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 Osteoporosis Reversal 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.
I use tomato puree with golden paste goes well with most of my healthy lunches.
Your article on tomatoes is helpful, thanks so much.
You are very welcome!
While I always enjoyed tomatoes I was advised to stop eating them as they are very acidic and have an adverse affect on those who suffer from psoriatic/rhuematoid arthritis. I would like your take on this and how you would advise. Thank you.
Hi Alison,
Tomatoes are in the nightshade family, and arthritis sufferers sometimes notice some relief when they avoid nightshades. They do contain calcium-disturbing alkaloids, but so long as there is enough calcium in the body, the small effect of these vegetables won’t affect the bones.
And of course, if you choose not to eat tomatoes, no worries! There are many other bone-healthy foods to choose from in the Save Our Bones program. 🙂
I really enjoyed your treatise on tomatoes,do mail me when you come up with such health benefitting issues especially ones which control diabetes in a natural way.
Thanks and regds–rekha
I have been taking Alendronate for several years .Yet, my bone density test shows no sign of any improvement / change. Thus ,I”m no longer taking any medication,I’m just going to eat more vegs / fruits , to obtain better result hopefully .Of course,spending more time in exercising regularly.
Dear Viv:
You talked about sugar lowering your immunity. What about honey? P.S. After I put the milk into a cup of coffee, I add some stevia, honey and chocolate whey powder! Try it. Thank you for all you’ve done to help many of thousands of people to live healthy drug free lives.
Which Tomato Is the Healthiest?
Adding tomatoes to lunch or to salad at dinner is a great idea. The rare red pigment called lycopene acts as an antioxidant by neutralizing free radicals. Studies have suggested that lycopene may have twice the cancer-fighting power of beta-carotene. And for men, lycopene seems to concentrate in the prostate, protecting this gland from cancerous tumor growth.
It turns out that the lycopene from orange- and tangerine- colored tomatoes may actually be better absorbed than the lycopene from red tomatoes. It all comes down to the fact that there are two different forms of lycopene: trans- lycopene (found in red tomatoes), and tetra-cis-lycopene (found in orange and yellow tomatoes).
Researchers in Portugal recently compared various tomato varieties and their key bioactive components. Here’s a quick summary of what they found out:
— A cis p-coumaric acid derivative was the most abundant compound in yellow (Amarelo) and round (Batateiro) tomato varieties
— 4-O-caffeoylquinic acid was the most abundant in long (Comprido) and heart (Coração) varieties
— The most abundant flavonoid was quercetin-3-0- pentosyl-rutinoside found in four tomato varieties
— Yellow tomato presented the highest levels of phenolic compounds, including phenolic acids and flavonoids
The next time you pick up some tomatoes, grab some yellow tomatoes. According to this study, they have even more health-boosting phenolic acids and flavonoids than the red variety.
Well I should have the strongest bones, because I just love eating tomatoes. Vivian you do give out some great information on what is good for our bodies.Unfortunately aging isn’t what we all want to happen, but it is going to happen to us all.So keeping knowledged to what will help us to prolong the inevitable, your encouraging care for what you say is the best for us all is so appreciated.Thank you so much.
Dear Vivian
I like your recipe for tomatoes as I am myself like tomatoes ,, in fact it is very much like one of our traditional appetizer,,,
I would like to ask you about a new problem which occurred to me three days ago .. I wrote to you that I stopped taking all the bones medications such as the Bonviva 150 and others and remained only on – Caltrate 600 with vitamin C plus other Vitamin B complex and supplements ,,, Three days ago my knee pain started killing me and I just do NOT want to take the medications which caused many side effects ,,, Can you instruct me please
I need your help
I am awaiting your kind reply …
Best regards
Nidhal
the problem with tomatos is that they are acidic, and with bone building in mind, one wants alkaline foods as much as possible—how do you justify that?
Actually, tomatoes have an alkalizing effect in the body. 🙂
Do you need to cook them to get the alkalizing effect?
Thank you.Ita
Excellent recipe with tomatoes that you shared. Now I will use this recipe more. Thanks.
thanks a lot for the helpful hint
I noticed a lot of the recipes call for sea salt. I used sea salt for a year because it was lower in sodium. Then I started losing my hair, and my doctor checked my thyroid and found it low. I couldn’t figure out what caused my hypothyroidism until it suddenly dawned on me that the sea salt I was using contained no iodine, which is essential for proper thyroid function. So then I had to go back to regular iodized salt and other thyroid treatment and I stopped losing hair. But my sodium level went up, which is bad for hypertension. So I switched one problem for another until I finally discovered iodized sea salt in the fabric dye department at Walmart, of all places. Oh well, seek and ye shall find.
You don’t need salt to get iodine! If you’re deficient in iodine, you can simply take iodine in supplement form. Or you can eat seaweed and/or take kelp tablets– rich in iodine.
Can you elaborate on how the olive oil helps. Despite what cooking shows say cooking with evoo is not healthy. Only cold use of evoo for me .
And though mixed reviews I see no value in regular olive oil only the not–good-to -ocok extra virgin.
Thanks
Hi,I was just wondering why it is not healthy to cook with olive oil.
We always cook with organic evoo.
We take organic flax oil daily on a spoon or with organic live yogurt as an anti cancer preventive.
Thanks in advance,
kev
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
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
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.” 🙂
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Please clarify for me the difference between strontium ranelate and strontium citrate and which one you recommend. Thank you.
