A study by UK scientists has found that newly-developed purple tomatoes could boost health and prevent the spread of chronic diseases such as cancer and age-related degenerative problems.

The research, undertaken at the John Innes Centre in Norwich, central England, involved the incorporation of anthocyanin in tomato growth, an antioxidant pigment found in berries such as blackberry, cranberry and chokeberry.

The pigment, extracted from the snapdragon flower for the process, is also thought to boost eyesight, have anti-inflammatory properties and prevent diabetes, according to a report in Nature Biotechnology.

During the study, researchers found that test mice eating the purple tomatoes lived longer than those eating normal red tomatoes.

'Most people do not eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, but they can get more benefit from those they do eat if common fruit and vegetables can be developed that are higher in bioactive compounds,' research professor Cathie Martin told the BBC. 'This is one of the first examples of metabolic engineering that offers the potential to promote health through diet by reducing the impact of chronic disease. Certainly it is the first example of a genetically modified organism with a trait that really offers a potential benefit for all consumers.'

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