Did you ever stop to think what makes tomatoes turn red? It’s the powerful bone-building antioxidant lycopene, also present in watermelons, pink grapefruits, apricots, papayas, and other fruits.
What makes tomatoes even more special is that they’re in season year-round so it’s an easy and delicious way to benefit from lycopene’s powerful antioxidant properties.
Antioxidants protect cells from the damaging effects of free-radicals, and studies show that lycopene in particular protects and stimulates osteoblasts, which are important bone-building cells that synthesize and deposit bone matrix (Kim, Rao, Journal of Medicinal Food, “Lycopene II – Effect on osteoblasts”. 2003).
Harness the power of cooked tomatoes
According to researchers, the bioavailability or absorption of lycopene is greatest when tomatoes are cooked with olive oil (Fielding JM et al., Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition. “Increases in plasma lycopene concentration after consumption of tomatoes cooked with olive oil.” 2005).
You see, when tomatoes are cooked, the lycopene in the raw tomato is converted into trans-lycopene, which is more readily absorbed.
Amazingly, this study showed an even greater increase in plasma lycopene concentrations in subjects who consumed tomatoes cooked in olive oil.
In light of this, I’ve found a simple and sumptuous way to incorporate the bone building power of cooked tomatoes into my diet, and I’d like to invite you to…
Try my easy tomato recipe
I love both raw and cooked tomatoes, and always make sure I include them in at least one meal each day. But I also don’t want to be constantly bothered cooking them on a daily basis. Thankfully, I found this recipe that only takes five minutes to prepare.
Oven-Dried Tomatoes
INGREDIENTS
4 pounds ripe tomatoes, cut in half
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
5 cloves garlic, cut in half lengthwise
4 sprigs fresh thyme, torn (optional)
¼ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit
2. Line shallow pans with parchment paper
3. Combine tomatoes, olive oil, salt and pepper in large bowl
4. Arrange cut sides up on pans
5. Scatter thyme pieces and garlic over tomatoes
6. Bake for four and a half hours or until tomatoes brown and begin to collapse
7. Let cool on parchment paper over wire rack
8. Refrigerate in a container or bag for up to one week
I use these delicious tomatoes in sandwiches, stews, salads, and pasta.
And one more thing: tomatoes taste best when they are stored at room temperature, away from direct sun, because refrigeration diminishes one of their flavor components, (2)-3-dexenal. And if they begin to overripe, you can either refrigerate or cook them.
Conclusion
Anyone who knows me, knows that I have a “love affair” with vegetables. My children sometimes roll their eyes when I interrupt dinner to speak about how amazing it is that nature provides us with everything we need to stay healthy, and that these wonders literally grow from the earth.
We shouldn’t cease to marvel at the power of nature. By eating lycopene-rich tomatoes and following the Save Our Bones Program you can harness the awesome bone-building power of nature, and restore your bones to their “normal” state.
Next time you’re about to bite into a tomato, think about this and smile.
Oh, and feel free to share your favorite tomato recipe with our community by leaving a comment below.
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December 11, 2011
Vivian. I am learning a lot from your postings and from the book, and am applying it as much as I can as I learn. I am hoping to avoid hip fractures and also have some spine problems, so I have to play a little catch up here. I am sure I have improved my intake of needed minerals although I still am not sure where to find a couple of things. I am ever so grateful for your generosity to share all the research you do. Lynn
December 8, 2011
Hello, Vivian.
Paula here.
I read the article on tomatoes in your email.
I have recently found out that, when I have tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce and another veg, in a salad, that these veggies are very acidic!
Also, the tomatoes are very acidic in soup or stew that I “try” to cook (I’m really not a cook!). How do I neutralise the acidity?
Thank you for all the articles you have sent, they are truly informative.
Regards
December 9, 2011
Hi Paula – It’s a common misconception that if a food seems to be acidic or has an acidic taste, that it must have an acidic effect on the body, but that’s not true. Foods are classified as acid or alkaline based on the minerals they leave behind after digestion, NOT based on their taste or how they “seem.”
November 28, 2011
Thank you Vivian for your wonderful recipe on Tomatoes. I love tomatoes.
My snacks are usually tomatoes with garlic and parmesan cheese on toast with lots of extra virgin olive oil.
October 17, 2011
some doctors say tomato is harmful for arthiritis patients because intake of tomato forms stone in kidney. kindky remove these doubtsif it is not true.