Patty, read https://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.
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
Thanks for the recipe- Actually it takes a lot time, is there another way of gettign the best of tomatoes without baking. Would it be ok, if I add oil and tomatoes and cook it on open fire for a few minutes. Or eat fresh tomotes and olive oil as a salad.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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
Please tell me where i can find recipes for good tomatoes soups also vegetarian soups
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.
How do I tell my doctor that I don’t want totake drugs for m bones?
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.
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.
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.
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.
I was always told that tomatoes shouldn’t be eaten if arthritis. It never stopped me cos I love tomatoes
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
Try copy and paste onto a Word page. If it won’t copy, then type out the instructions. The Word page should print OK for you.
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
Viv, thank you for the tomatoe recipe. Will try it
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.
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
I liked the recipe except I have read over and over not to cook the Olive Oil…perhaps put it in after the cooking.
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).
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.
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.
Hi Vivian i like this recipe it gives me more confident about my bone because i am a lover of tomatoes
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 )
how very enlightening to read up on tomatoes,as i grow them every year liz
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
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.
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
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
That’s a good idea, Jeannie. Also, if people are worried about how much power this much oven time sucks up (and it’s a valid concern), most ovens use the most power heating up to the set temperature at the beginning, and then use just very small amounts of power to keep the oven at that temp. So you can also reduce the temp to 250° or even 200°, and just leave them in a little longer. This uses less power to heat up the oven to begin with and less power is needed during the cook time. Slow food is almost always better for you anyway!
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
Oh, I will be sure to eat more tomatoes – not a lover of them, but do have them raw & cooked quite often!!
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!
I have gone Off actinol after 7 years of use. I have decided to join Vivians program!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Because of the abundance of tommatoes at this time of year, can you freeze the baked tomatoes for later use?
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.
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
I was also told to stay away from tomatoes because of their acidity. Too much misinformation out there!!
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,
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.
YOUR RECIPE SOUNDS DELICIOUS…
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
This recipe for dried tomatoes is soooo delicious. Who would buy the bought variety anymore?? Thank you Vivian for this and other recipes.
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.
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
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?
apple cidar vinegar is excellant and it is alkaline, won’t hurt your bones. It is also a great antifungal.
One comment on your tomatoes. Hybrid tomatoes turn black when you attempt to dry them. Tomatoes for drying must be high acid tomatoes.
HTH someone. I learned this the hard way.
Lois
I have osteoporosis. According to the blood group diet I am of the O blood group. Tomatoes are not recommended for this group. So what do I do?
As I read the blood group book I see that tomatoes are neutral in their effect on members of group O. Christine
Thanks for news about tomatoes, love them + have always fried them with my eggs, tastes really great, thanks again Vivian, you make my day, nice to have some positive feed back, to make you want to keep on going. BLESS YOU.
Margaret W.
I am on a very low Disability income drawing less than $700 a month, have osteoarthritis,Fibromyalgia, and osteoporosis.
How it is possible for me to alwasy buy foods that are not canned? Frozen foods and fresh vegetables are much higher. I am taking supplemnets and doing some excercise to help control my bone diseases.
But I can not completely follow all of your advice such as being able to completely avoid all canned foods! That is just not practical for me on such a low income.
So how can I get some canned vegetables which would be most healthy?
I also buy dried grains such as whole wheat rice and pinto beans.
I got off my Boniva over 2 years ago and now my Doctor is wanting to put me on some osteoporosis medication but I plan to refuse it thereby running the risk that he may refuse to treat me altogether because of my refusal to take medications which are more harmful.
So what am I supposed to do, given all of this that I am up against at the ripe age of 62.
By the way, the strange thing is that I still look young for my age and slim.
Any good advice now on this?
Sincerely, Hellon
Every patient has the right to be informed of & ask questions concerning their diagnosis, care plan & medications. Every patient also retains the right to refuse any procedure or medication, if they so desire. This is part of every patient’s bill of rights. You usually sign a copy the first time you see a particular practitioner & usually again once a year thereafter. Most people just blindly sign this & another form, consent for treatment, without reading them. The print is usually small & wordy, but a copy of it should have been given for you to keep for your records. Keep in mind that just because you sign the consent for treatment you do not ever give up your right to later refuse the treatment before or during administration. If your doctor doesn’t want you to be an informed patient, you probably need a another doctor. No one should have to fear speaking intelligently with their doctor about not wanting a certain pharmaceutical. And Lords knows, if a doctor refuses to treat you altogether because it, run & run fast. You’ll be better off for it. The last I checked, this is still considered to be a free country.
Hello vivian
I like the recipe. I will try it.
I love tomatoes, I always eat cherry tomatoes the small onces.
Thank you.
I like that you promote vegetables but it would even be better if you emphasize organic vegetables.
thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe,i eat daily freh tomatoes for lunch on multigrain toast, but this is amzing news for us to include in our diet.
I was glad to find out that tomatoes are alkaline…always thought like most people that they are acidic…Thanks for everything.
are tomatoes acidic when cooked. I always thought they were alkaline when raw but when cooked they are acidic.
Hi Vivian
Just ordered your book today and can’t wait to read it. My Dr wanted me to go on the Fosamax for osteoporosis but after reading all about it, I won’t do that to myself. Instead, I went to Wal-Mart and purchased Citracal which contains the Calcium Citrate, D3, Magnesium Boron, Zinc, Copper and Genistein (Soy Isoflavone). I just started it today. Would like to hear your opinion though. Have to change my diet somewhat but do eat fresh fruits and veggies. Love your recipe for tomatoes and will have to try it.
