British researchers have used genes from the snapdragon flower to increase tomatoes' cancer-fighting powers.
When the genes were added, the tomatoes ripened to an almost eggplant purple. They contain very high levels of antioxidant pigments called anthocyanins. Cancer-prone mice fed the altered tomatoes lived significantly longer than those that didn't get them.
This is according to an article in USAToday. It seems that lycopenes found in tomatoes are enhanced and actaully strenghtened in their cancer fighting properties when crossed with genes from snapdragons.
According to Science Daily: Anthocyanins offer protection against certain cancers, cardiovascular disease and age-related degenerative diseases. There is evidence that anthocyanins also have anti-inflammatory activity, promote visual acuity and hinder obesity and diabetes.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment