A group of British researchers have used genes from the snapdragon flower to increase tomatoes' cancer-fighting powers. Tomatoes genetically modified to be rich in antioxidants called anthocyanins (a type of antioxidant found in berries such as blackberries and blackcurrants that have been shown to lower risk of cancer, heart disease and some neurological diseases) appeared to extend the life spans of cancer-prone mice, according to the study. These modified tomatoes turned an almost eggplant purple.

In the study, published in Nature Biotechnology researchers used genetically engineered mice that typically develop a variety of cancers at a young age, and live an average of 142 days. A diet that included powder from the modified purple tomatoes extended the life span of these mice to an average 182.2 days; some mice lived up to 260 days. Regular tomatoes had no affect on the average life span whatsoever. But the purple tomatoes, on top of being able to slow the growth of cancer cells, are also believed to be able to prevent cardiovascular disease, act as an anti-inflammatory, help boost eyesight, and may help stave off obesity and diabetes.

"It's exciting to see new techniques that could potentially make healthy foods even better for us. But it's too early to say whether anthocyanins obtained through diet could help to reduce the risk of cancer," said Dr. Lara Bennett, science information officer at Cancer Research UK. The researchers state that the tomatoes would have to go through years of tests and processes in order to end up in supermarkets. However, the next step in their research would be to test the tomatoes on human volunteers.