I also have a cholestrol problem and refuse to take Dr’s recommendation drugs. I feel I can also change this through diet as well.
Thanks for all of your great information.
Interesting stuff in your emails. I do plan to keep drinking milk (Lactaid, no growth hormones) as I’m in my 80’s and too old to change my ways. What was lacking in my diet was vitamin D (I live in 7-8 months of dark days), since starting supplements of 2400 a day my bones are getting stronger. Better each year so far. I have had a form of leukimia for 12 years with no treatment, but a bit of breast cancer put me on Arimidex (hormone blocker) for 2 1/2 years now so making sure I get calcium citrate supplements along with dietary calcium. I had to stop my soymilk & proteins as the breast cancer is hormone activated. Fortunately I have been pretty much on a vegitarian diet for 20 years now and no red or pink meats for even longer. My oncologist recommended Boniva but I told her I had looked it up and didn’t like the side effects. Six months later when I next saw her she said she stopped taking it herself. The teacher learns from the patient. I take Glucosamine and MSM for arthritis, after a year no more knee pain. Hope this helps some of the writers unless you advise them otherwise.
Please dont give up soya milk because of hormones. It contains plant hormones which are protective, not harmful. I also had hormone receptor positive breast cancer and believe the most important thing to do is to avoid all dairy food completely as it is full of animal hormones and growth factors. Not healthy in any way whatsoever. Breast cancer and osteoporosis are practically unknown in China and other countries that traditionally do not use dairy. And its not to do with their genes or other reason. Chinese people who have a western diet become prone to our diseases (as in Hong Kong). In China & Thailand, Philipines etc breast cancer is known as the ‘rich women’s disease. If you are not convinced please read the books by Jane Plant on the subject. She is inspirational and a ‘proper’ scientist. Good health!
I love tomatoes too. In fact I could live on fresh fruit & veggies but I have high potassium. Tomatoes, bananas, brocoli are absolute no-noes for me. So far I have managed to keep my potassium in check without medication & stay away from a lot of good things coming out of the ground. Any suggestions? I am sure I am not the only faithfull reader you have with my problem. Thank you for all you do for us.
Dear Vivian,
I recently purchased your book and found it very interesting. This comment is not about tomatos.
I would be interested to know if you have looked into Maca (a cruciferous root vegetable from Peru) It comes in a powder form, and has been shown to help menopausal symptoms, and also Osteoporosis; significant bone building, and improvement in bone density.
In all the research you have done I just wondered if you had come across this.
Thank you for your interesting book and updates. Norma Brown (Australia)
Thanks for all the good information.
Another brilliant articel on tomatoes. I have stopped taking Alendronic Acid three weeks ago after reading your articles and reseaching bisophanates for myself. I cant wait to receive your programme. Thank you so much for enlightening me and for making me beleive I really can reverse my Osteoporosis with your help. My GP (A Lady) is behind my efforts 100%. Irene UK
I can tomatoes and tomatoe juice, does canned tomatoes have the same benefit?
Some studies show that canned tomatoes may have higher lycopene levels than fresh tomatoes.
Vivian, what about the BPA plastics used to line cans? Don’t I need to worry about these? Are dehydrated tomatoes a good and healthy substitute?
I have read that the whitish lining in cans of tomatoes can leach chemicals into the tomatoes because of their acidity. Do you have any facts and/or research on that subject? Thanks.
Hi Vivian,
Thanks for all the very informative news letters. I love tomatoes, but usually eat them raw. I.m going to try your recipe. It sound very good.Love papaya too. It is ok to eat them raw,right?
Yes, Marilia, papaya is a great source of lycopene also, and you can eat it raw 🙂
Is lycopene present in dehydrated fruits and veggies?
Thank you Vivian for the information about tomatoes. Like you I also have a ‘love-affair’ with vegetables and tomatoes are indispensible. I will certainly try your recipe for cooking up a batch of tomatoes for future use – a great idea. For this advice and all the other wonderful information, again thank you so much. Barbara
thanks again
Hi from sunny Queensland Australia. Am reading with interest all the comments. Have been told by my endocrinologist I must have Aclasta for my osteoporosis but Have looked it up and the side effects sound awful. Had most of my stomach and some oesophagus removed with cancer March 07 no chemo no radiation and am doing really well. Love tomatoes dont give me the burps. I am also a type 1 diabetic so have my work cut out but am doing fine. Enjoy all the comments here.
I’m in Brisbane, where are you? Maybe good to be in touch?
I have so many cherry tomatoes growing here I am constantly giving them away. Now I have plans to cook them your way & they should only improve in flavour. Thank you so much for all your interesting information. Debbie, Qld Australia
1 AM 52,was told to take boniva, for my bone loss,i have just a little loss I have been doing research on this drug. what i found out is not good.my question is i just take caltrate and nature made multicomplete with iron like i have been doing?i whant to tear up the paper for the drug
Vivian- I love you, but tomatoes are hardly in season year round, and I’m pretty sure that greenhouse tomatoes, or tomatoes that are picked green and shipped halfway around the world; do not have the same nutritional value as the truly vine-ripened ones we can get in the summer.
