HEALTH experts will today examine evidence which suggests that products containing tomatoes may reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.

Two major US studies have shown that lycopene - a natural pigment that gives tomatoes their red colour and is found in high concentrations in processed products such as tomato ketchup, tomato soup, puree and pizza - is good for the health.

Medical experts from the US and the UK will meet at the Royal Society of Medicine in London for a seminar to consider the evidence.

Data from two American university studies involving nearly 50,000 men revealed that the incidence of heart disease and prostate cancer after eating tomato products fell substantially.