Blueberry-colored tomatoes fight cancer, may lengthen life

William Atkins
Monday, 27 October 2008 21:46

Science - Health

The authors reported in the study that their finding are preliminary and much more research is necessary in order to verify their results and to learn more about the cancer-fighting anthocyanins.

The tomatoe is one type of food that already contains high levels of antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids and lycopene.

These healthy benefits could be accentuated even more with the addition of these anthocyanins.

If further studies are found to be positive with respect to being able to add anthocyanins to foods, then such genetically modified foods could be used to reduce the risk of cancer and other diseases in people.

Cathie Martin, another one of the authors of the study, stated, "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.” [BBC News: “Purple tomato 'may boost health'”]

Dr. Martin, from the John Innes Centre, added, “And certainly the first example of a GMO [genetically modified organism] with a trait that really offers a potential benefit for all consumers."

With further studies in this area, humans may someday have foods that are all rich in healthy and cancer-fighting substances. Who knows, maybe even french fries could someday be healthy to eat?