I love getting all this information to improve my bone density,I am going to eat more tomatoes also fruit and veg. Thanks for all your help.
VIVIAN: THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR ALL THE WONDERFUL INFORMATION YOU HAVE PASSED ON TO MANY OF US. I WANT YOU TO KNOW HOW CAUTIOUS YOU HAVE MADE ME BE IN ALL THE THINGS I DO. IT IS SO EASY TO RUSH ABOUT DAY AFTER DAY WITHOUT THINKING OF WHAT WE ARE DOING AND AS A RESULT, ACCIDENTS OCCUR. I HAVE HAD MANY FOR RUSHING SO I AM SPEAKING FROM EXPERIENCE. MY THANKS GO TO YOU AND I PLAN TO ENJOY YOUR RECIPE FOR TOMATOES.
VIVIAN: THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR ALL THE WONDERFUL INFORMATION YOU HAVE PASSED ON TO MANY OF US. I WANT YOU TO KNOW HOW CAUTIOUS YOU HAVE MADE ME BE IN ALL THE THINGS I DO. IT IS SO EASY TO RUSH ABOUT DAY AFTER DAY WITHOUT THINKING OF WHAT WE ARE DOING AND AS A RESULT, ACCIDENTS OCCUR. I HAVE HAD MANY FOR RUSHING SO I AM SPEAKING FROM EXPERIENCE. MY THANKS GO TO YOU AND I PLAN TO EXJOY YOUR RECIPE FOR TOMATOES.
Hi Vivian,
What about sundried tomatoes?
Mary
dear vivian,
I read all mails end I am glad to have found your site. I am 55 years old. eight years ago the doctor advise me to use drug for osteoporose. after one week i felt me horrible and I stopt. Every body said to me that i was stupid to do that. I sports a lot, but after the third scan I wasn’t sure anymore. But now I am sure doing the right thing. I have order your book now so to get a lots of advise from you :))
thank you very much for all the good works your doing.
sorry for my bad Engles
jannie
I love the recipes and helpful hints that you send. We particularly love the tomato recipe. I don’t get flu shots and believe it or not, my family doctor recommends that you don’t get them. Keep up the good work, you are truly a blessing.
Vivian,
I took the flu shot for a number of years and was always sick during the winter. I quit the flu shot
20 years ago and have not had the flu since.
I like your recipes and and all the helpful
information in your book. Many thanks.
Clifford
Vivian,
I am 62, 5’8″, basically healthy woman. I have never broken a bone (other than my toe when I was 4 years old). I have to tell you, you are so right about the “scare tactics” the doctors use! After my bone density test, my Gynecologist told me the exact same thing that you stated – …that I would break my hip and be in a wheel chair and die! She did give me a prescription for Fosamax. I filled it but came home and did some research on it before taking it. After finding out all the dangers of this drug, I definitely decided against it. I decided to take calcium supplements and do weight bearing exercises to help me. I then came across your website and ordered your handbook. It is very very helpful and I want to thank you so much for all the things you have discovered and will discover in strengthening our bones. You have my support.
I can definitely relate to your situation. I am 55, feel great, have never had a fracture and recently diagnosed with osteoporosis. My doctor also prescribed Fosomax which I refuse to take at this point. I am eating healthy and exercise almost daily; Curves, weight lifting, walking, etc. At this point, I am not going to subject my body to these chemicals.
Thanks for the tomato recipe. Could a food dehydrater be used? Have an appointment with a new orthopedic doctor due to a crancky hip replacement. He probably will not be happy to learn I chose not to take the Boniva my primary doctor recommended after I read the information sheet accompanying the Boniva prescription. I found your book on the internet which reinforced my decision not to take Boniva. I do not know how I could have gone from a “normal” bone density test to “severe osteoporis” in a matter of three years! Thanks for your great information. Gail
DEAR VIVIAN,
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT SHAKLEE CALCIUM? I TAKE 500 MG A DAY + 300 MG EVERYDAY CALCUM W/ ENZYMES + 1600 VIT D +400 MAGNESIUM. NO MORE BONIVA OR FOSAMAX FOR 6 MOS. BECAUSE OF CHEST AND STOMACH PROBLEMS. I HAD A TIA JULY 11, 2009. AFTER 4 DAYS IN THE HOSPITAL IN APRIL WITH STOMACH AND INTESTINE PROBLEMS. I RECEIVED YOUR BOOK ABOUT 6 WEEKS AGO. I AM 73.
THANK YOU,
GINNY FULLER
Hi Ginny,
Shaklee has several calcium supplements, so I’m not sure which one you’re asking me about. From what I saw, most have calcium carbonate in them, and I don’t recommend it. This type of calcium is difficult to absorb because it’s inorganic, and it may cause more harm than good.
Yes – The most bioavailable form of Calcium seems to be Calcium Citrate Malate, or at least Calcium Citrate. But Magnesium is also needed at the same time, it is suggested to take half the amount of Mg as Ca when you take it. A non-laxative form of Magnesium is Magnesium Glycinate. Labels are really important!
Thanks for the tomato recipe! I think it’s great that you’re sharing recipes. One of my all-time favorites is your waffles. It’s amazing how good they are and only contain quick oats, oil, milk, and sea salt. They are absolutely delicious. I serve them with fresh fruit and yogurt but also eat them heated up and spread with almond butter. YUM.
Cary Davis
can i get the recipe for your waffles. sounds great!!
