Previously, we mentioned that watercress is the healthiest vegetable in the world due to its concentration of essential vitamins and minerals for health, scoring a perfect 100 out of 100.
It's a fleshy plant, barely two hand spans tall, and its leaves are more similar in size to basil (or smaller), with an intense, bitter, and even slightly spicy flavor that gives a special taste to dishes.
In the CDC ranking, vegetables generally dominate the list. This year, it included veggies like spinach (86 out of 100), kale (49 out of 100), red peppers (41 out of 100), and broccoli (34 out of 100).
Tomatoes have many health benefits, starting with their red color, which makes them one of the most interesting aspects.
The color of vegetables is due to substances called polyphenols and carotenoids. Tomatoes are red because they contain a large amount of these compounds, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
The antioxidant function helps protect the body's cells from oxidative stress and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, blood pressure, and LDL cholesterol ('bad cholesterol').
The antioxidants in tomatoes can also help protect the skin against damage caused by ultraviolet rays from the sun and improve overall skin health.