London: British Scientists have developed purple tomatoes which they hope may be able to keep cancer at bay.

The fruit are rich in an antioxidant pigment called anthocyanin which is thought to have anti-cancer properties, according to a study published in Nature Biotechnology.

A team from the John Innes Centre, Norwich, created the tomatoes by incorporating genes from the snapdragon flower, which is high in anthocyanin.

It was discovered that mice who ate the tomatoes lived longer. This discovery offers the potential to promote health through diet by reducing the impact of chronic disease

Anthocyanins, found in particularly high levels in dark coloured berries such as blackberry, cranberry and chokeberry, have been shown to help significantly slow the growth of colon cancer cells.

They are also thought to offer protection against cardiovascular disease and age-related degenerative diseases.

There is also evidence that the pigments have anti-inflammatory properties, help boost eyesight, and may help stave off obesity and diabetes.

Tomatoes already contain high levels of beneficial antioxidant compounds, such as lycopene and flavonoids.