英语听力精选进阶版 7164（在线收听）

Background:意大利农民展示了一种据说能减慢衰老过程的正方形西红柿。农民协会说，这种西红柿含有大量的能减少人体细胞损伤的自然元素。

The new tomato was grown without genetic modification in the regions of Emilia Romagna and Lombardy.

Italy's Farmers Union, which organised its public launch, said the tomato is full of lyco-pene - a red pigment that contains antioxidants.

They are strong neutralisers of the free radicals in the body which can damage human cells.

The union says the tomato could help slow the ageing process and may also be effective in preventing some cancers and heart disease.

A number of other scientific studies have pointed to the therapeutic benefits of lyco-pene.

One British supermarket chain has already marketed its own brand of what are now known as super tomatoes.

Glossary 词汇表

genetic modification 转基因 

regions 地区 

public launch 公开推出 

pigment 色素 

antioxidants 抗氧化剂 

human cells 人体细胞 

ageing process 衰老过程 

preventing 防止 

pointed to 指向 

therapeutic benefits 疗效 

marketed 推向市场 

brand 品牌

Questions and Answers

In what areas were the tomatoes grown? 

The new tomatoes were grown in the regions of Emilia Romagna and Lombardy in Italy.

What could the new tomatoes help to slow down? 

The new tomatoes could help to slow down the ageing process.

What else could the new tomatoes help to prevent? 

The new tomatoes could help to prevent some cancers and heart disease.

What ingredient in the new tomato contains antioxidants? 

The new tomatoes are full of lyco-pene which contains antioxidants.