European scientists have published a new study in [Nature Biotechnology][1] on the benefits genetically engineered purple tomatoes can provide in the fight against cancer and heart disease.
In the study, researchers fed cancer-prone mice with purple tomato concentrate and concluded that the tomatoes increased the lifespan of the mice by almost 22%.
Chemical tests revealed the engineered tomatoes to contain high levels of antioxidant activity, almost triple in comparison to non-modified tomatoes. The same phytochemical is also found in blueberries, which is one the most powerful antioxidant-rich fruits.
The preliminary research was conducted at the John Innes Centre in Norwich, UK, in collaboration with other European centres participating to the Flora project.
[1]: http://www.nature.com/nbt/journal/vaop/ncurrent/abs/nbt.1506.html
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