Imagine a cigarette filter stuffed with antioxidants to keep cancer-causing free radicals from passing into the body. Scientists say they have accomplished just that, according to a study published in the Journal of Visualized Experiments.

Researchers at Cornell University, while noting that “the best cigarette is no cigarette,” have found that by including lycopene and grape seed extract in cigarette filters, they were able to reduce the amount of free radicals that enter the body when smoking. Essentially, they say they have found a less toxic form of cigarette.

“The implications of this technique can help reduce the hazardous effects of tobacco smoke because free radicals are a major group of carcinogens,” said the study’s co-author, Dr. Boris Dzilkovski.

Previous efforts to make smoking less harmful include use of a ‘biofilter’ made up of haemoglobin (which transports oxygen in red blood cells) and activated carbon – which has been found to cut the number of free radicals in cigarette smoke by up to 90 percent. But, due to its costs, study authors indicate, neither has been successfully integrated into the marketplace.

Meanwhile, anti-smoking activists maintain there is no such thing as a ‘healthier’ cigarette.