Scott Keatley RD CDN

The Women's Health article titled "This Is The Healthiest Fruit In The World, According To Experts" features Scott Keatley, RD, and discusses the CDC's ranking of nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables. According to the CDC, the healthiest fruit is the tomato, which scored 20.37 in nutrient density, making it the top fruit on their list, though watercress holds the top spot overall.

Scott Keatley highlights the nutritional benefits of tomatoes, emphasizing their richness in antioxidants like lycopene, which is linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and cancer. He also notes that tomatoes are high in vitamin C, potassium, folate, and vitamin K. Keatley explains that cooking tomatoes enhances lycopene absorption, making tomato-based sauces and soups excellent choices for maximizing nutrients. Pairing tomatoes with healthy fats, like olive oil, can further boost nutrient absorption.

Other fruits that rank highly on the CDC list include lemons, strawberries, oranges, limes, and grapefruit. Keatley points out that berries, especially blueberries and strawberries, are also nutrient-dense and high in antioxidants, providing similar health benefits to tomatoes.

Keatley recommends incorporating around one medium-sized tomato or a cup of cherry tomatoes into your daily diet. However, he advises balance and variety in fruit and vegetable consumption to avoid potential irritation from tomato acidity and to ensure a broad intake of nutrients.