September 22, 2011
I really enjoy your advice in your saveourbones program and try to follow your advice. I have a question. Because I had my thyroid removed years ago I take Levoxyl 0.1 everyday. I was told by a friend I should not eat any food which contains soy products because of that. I have been taking soy protein off and on for several years. Should I stop taking it? Is there a difference in soy products to be consumed. Thank you I would appreciate your information on this.
September 22, 2011
I love tomatoes, but aren’t they too acidic when eating too many? I am trying to keep my body in an alkaline state for bone health and acid control.
Thanks!
September 25, 2011
NO! See Vivian’s Save Our Bones, p 104. They are alkalizing as are oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits etc. – alkalizing fruits – even though it seems like they would be acidic.
September 20, 2011
Please clarify for me the difference between strontium ranelate and strontium citrate and which one you recommend. Thank you.
October 7, 2011
Patty, read http://saveourbones.com/strontium-demistyfied/ for my take on strontium. This blog post will answer your question and tell you why I don’t recommend supplemental strontium.
September 15, 2011
Dear Vivian,
Thank you for your wonderful site!
No doubt you baked tomato taste very good, but I don’t have time and energy to bake them. But I can take lycopene capsules. My husband takes lycopene for his prostate problems, and I could join him. Could you please advise would be 40 mg per day enough?
Thank you,
Irina
September 15, 2011
I have tried to watch the video (which is just written words so I don’t know why it’s called a video) and it takes way too long to get trough. I finally clicked it off. It seems to go on and on and on. Why not speak to us through a real video so we hear a real human voice with inflextion etc. Waiting for each screen to finally come up is not what I want to do.
September 1, 2011
I love tomatoes but have read that they are to be avoided if one suffers arthritis. Is it true that red vegs can cause
or increase inflamation?
August 13, 2011
I read so many articles on how to build our bones, but most of them say we need estrogen to help build bones. Do we really need estrogen to build bones? I’m afraid to take estrogen so does eating right,taking vitamins and excecise really hellp build bones. When i read these articles, about estrogen and our bones I get discourged.
August 9, 2011
I love tomatoes both raw and cooked and olive oil, too. I usually have tomatoes every single day and olive oil frequently. Thanks for the new recipe.
August 1, 2011
Vivian, thanks for the tips on tomatoes. I love tomatoes and Olive oil. Guess what I am cooking today.
Thank you for all the pointers and information to build our bones.
Marilyn
July 20, 2011
Please tell me where i can find recipes for good tomatoes soups also vegetarian soups
July 19, 2011
God certainly knew what He was doing giving us these wide of varieties of food for our good health. One my recipe to add to my collection.
June 21, 2011
How do I tell my doctor that I don’t want totake drugs for m bones?
December 11, 2011
I just listen and say that I’m going to have to think about it because of all the side effects. I try to ask if they know of any more natural way to attack it. The last one told me to take MSM. Who knows? I will seek out an alternative/integrated doc for the next visit.
June 15, 2011
Where or where are all of the good Endocrinologists?? Had to go see a Osteopathic surgeon yesterday for severe pain in my right hip and leg. What a waste! He was in such a hurry to see his next patient that I wasn’t able to answer all of my questions. I get tired of the condesending attitude of many M.D.’s Ive only taken generic fosomax for 6 weeks. My pain started shortly after. Don’t know if its the RX or something else but thats what took me to the Osteopath. So now I’m getting an MRI of my spine to see if the cause of the pain originated from there. Its soooooo confusing! The endos really push Forteo and reclast. My osteoporsis is severe but I just don’t feel like those drugs are the right thing for me but I just don’t know anymore.
October 3, 2011
I took fosamax for two weeks, (one dose a week for two weeks) and by the evening of the day I took the second dose my hands were in severe pain…by midnight that night, every joint in my body was excrutiatingly painful. I even saw a hand doctor because I thought I had somehow broken my left hand, that’s how badly it hurt. I never took another dose and by the end of what would have been my third week I was back to normal and pain free.
December 11, 2011
Very interesting. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia about the time I started Actonel. Then given strong pain meds that made my stomach bleed and soon I had an iron problem, passing out and extremely low thyroid. I am sure the meds had something to do with it all. Now I am off most meds and working on getting off the last one. I am raw vegan and my life has changed completely.