Dear Vivian:
Thank you so much for the tomato article. I am always looking for ways to increase my bone density. Upon finding out I has osteoporosis, I found http://www.foodandlife.com, ordered the cookbooks, used them religiously for 12 months and gained 5% bone density … no pills, just nutritious eating. I grow my own veggies whenever possible and do not use pesticides. After growing season, I head for the organic markets … I would rather pay the organic growers than the pharmaceutical companies any day :-)!
Thanks for this recipe on tomatoes, looking foward to trying same. Kindest regards Bob
Hi Vivian,
sorry I’ve been so lazy. I have to thank you for your wounderful,helpfull information.I’m a vegtarian and like you, get excited about my veg’s. So many great ways to serve them up.I’m feeling fine and healthy thanks to finding your store of knowledge. Be happy&healthy. Colleen
Hello Vivian, Thanks for the information about the tomatoes- a few miles south from my city is a tomato growing belt; they dry them and they can be bought at about $33.00 a kilo.You can also buy them in oil – but I’m sure it would be Canola oil – I do not like canola (rape-seed). I was reading from Dr.Benard Jensen’s book that even canned tomatoes (which would be cooked) are ideal. Blessings Vivian – and thanks for the Balance information from Mike Ross – I have replied to him to-day too. Kelsey Fickling. AUSTRALIA.
I have reluctantly taking Fosamax for about 6 mos. R/T bone density. I had back surgery Apr.07, with a fusion, bone graft and titanium implant. I have been having Lt.thigh pain for 6 months & had a lumbar myelogram, which showed L1 & L2 touching on the left and a large stricture of my spinal cord, thus the leg pain. I had surgical repair on Oct. 13. I took my fosamax last Thur. am and Thursday night could not sleep for the pain. I could tell which bones had been surgically altered, pain worse than immediately after surgery. I am taking 500 mg. Calcium and 1000 IU of Vitamin D twice a day. The surgeon told me not to plan on any more back surgery because I had so much arthritis. He put a spacer between L1 and L2 and a piece of bone broke off with the screw, so he removed the piece of bone and the screw. He also replaced all the titanium screws from my prior surgery. My left thigh is still numb, but slowly getting better. I just can not believe how weak I am from the latest surgery and I really have a hard time standing up straight. I am a retired RN (after 50 years) so have lots of wear and tear on my back, from lifting and turning etc. My surgeon also told me that I must have tremendous pain tolerance for all of this. My leg and back had been hurting for 2 years. Thank you.
Roberta,
You’re a fighter, and you’ll get over this soon.
my motherinlaw is taking 50,000 units of vitamin d i never heard of this amount but she says she is having alot of bone pain she was told to go on fosamax i told her what you said so she stopped i don’t like when doctors push to much or anything chemicalso what do you think?
Caryn,
I think that this is a good beginning for your mother in law. At least she stopped the drugs.
By the way, the 50,000 prescription Vitamin D is D2, derived from plants. We need D3.
Love all the comments about tomatoes, one of my favourite foods. I grew up on them, my father had his own green house. I often over indulged, still eat lots today in everyway.Truthfully forgot to take my Bonviva two months ago and the first thing that I notice was that my muscles were not so sore.I do gets lots of problems with my bones besides my ostoeporisis but hopefully the I can keeps on tops of this. I am a fighter and will continue to keep my body healthy
jean
Yes Jean,
Never give up:)
You’re on the right track for sure!
I tried the delicious tomato recipe and want to thank you! I will make it often. Thank you for sharing.
Andrea Moore
Hello Vivian,
Many thanks for all your very helpful emails.
I’ve always loved cooked tomatoes and was aware of the health benefits of lycopene, but had no idea they are good for bones too. Must try that recipe of yours – sounds delicious!
Mary.
I just dearly love tomatoes, raw and cooked. I have found dried tomatoes at our local food coöp but when I first ate them [same true for dried pinapple], they were tasteless. But, later when I decided to chew them extremely well, moistening them with salive; they, were absolutely delicious. Since I am out an about quite a bit, I take dried fruit and nuts with me. I use the dried fruit from the grocery store when I am competing and need to replenish the salt I am sweating out plus use the added sugar for energy. I know it is not the healthiest but is the only thing I can think of. When not competing I eat the organically grown, no salt or sugar added dried fruit from the food coöp as well as make sure I have nuts, especially walnuts mixed in. Also have papaya, carrots, bananas, apples [beastly expensive] figs, dark fruit as well as anything red, cranberries, raisins, etc.
I love tomatoes,and we grow our own , so each summer I can many jars , adding celery onions and green peppers , so that when i need a jar for tomato sauce , or soup I have everything I need all ready
Hi Ann,
Congrats on growing your own tomatoes! It’s a great idea that’s catching on, fortunately.
Interested in Pat’s comments regarding use of Shaklee products and reduction of bone loss. Has anyone else used these products and found them to be helpful?? I, too, had been on Fosomax for 5 years and had been told I had bone loss. I stopped taking it for a more natural approach. Rachel
Hi Vivian,
Thanks for the advice, we are what we eat.
HEALTH HINT INCLUDED – in this message
Vivian, Thanks to you, we all are taking more responsibility for our health.
Jesi
PS And just a HEALTH HINT for the readers:
CHEW your food well before swallowing – as this allows enzymes in your saliva to start predigesting your food….
