So it comes as a surprise reading about genetically modified purple tomatoes on BBC News (original press release from John Innes Center). Apparently an entirely different group of scientists have created the tomatoes by incorporating genes from the snapdragon flower, which is high in anthocyanin. The result is a new breed of tomatoes that are intensely purple in color, and contains higher levels of anthocyanin than has ever been reported before for engineered tomatoes, comparable to the anthocyanin levels found in blackberries and blueberries. The resulting tomatoes were also reported to have a threefold increase in antioxidant capacity. The scientists went as far as conducting a pilot animal study and demonstrated that cancer-susceptible mice fed a diet supplemented with these tomatoes showed a significant extension of life span.

Amazing. Impressive.

But how do these tomatoes fare with the red-purple tomatoes of two years ago that were a product of traditional breeding methods? If the anthocyanin levels are comparable, I think I’d rather have those than tomatoes genetically engineered to carry genes from a funeral flower.

Image: John Innes Center

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Genetically Modified Anthocyanin-Rich Purple Tomatoes

The analysis shows that those who ate a whole-grain breakfast cereal seven or more times per week were less likely (by 28 percent) to develop heart failure over the course of the study than those who never ate such cereal. The risk of heart failure decreased by 22 percent in those who ate a whole-grain breakfast cereal from two to six times per week and by 14 percent in those who ate a whole-grain breakfast cereal up to once per week.

Remember, not just any breakfast cereal will do. Go for the whole grain variety. Whole grains are rich in vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants and have a high fiber content.

Oh, and by the way, for the parents out there, did you know it’s the National School Breakfast Week?

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Reduce Heart Failure Risk with Whole-Grain Breakfast Cereals

Now I am not sure how these tomatoes came out to be looking so, but it comes to me as a surprise that over in Oregon, scientists are still on a race to introduce the purple tomato into the market. No, not just as a novelty item, but as a functional food.

Jones discovered that the purple tomato, unlike its red cousins, contained high levels of anthocyanins, a chemical found in dark fruit pigments such as blueberries and grapes that can act as an antioxidant.

The purple tomato also has red skin at the base, so it still contains lycopene, also an antioxidant.

As a result, the new hybrid potentially offers the best of both worlds.

What are anthocyanins good for? As mentioned above, this pigment compound act as antioxidants, and may help prevent cardiovascular diseases. According to Prof. Ronald E. Wrolstad, from the Oregon State University, the anthocyanin pigments of Bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus) have long been used for improving visual acuity and treating circulatory disorders.

Like anthocyanin, lycopene is a carotenoid that also act as an antioxidant. Various studies suggest that lycopene can help fight cancer, and possibly other degenerative diseases. To learn more about this powerful carotenoid, the Lycopene web site is a great resource. For offline reading, Unlock the Power of Lycopene: Redefining Your Diet with Lycopene and Tomatoes tells the story of how tomatoes and processed tomato products may play a major role in fighting disease, in addition to adding zest and color to our diet.

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Anthocyanin- and Lycopene-Rich Purple Tomatoes

The researchers found that the weakening of the elbow flexion strength in the cherry group was significantly lower than the placebo group. The strength loss after four days, tested on an arm curl bench, was only four per cent for the cherry juice group, but was 22 per cent for the placebo group.

Volunteers who were taking tart cherry juice also reported less muscle pains. The researchers attribute this positive effect of tart cherry juice on the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the flavonoids and athocyanins present in tart cherry juice. Tart cherry juice, particularly the one used in this study, is currently being marketed as a power drink for athletes and sports enthusiasts.

Fox News has a video report on CherryPharm, the cherry juice brand used in this study.

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Tart Cherry Juice May Relieve Muscle Pains