June 8, 2011
I was always told that tomatoes shouldn’t be eaten if arthritis. It never stopped me cos I love tomatoes
May 23, 2011
I love the recipes you send in E-mails, but they will not print. I don’t understand why? I have already bought your Save Our Bones program. Is there some reason you are not allowing customers to print your recipes? Pam Sunderland
March 28, 2011
hi, I have recently found out I have osteoporosis after a bone density scan, I feel very frightened as I have always been fit and healthy and active,,my age is 67yrs..I am frightened of the bisophonates prescribed, I have an allotment and was pleased to read about the tomatoes. thankyou
April 21, 2011
Viv, thank you for the tomatoe recipe. Will try it
February 23, 2011
Tomatoes are a nightshade plant and I have been reading that nightshade plants can aggravate arthritis for people. I happen to love tomatoes and am not happy that I need to avoid them because of my painful joints.
January 19, 2011
Vivian what do you think about this calcium EZorb Calcium by
Elixir Industry I have to change my calcium I have come across this in
Some of your comments from others that asked about it I know that it is a
Plant organic please reply. Thanks Kathy D
January 11, 2011
I liked the recipe except I have read over and over not to cook the Olive Oil…perhaps put it in after the cooking.
May 17, 2011
It is advisable not to cook extra virgin olive oil but there is no problem at all with regular olive oil or the lighter types of olive oil that are available. EVOO has a much lower smoke point and is best used in salad dressings or to drizzle over dishes at room temperature (the oil not the dish).
December 11, 2011
Any oil that is heated to the point needed to cook with oxydizes the oil. Browning is also an oxydizer, so I never eat anything cooked on high heat. I understand that a lot of good is destroyed by high heat cooking anyway, so except for some soups, I really eat mostly raw now. Deeelish!! Nothing like fresh organic raw fruits and vegetables. Lots of recipes on the net. I keep it simple tho. I love the green smoothies, juices etc.
January 6, 2011
Thats a long time in the oven a lot of power, My tomatoes are all self sown these days mainly Tomy Toms I cooked all the surplus one in a large pot with fresh herbs from the garden Turmeric, basil, rosemary,Ginger,Dill and many more not all at the same time also Kaffir Lime leaves make make a refreshing taste making certain that I don’t forget the black pepper and Himalayan salt.
I slow cook in a large pot for about 30 to 60 min then strain with a fine mesh strainer making certain no seeds get thought they tend to sour the taste and depending on the weather store in the pantry or refrigerator for drinking. I very seldom miss on my tomato drink these days and enjoy drinking it. Saying that have a bucket of tomatoes I must cook up so will add some olive oil with it and see how it goes. Thank again might try your dried ones in the solar oven.
November 27, 2010
Hi Vivian i like this recipe it gives me more confident about my bone because i am a lover of tomatoes
November 25, 2010
Vivian – Thanks for all of your great help and info. My mother used to line the base of a heavy pan with Olive Oil and cover with halved Italian tomatoes and simmer on low heat until cooked (add small ammount of water if needed).Sprinkle crushed cumin and fennel seeds some pepper and a pinch of sea salt then poach eggs on top of all this and serve on toast or a bed of cooked brown rice. ( I often use canned tomatoes in their own juice if pressed for time )
November 18, 2010
how very enlightening to read up on tomatoes,as i grow them every year liz
November 16, 2010
i love tomatoes with sliced onions and hard cheese melted on top with organo and chillie on bread us english call it cheese on toeast but i like to add the extra’s above. em yummy
November 11, 2010
Thank you for the information on tomatoes – I love tomatoes raw, canned or cooked and I always use extra virgin olive oil.My favorite recipe is: Tomatoes either fresh or cooked or from a can on whole grain toast, drenched in extra virgin olive oil, sea salt to taste, garlic and parmesan cheese. Again my sincere appreciation for your research and your passing it on to those like me on fixed incomes.
November 6, 2010
I have been on Femera for about 2 years and my last bone density test was not real good. My Doctor wanted me to go on Prolea. It is a shot given every 6 months and has just this past June came on the market. I have refused and started on “Growth Factor” and “Raw Calicum” put out by Garden of Life. Are you familiar with any of this?
Nell
November 6, 2010
Hooray. My husband loves your tomato recipe Vivian.
If people think 4hrs a long time in oven why not do a slow veg or chicken casserole (or two) at the same time. one could be frozen for another time. Jeanie
October 30, 2010
Hi Vivian
I was wondering wondering what you think about Dr. D’Adamo’s Blood Type program because he says that people with blood type A ( who happen to be prone to osteoporosis) should avoid tomatoes.
Thank you
October 27, 2010
Oh, I will be sure to eat more tomatoes – not a lover of them, but do have them raw & cooked quite often!!
October 7, 2010
Is tomato sauce ok? With my IBS I can’t eat the peel, but do eat tomato sauce, which would be cooked & pureed. Between my IBS and many food allergies, it’s not easy for me to eat. The recipe sounds great & at one time I could’ve done it, but not now. Thx!
