Will ‘Super Tomatoes’ Become New Anti-Aging Tool?

Over the last couple years, scientists from around the world have been developing a new type of super tomato which could help prevent aging. These new super tomatoes have increased levels of Lycopene which laboratory studies found have a similar effect to the cholesterol-lowering drugs, Statins. Statins rovide help to prevent various cardiovascular diseases and tumors. Other studies have shown that Lycopene can help improve the mental stability of humans. Tomatoes are also known to contain high levels of beta-carotene, which is an antioxidant that helps the immune system and aids in maintaining healthy skin and tissue lining. In addition they have good amounts of antioxidant flavonoids, vitamin E, and vitamin C.

One of the newest super tomatoes making a buzz in the news is a unique square shaped variety that has been developed by the Farmers Union in Italy. These tomatoes are also grown organically and the farmers do not use any hormones, fertilizers or pesticides. There have also been super tomatoes developed by scientists in Spain, Great Britain, and India. The Spanish super tomato is called The Moruno, and took scientists roughly two years to develop after testing out cross-breeding with 2,000 varieties. It is unclear if these new genetically modified super tomatoes will become a main staple in the United States. Scientists continue to push deeper into the arena of genetically modified (GM) produce, but many consumers have objections to eating GM food. Many countries have already banned GM food, however the US is not one of them as the FDA and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) have recognized over 40 plant varieties that have completed all of the federal requirements for commercialization.