They are also linked to reduced risks of health issues such as diabetes, heart problems, and even some types of cancer.

There are many ways to add additional whole grains to the diet. One way is to use whole grain pizza dough, which makes this popular dish a healthier menu choice. To make this transition, the refined flour in the dough recipe needs to be replaced with whole grain flour. This may make other recipe alterations necessary in order to get the desired result from the pizza crust. Whole grain pizza dough may bake into a crust with a slightly different texture than one made with traditional refined flour.

When refined flour is made, the process removes several components of the grain, including the bran and the germ. This makes the flour finer and smoother, but it also removes important nutrients and a significant amount of fiber. Items made with refined flour usually have a softer texture and a lower nutritional content than the equivalent item made with whole grain flour would. Crust made with whole grain pizza dough often has a heartier consistency and a different flavor than traditional pizza crust due to the whole grains. It is also higher in fiber, along with other important vitamins and minerals, making it a healthier choice.

The most common way to make whole grain pizza dough is to replace the regular flour with whole wheat flour. Most of the other ingredients remain the same, although the proportions may be slightly altered. It's also possible to make whole grain pizza dough using other types of whole grain flours, and this often results in crusts with unique flavor profiles and textures. Cooks can experiment with the crust and toppings to find varieties that are appealing and healthy. Sources for recipes and ideas include the Internet, cookbooks, and magazines.