A great article to read is Ezine article “STOMACH ACID”
by Jon Barron.. explains how your stomach works!
Hi Vivian,
God provided us with the right way to eat, also gave us those with talents such as yours with a passion to help others.
Love your health advice, exercises & recipes. We love tomatoes. So easy to grow so I hope others will do so & enjoy beautiful organic, tomatoes from their own gardens. Love them for breakfast, sliced about a half inch thick, sprinkled with olive oil, a pinch of rosemary, blk pepper and grated mozarella over all. Stick in the micro for a few seconds until cheese begins to melt. Serve on 100% whole grain toast. Mmmmm…so delicious…Blessings to you Vivian & keep up the good work.
Aloha, Leilani
O’ahu
Leilani,
Thanks for the recipe. To counteract the acidifying effect of cheese and to add delicious crunch, you might want to sprinkle the tomatoes with slivered almonds.
Hi Vivian – Thanks for tomato recipe. Will certainly try it this week. All the best Monica
Hi Vivian,
I love tomatoes but prefer to eat them raw, would that have the same effect or not?I will add olive oil/garlic.Also could you please send me the video exercises.
Thanks
Cheers!
Anita Australia
Thanks for the tomato recipe. plan to try it soon.
Thank you Vivian,
It is summer in Australia and the tomatoes are bursting out all over. So glad that what I love is so good. Also I’m extremely glad I refused Fosomax after reading your book. These comments do validate that decision.
I’m onto the exercise from your video too. You give us a great gift through all your research and your enthusiasm.
love
Melita
Hi Vivian! You may remember me some time ago telling you about my family doctor, which i’ve had for over 20 years, telling me I have osteoperosis. Said results from bone density scan were worse than she’d ever seen, especially at my age. Since then, i’ve gone to a different doctor for a second opinion. He says I don’t have full blown osteoperosis, but osteopenia. My family doctor even had me take Reclast (the i.v. injection). The other doctor was shocked & couldn’t believe she ordered that for me! What should I do now? Julie
Thanks Vivian….As always I look forward to your emails…. such a great learning experience….Lisa
Dear Vivian,
You are amazing. Want to tell the world everything you know, how to help themselves. God sends a few angels to do the right things for the benefit of the world. We all have to transform to follow your footsteps. God bless you forever. My cooking is simple.
Saute 1 -m-onion in olive oil with some red pepper-whole in small pieces& salt to taste & 1/4 tsp turmeric . when smelling good add 1- 1/2 lbs of diced tomatoes, cook on medium heat can add garlic cloves crushed.I skipped lots of other things I add, You can have it with cooked rice, bread,Pita,totilla pan heated.Love, Suseela
Dear Vivian, I accidentally lost the mail about isometric exercises before I could use the link. Could you please resend it to me? I need these exercises. Thanks, Sue
Please add me to your email list; I think I unsubscribed by mistake. I want to receive your informative emails. Thanks!!
cooking for four hours requires too much gas how about microwave and what about canned tomatoes they are already cooked and could be soaked in olive oil
Thank you for the info. I’d be unlikely to cook tomatoes for 4 hours so would tomatoes sprinkled with olive oil and cooked in the microwave have the same effect?
Frances,
The recipe is for dried tomatoes, so they can be stored for up to one week and don’t become “mushy” in the fridge. Microwaved tomatoes will become like a puree, depending on the time you cook them.
question regarding time on cooking the Tomatoes……is 4 hours correct?
thanks
Hi Vivian,
Thanks for the information regarding cooking the tomatoes and why. Can one still receive the benefits of lycopene and bake them for a shorter time than the recipe calls for? Teresa
Hello Vivian,
Thank you so much for all the information to help our bone health. I also have arthritis and have stopped eating tomatoes, however, I am willing to have tomato sauce once in a while. Would that be the same as the cooked tomatoes as far as benefitting the bones?
Hi Vivian, Thank you for the update on tomatoes. I just love them and do use them alot with olive oil and basil. Now that I know how good they are for me I will eat them even mors. Thanks again. Anita
Thanks Vivienne
Very interested to read your comments re tomatoes and the Nightshade family, as I have rheumatoid arthritis as well as osteoporosis.
For years I have eaten only very small quantities of these on advice of doctors practising Orthomolecular Medecine. But glad
to hear there are differences within the ‘Solenacae’ as I Love tomatoes. In Barcelona, a favourite recipe is toasted bread
rubbed with a garlic clove, drizzled with olive oil, then half a very ripe tomato rubbed
over this.
Best regards, and thankyou for your helpful advice.
Sandra,
I like the Barcelona recipe and the city! Make sure you only use whole grain bread and always stay away from bleached flour.
Vivian
I rave about the wonderful benefits of fruits and vegetables too, and I intersperse my conversations with valuable (not trivial)info to give whether they are seekers or not (Laugh)but I hope the info gives them more than healthful tips because I point out that it was our Creator that put every good thing in all for us. Then they are twice blessed. I know I would love you if I knew you personally. I love the Vivian I hear and see.
