Organic tomatoes might save your heart, for a new study has found that they are far better than traditionally grown crops.

Dr.Alyson Mitchell and his team at the California University used data from a long-term project using standardized farming techniques for the ten-year study.

The study found that organic tomatoes have almost double the amount of flavonoids than compared to the tomatoes grown conventionally.

Flavonoids are antioxidants that protect the heart and can fight against blood pressure and strokes, and have been linked to keep some forms of cancer and dementia at bay.

The study also noted that quercetin and kaempferol levels were also higher in organic tomatoes.

Researchers elaborated that since flavanoids are produced as a result of nutrient deficiency, over-fertilizing the soil in traditional farming leads to their lower levels.

However, Gerry Hayman, the technical expert of the British Tomatoes Growers' is unsure about the findings.

"We use similar growing techniques here whether the tomatoes are organic or not, so the nutrients are of a high standard," the Telegraph quoted Hayman, as saying.

Sir John Krebs, former chair of the Food Standards Agency suggested that just because organic tomatoes have higher level of one antioxidants, they cannot be claimed to be better than conventionally grown counter parts.

"Tomato ketchup has higher levels of lycopene, a strong antioxidant, than tomatoes. So if you wanted lots of lycopene you should eat ketchup," Krebs said.

(ANI via chinadaily.com.cn July 6, 2007)