The Norfolk Plant Sciences company wants to sell a new tomato species in the United States (USA). It's about the transgenic purple tomato, whose composition is rich in important nutrients, with antioxidant action. So, check out the details about this type of tomato and if it really is a superfood.
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According to the scientists responsible for the new type of tomato, it is a superfood, as it supposedly has a number of benefits to human health. In this sense, tests were carried out on animals, in which the results indicated an increase in longevity.
The highlight of the purple tomato is that in its genetic modification it received two genes responsible for an anthocyanin (purple pigment) production up to ten times greater. In relation to this pigment, it is a compound that acts as an antioxidant in the body and therefore fights aging.
In addition to the antioxidant action, anthocyanins are also useful in preventing cardiovascular disease, cancer and neurodegenerative problems. Therefore, the new tomato can be more nutritious.
Professor Cathie Martin, responsible for creating the purple tomato in 2008 in the United Kingdom, reported that these fruits can have up to twice the shelf life of a normal tomato. This can make these foods more commercially attractive.
Norfolk Plant Sciences has already sent the requested documentation for the approval of the modified tomato genetically, but is still waiting for authorization to start marketing the food In the USA. However, Eric Ward, a member of the company, stated that they are optimistic about the authorization.
The transgenic tomato, as well as other foods that go through the process of genetic modification, still divides opinions regarding the safety of its consumption. This is because, so far, there are no long-term studies with analyzes on the impact of these foods on our health, so there is no consensus on their use.
In Brazil, the consumption of transgenic foods has been going on for some years, especially corn and soy. In this sense, food products that contain these foods among their ingredients must contain, obligatorily, a yellow triangle with a T in the middle indicating that it is a transgenic product.