Thankyou Vivian for the recipe I look forward to your emails Iwas taken off Esterdermpatch in March and was offerred a ”aclasta” injection but refused it, because of the side effects I was on various Bisphosphonates
years ago, including Fozamax they created stomach problems i am at a loss what to take next, i have fresh vegetables every day fresh salmon 3
times a week,lots of fruit and include porridge and prunes last week i had a bone density test the result is a -10.1% o the femororal neck and a 1.2% increase on the spine I do deep water exercise and aqua aerobics twice a week and have gone back to walking ??????what next
most interesting. printed the recipe and i love a good tasting tomato and garlic. My sister in law is still taking fosmax and she is having so many issues that I grieve for her. She is under so musch doctor care that there is no end in sight. I talk to much and it a lot of work to do what looks right with your eating and etc. So I pray for her and hpe for the best. Thank you for the recipe I have not found a food i do not like. Also a class i am in said to eat rice 3 meals a day the sticky rice and it is good and i love rice and thought i better recheck the book and sure enough it was on the wrong side for everyday. What a challenge this is and i am just glad i am healthy and sorry for those have to re adjust. The flu shot becomming a thing you do not want to talk about around here. Lots are confussed and it best i keep to myself until the year is over as to it being the right thing or wrong thing in not taking the shot. I am curious has how sick i might get without taking. I shall see. Ty.
Thank you for the information about tomatoes. I have always enjoyed eating tomatoes and am glad to know that they are good for our bones as well as our health in general.
I have had negative reactions to Fosamax, Boniva and Forteo! It was suggested that I begin Strontium citrate 375 2 a day on empty stomach. I have been on since Feb.2009. Just took myself off to see if my constipation, I eat an enormous amount of fiber, and increased arthritis pain subsides. Had bone density last month and not LOST any density but no appreciable gain. What do you think?
Hi Lois,
First, let’s remember that when you take strontium, the DEXA results are not accurate. They typically reflect a 20% greater density than reality because strontium itself is denser than calcium.
I suggest that you stay away from strontium and take control of your bone health naturally
my mom is taking strontium for her osteo. i thought it was a natural vitamin. she’s taking garden of life grow bone. is this product good?
I have just read with interest your cooked tomato recipe and am eager to try it. Do you really mean to cook for as long as four and a half hours?
Lily
Hi Lily,
The tomatoes have to dry-up in the oven, so they can get stored without getting “mushy”.
Vivian I have a question about the Tomatoes receipe
I suffer with Reflux, and cannot eat Acid type foods
am I going to be able to eat the Tomatoes in the form of your recipe, without them upsetting my stomach. Can you please advise. Lea
been taking fosamax for 10 months now n my bone test just showed my hips are better but my spine has gotten worst so what is next . do not know anymore.
HI,I have been on Fosamax for over 10 years! and have just been told after all that time it still has not been of any use to me.They have now put me on PROTELOS which is a powderand has to be taken with water every day! I am just starting them today actually and go for another scan in 4 months.Like you I am now having big problems with my back bones in the lower spine and they tell me I will have to have a back-brace fitted,do you like me,feel like a guinea pig? take care Hilda
Thanks for all the good info on “bone health.” Diet changes and exercise make a big difference to our overall health but knowing about foods that will target certain areas is very helpful. Thanks Vivian.
Hi Vivian:
Thanks so very much for the delicious and easy recipe. My husband eats a lot of tomatoes too because he has macular degeneration and the lycopene is very good for him as well. Enjoy hearing from you. Take care. Anne
Hi Vivian,
Thanks for the tomato recipe. I think I will try it. I love ripe tomatoes & often make a salad that includes ripe tomatoes, purple onion cut in rings, olive oil, oregamo, freshly ground black pepper & sea salt.
Hi Esther,
Your recipe sounds delicious. Thanks for sharing.
O yeah forgot to mention that I have been on Actonel since 2004 and my scan has gotten worse.
49 years old
Osteopenia
Postmenopausal surgically 15 years ago
Taking Premarin
Dr. wants to force me to take Boniva injections every three months and the side affects or too scarely and he does not seem to want it any other way–HELP! Just ordered your book!
I was prescribed Boniva injections every three months and I was really poorly was walking at times like a drunken person very lethargic having to rest for at least 2 hours and more in the daytime and generally unwell all the time, I just rang the hospital and the specialist nurse said oh! dear do not come for your next injection and I haven’t had anymore since and am improving greatly but was advised from the osteoporosis society it could take up to 2 years to get out of the skeletal and even could take up to 5 years….
I am so thankful I found you. This recipe sounds wonderful. I started eating many more tomatoes after I read you book. I will find some time and set it aside to make this recipe. I am working toward my goal of building my bone back before my next bone density the end of March 2010. I follow your program and love my additional fruite and veggies. Thank you!
Dear Vivia:
May God bless you, for your time and efforts to share whit us the benefic of tomato and many more.
Thank you!
So I made the decision to stop taking Fosamax about 8 months ago because of the stomach problems I was haveing. Also the fact my hip pain did not get better. I am still having severe hip pain, now in both hips and I am clueless as what to do now. I am 52. Thanks for any responses that lead me the right way.
While using Fosomax my bone density tests got worse – not better. 3 years ago I began paying attention to what I was actually eating. Also began using Shaklee supplements. Osteo-Matrix (specially for reducing risk of Osteoporosis, Alphafa and Vitalizer have restored my bone density. Last years test showed great improvement – No sign of osteoporosis anymore.
I STOPPED TAKING FOSAMAX AND BONIVA 6 MO. AGO AFTER STOMACH PROBLEMS. MY DR. IS UPSET WITH ME. I AM TAKING CALCIUM AND 1600 TO 1800 MG OF VIT D. I WALK 20 MIN MOST EVERY DAY, I AM 73.