October 4, 2010
I have gone Off actinol after 7 years of use. I have decided to join Vivians program!
October 7, 2010
I will definitely use the dried tomato recipe, I love tomatoes. I got off Actonel after 9 months and just received your book. Thank you for all the information . I know that I have made the right decision and look forward to changing my lifestyle to improve my bones.
October 7, 2010
I have gone off Actonel after taking it for 9 months and I am so glad that I made that decision. I have just received the Save our bones book and I am looking forward to reading it and making the changes in my life . I was having difficulty in swallowing and had a strange rash that was never diagnosed properly. I also had several bouts of pain in my legs over the 9 months. I have had no problem since getting off Actonel. I think you have made the right decision.
September 30, 2010
Thank you for the tomato recipe. It sounds delicious. I am a little concerned about the acid in tomatoes, but willing to give it a try.Thank you, also for all the comments, which are helpful. How nice, that everyone, shares.
August 6, 2011
Remember the 80% alkaline/20% acidic food ratio. It is impractical to eat only alkaline-forming foods. One might as well make the 20% healthy & tasty, as long as one can tolerate a particular food.
September 18, 2010
I’m having real trouble getting my head round the diet – it would be wonderful if there was a weekly menu plan which I could follow or use as a starting point to help me.
June 18, 2011
Hi,
I don’t know if this will help you or not. I copied and saved this for myself about the diet.. A nice lady named Liz posted it and I refer to it alot…I do okay with breakfast, and try to eat as much as I can, but like you, I don’t feel completely wrapped around the diet..
Here is what I saved:
Hi, Maybe I can help with the Ph. I actually have a good Ph, a nice green color when I test my urine. I make sure I have more alkaline foods throughout the day than acid. For supper, I eat 1 chop or 3 oz. piece of meat: beef or chicken or fish. I have a large plate of greens including lettuces, Bok choy, collard greens turnip greens. I choose 2 or 3. I have a raw carrot. I also cook a vegetable such as green beans.
For lunch, I eat 2 or 3 green vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli. I may also bake myself a sweet potato or regular potato.
For Breakfast, I have fruit: a banana, also applesauce, strawberries, blackberries, or raspberries. I may slice fresh pineapple for my husband and myself.
I have a bowl of oatmeal with raisins.
Throughout the day, I have 2 cups of plain yogurt making sure it contains Vitamin D. I also drink a glass of milk.
It is not expensive considering I do not buy chips or other snacks. The amount of meat is small. It is essentially a vegetarian diet except for the small piece of meat which provides Vitamin B12.
I take a multi vitamin tablet, plus 3 calcium tablets, a Vitamin C and 2 fish oil tablets daily.
I try to get in 20 or 30 minutes of exercise daily.
Please let me know if this helped you or what you do that is successful.
August 8, 2010
Because of the abundance of tommatoes at this time of year, can you freeze the baked tomatoes for later use?
September 15, 2011
I cook the overspill of my Tomatoes in a little Coconut oil for 12/15 minutes at 150 deg in my Halogen oven. Any oven will do, but you might need other ovens a little hotter than 150 deg. Let them cool, place them on an oven tray and freeze them. Remove from freezer and bag them up, to put back in the freezer for future use.
August 5, 2010
Hi, Viv–thanx for the cuc/tomato info. They kind of go together like “love & marriage” – I can see it’s elementary.. Good recipes, too. Keep the articles coming for everyone. Happy Trails—–Nancy
July 29, 2010
I was also told to stay away from tomatoes because of their acidity. Too much misinformation out there!!
July 23, 2010
I love tomatoes but not that fond of cooked. Because I am not good with eating my veggies especially greens I drink Allen’s vegetable cocktail (sometimes sodium reduced when it is at a reasonable price) a couple of times a day. What is your opinion on drinking my veggies? Unfortunately eating healthy costs,
July 19, 2010
Hi! Vivian,
I Just Got Back From Visiting My Mom And Step-Dad In Lake Worth, Florida A Few Days Ago. So I’m Trying To Catch Up With The Almost 300 E-Mails I Got While I Was Away. I Still Have Seventy-five Left. I’m Taking My Time With It. But I Should Be Caught Up With It By The Weekend, Or No Later Than The First Of Next Week.
I Also LOVED Your Recipe With Tomatoes. I Have A Similar One. But I Put My With Green Beans. I Cook The Green Beans And Then Add Diced Tomatoes With Garlic, A Little Salt, A Lot Of Pepper And Oregano And Basil. It’s Delicious!
