This Fruit Tops the Charts: CDC Highlights Their Health Benefits

You might not think of adding tomatoes to your morning smoothie or yogurt parfait, but incorporating them into your lunch and dinner could be one of the best health decisions you make. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently named tomatoes the healthiest fruit in the world.

Yes, you read that right—fruit. By definition, a fruit is anything with seeds, and tomatoes fit the bill. The CDC released a list of “powerhouse” fruits and vegetables, defined as those “most strongly associated with reduced chronic disease risk.”

Interestingly, the first 26 items on this list are vegetables, primarily cruciferous or leafy greens. The first fruit to make an appearance? Tomatoes, with an impressive nutrient density score of 20.37.

The nutrient density score is a measure of the bioavailability of 17 key nutrients. For reference, the Cleveland Clinic provides a breakdown of what a medium-sized raw tomato offers:

A medium-sized raw tomato contains 17 grams of vitamin C, which accounts for 19% of the daily value (DV) recommended for adults.

In comparison, the top-ranking produce on the CDC’s “powerhouse” list is watercress, boasting a nutrient density score of 100. Following tomatoes with their score of 20.37 are several other fruits, but none come close to the nutrient-packed punch that tomatoes deliver.

Incorporating tomatoes into your meals can be a simple yet effective way to boost your nutrient intake. Whether in salads, sauces, or even as a snack, tomatoes offer a versatile and delicious option for enhancing your diet.

So next time you’re planning your meals, remember to include this powerhouse fruit. Your body will thank you for it.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Source