When I refused to continue with Fosamax, I went to see my naturopath who put me on Strontium and Boron. I take it in conjunction with a naturally-sourced milk calcium that is 45-50% absorbable and I look forward to my next bone-density check in January/10. I’m hoping for much better. Will let you know here.
Are you kidding me? If I have to bake something for 4 1/2 hours it ain’t gonna happen.
i love the advice of tomatoes which i alway’s loved eating; but my doctor informed me i have to much acid in my body, and to stay away from acidic products. What else can help. Thanks, Marsha
Hi Marsha,
Tomatoes are alkaline, not acidic.
Please refer to my answer to Amitie about the myth that tomatoes make GERD worse.
Thanks for the article on Tomatoes. Trying your recipe today. Sounds delish while being a help for the bones.
I combine grape or cherry tomatoes, ripe olives, feta cheese, chopped onion and a little basil, and olive oil. Makes a great salad. Optional adds – artichoke hearts, celery.
Love it! Thanks, Marie.
m-m-m Oven-dried tomatoes!
Thanks for recipe, Vivian, it sounds good!
Lovely recipe Vivian and thank you for sharing it with us. However, like another lady in the community l also have arthritis and have read that tomatoes are not good for this condition. Also , l developed GERD whilst taking Fosamax and am still struggling with digestion and find acidic tasting fruit and vegetables hard to eat. Still, l am sure there are lots who will enjoy this recipe. Kindest regards to you and everybody on the site.
Hi Amitie,
Doctors tell patients with GERD and other acid stomach problems to stay away from tomato-based foods, like spaghetti sauce, chili, pizza and fresh tomatoes.
As it happens, some foods decrease pressure or relax the LES (lower esopahgeal sphincter), thus causing acid reflux.
However, scientific studies have never confirmed that tomatoes decrease sphincter pressure (Castell,D., “Diet and the Lower Esophageal Sphincter”, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 1975).
The same study shows that these foods decrease LES pressure, and should therefore be avoided if you have GERD:
1. High protein foods
2. High fat foods
3. Chocolate
4. Caffeine
5. Alcohol
Regards,
Vivian
Hi Vivian
Thank you for the info.I eat one raw tomato everyday for the past six months.
Thanks for yours advices about tomatoes.Anna
Thanks for your latest info Vivian. I am going for a bone density test shortly. I have completely stopped taking Fosamax, much to the complete agreement and relief of my gastrointerologist. He said that drug and others like it could have been the contributing factors to my GERD and gastrointestinal problems. I’m happy to see that tomatoes are a great source of bone health. I love them. I’ll let you know how my bone density test turns out. If it’s not great, I know I still have a lot more work to do by following your advice regarding what I put in my body and what exercises work best for my bone health. Thanks again Vivian. You are a blessing.
Thank you Vivien for your Lycopene advise. Never knew it was good for the bones as well.
Thanks for the update.
Keep on caring,
Kurtb.
Thank you for sharing. I have veggie garden which is my therapy. I chopped tomatoes and suetee it with garlic and onions with a teaspoon of sea salt and place it in a bottle container and freeze it. It last for a year until my tomatoes are ready again in the following year. It is handy for cooking veggies. I’ll try your recipe. Thanks again.
Dear Vivian,
A certain Margaret Hill suggests cutting out tomatoes from our diet in order to reduce the acidity in our bodies which aggravates my arthritis so how do I cope with arthritis plus osteoporosis?
Hi Joyce,
I’m glad you brought this up.
In her book titled Treating Arthritis the Drug Free Way, Margaret Hill explains why maintaining an alkaline pH can reverse the ravages of osteoarthritis. By the way, this makes tremendous sense, since excess acid accumulates in the joints and literally corrodes them.
Also, Margaret Hill recommends to stay away from tomatoes and other nightshade foods (potatoes, eggplant, etc.), because of a toxic substance known as solanine.
Solanine can be poisonous, and is typically present in potatoes that have been exposed to light and develop a green color under the skin. The largest accumulation of solanine is on the potato skin.
The theory is that people with osteoarthritis might be unable to break down solanine in the gut but researchers have never put a solanine-free diet to the test.
The good news is that ripe tomatoes contain negligible amounts of solanine, certainly not nearly enough to be a cause of any concern. However, the amount of solanine in unripe (green) tomatoes is quite high.
So the bottom line is to make sure you eat tomatoes that are ripe and not to deprive yourself of this bone-healthy alkalizing and delicious food.
Hello Vivian 🙂
As we have quite a big garden and glasshouse my husband grows many vegetables. Nothing can beat walking out there and picking fresh fruits & veggies is there?
He grows lots of tomatoes, (if there are too many for me to cope with I usually chop them up, sprinkle herbs on them and freeze them until I am ready to use them in whatever recipe I am making at the time.) Black grapes & peppers are also in his glasshouse.
Lettuce, carrots, onions, potatoes, leeks, parsley, chives, turnip, cabbage, brussel sprouts & cauliflower are grown outside in the main garden. He has apple & plum trees, and also grows rhubarb.
Yes I agree Tomatoes are very delicious in whatever way you use them and like you I leave them out at room temperature as they taste much better for it.
Thank you for your tomato recipe, must give it a try. I will also let my daughter see it as she loves cooking.
take care
best wishes from Bonnie Scotland 🙂
Marysia