Thank You For Everything You Have Done For Me. I Appreciate It Very Much.
LOVE, MS. L.
July 13, 2010
YOUR RECIPE SOUNDS DELICIOUS…
June 2, 2010
I just read this e-mail and the oven dried tomatoes recipe really caught my attention. I love tomatoes and I will soon add this recipe to my daily intake when time permit me to do so. Thank you Vivian for sharing your favorite recipe.lilianne
May 26, 2010
My extremely thin 73 yr. old sister takes a daily injection of Forteo; she has severe osteoporosis and broke her shoulder in 6 places when she fell recently. Is the Forteo just as bad for her as the other drugs that are prescribed for osteoporosis?
Thank you for your help!
Jane
July 12, 2010
I pray the answer is “no” as I have just begun Forteo after 2 years of investigation & severe osteoporosis despite following all nutritional guidelines since 1983. However prior to that I was overweight, hospitalized several times on IV meds & probably had genetic leaning toward osteoporosis. I chose Forteo over the bisphosphates because it does not shut down the osteoclasts, however the fact it increases osteoblast activity is a major risk in itself BUT so are the risks of continuing fractures. I studied nursing & have a very cautious attitude regarding pharmaceutical companies, so at 64 years old, this was a MAJOR decision. I am trying to start a group of other Forteo patients because I am finding the HEPA privacy laws & the lobbies make speaking with others somewhat difficult. Please feel free to contact me if you are also a curious Forteo patient. And Vivian thanks for opening doors.
April 24, 2011
I am very interested in finding out what happens with Forteo. An alternative doctor told my mom about it for her osteoporosis. she’s 88 now and never took it because we were afraid of side effects and thought we might do better with natural supplements. Please keep me in mind when forming your group about Forteo.
July 13, 2010
YOUR STORY REGARDING FORTEO CAUGHT MY ATTENTION. I’M DUE TO ATTEND AN INFORMATIONAL CLASS ON THE USE OF FORTEO, WHICH I UNDERSTAND CAN ONLY BE USED FOR TWO YEARS. AFTER THAT TIME, THERE’S A POSSIBILITY OF CANCER. IT SCARES ME FOR SURE, SO I’VE BEEN INVESTIGATING THE SAVE MY BONES PROGRAM. I’M VERY SUSPICIOUS ABOUT FORTEO, I BELIEVE IT’S EXPENSIVE ALSO. THANKS FOR ANY INPUT.
May 18, 2010
Dear Vivian
I like your recipe, simple and easy to make, but I don’t know where to buy dry tomatoes. Sometimes I use tomatoes to make fry rice, it is delicious too.
Thanks a lot.
May 16, 2010
Vivian, Thanks for all the information that you have shared with me this past year. It has really been a great help to me. I am on the right track to a healthier lifestyle and I owe this to you. I take my multi-vitamin and my calcium every day and I’m eating a lot more fruits and vegetables. I love tomatoes and strawberries especially. Thanks for the tomato recipe. I haven’t tried it yet but I will.
Sharon
May 9, 2010
This recipe for dried tomatoes is soooo delicious. Who would buy the bought variety anymore?? Thank you Vivian for this and other recipes.
May 14, 2010
I was always led to believe that one should only ever take pure organic coldpressed olive oil raw in its natural state, and that one should never use olive oil for cooking as it becomes like any ordinary cheap oil when heated in cooking, the best way to get all the health benefits from olive oil is straight from a light resistent bottle on salad dressings etc. Never buy olive oil in a clear through bottle as light and heat destroy its beneficial nutrients.
April 30, 2010
I am so glad to read your articles and book. I love getting your e-mails. I have one big problem. My endo told me to take Actonel, which I will not. (I had taken Fososmax a while ago, and got off of it). My vitamin D countis very low–taking 50,000 D every other week. I think that is for my blood. But my bone density got a lot worse, and my urine test showed things leaving my body. I am trying to get a good Endo for a second opinion-someone with your knowledge, who will work with me and your program. It seems that the doctors I read about, or those who my friends have gone to, all advise those drugs. Where can I find good endocrinologists in NYC ??(even if they don’t take my GHI insurance). Let me know if you know any NYC docs for me who think like you!
MANY THANKS!
IRENE
April 27, 2010
Is briggs apple cider vinegar with mother beneficial for osteopenia. I heard some say it is acidic and others say it has an alkalizing affect on the body. what do you say?
September 27, 2011
apple cidar vinegar is excellant and it is alkaline, won’t hurt your bones. It is also a great antifungal.