Endometriosis, a painful womb condition that damages fertility and has affected celebrities such as TV presenter Anthea Turner and singer Louis Redknapp, could be prevented by the humble tomato.

US research has uncovered an antioxidant found in tomato products that may prevent the chemical reaction that causes scar tissue to build up in the womb.

The antioxidant called ‘lycopene’, taken as a tablet or by drinking 8oz of tomato juice, is sufficient to increase the levels in the blood and prevent any internal scarring caused by the condition.

Endometriosis occurs when cells within the lining of the womb become attached to other parts of the pelvis. This reattachment causes inflammation, pain, adhesions and scarring and harms fertility.

With no known cure, lycopene treatment has been able to reduce significantly the activity leading to adhesions (around 80-90% improvement).

The lycopene nutrient gives tomatoes their red colouring and researchers believe these findings will not only pave the way for endometriosis treatment but also benign womb tumours and surgical scarring.

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