The drug made from a vile-tasting fruit is also a breakthrough in the war on cholesterol.

It contains concentrated juice from the intensely bitter bergamot which is used in cooking in Calabria, southern Italy. Heart experts intrigued by locals there rarely suffering coronary disease claim to have traced it to the fruit.

Analysis revealed it is packed with chemicals called polyphenols.

These work together to open up arteries and increase blood flow helping the body to burn fat more efficiently.

Tiny amounts of the juice cut blood sugar levels by a fifth in tests, boosting people's metabolisms so they carried less belly fat.

Meanwhile, the juice was found to lower artery-clogging cholesterol by almost a THIRD. And the fruit raised levels of "good" cholesterol.

The new pills, costing 42 (euros) a month and called BergaMet, are taken twice a day before a meal. They have NO side-effects unlike cholesterol-fighting statins, which can cause muscle weakness and memory loss. That means the pills could be an alternative.

Cardiologist Dr Ross Walker declared: "This pill can help people to get in better shape."

The bergamot fruit is too bitter to eat but its peel which does not have the same health benefits is used to flavour Earl Grey tea.