Tomatoes, earlier known to protect against various cancers, could also prevent heart attacks and strokes, say scientists. A pigment called lycopene, which gives tomatoes their red colour, is known to protect against various cancers.

Scientists have now found anti-clotting properties in the yellow fluid surrounding the seeds. According to scientists, the stickiness of platelets — the particles in blood that cause clotting — was reduced by 70 per cent when 220 volunteers had a drink containing the tomato extract.

The finding of the clinical trials said the tomato substance reduces the stickiness of platelets so they flow smoothly through blood vessels, reducing the risk of a blockage occurring.