Milk is not the only drink that builds healthy bones. According to research published in the journal Osteoporosis International, drinking tomato juice also reduces osteoporosis risk. Is sipping tomato juice twice a day the key to healthy bones?
Why drink tomato juice for healthy bones?
Tomatoes and tomato juice are a rich source of natural plant compounds called lycopene. This member of the carotenoid family of phytonutrients has already been recognized for its health benefits. Lycopene in tomatoes may lower the risk of heart disease, and some studies show they prevent prostate cancer – although recent studies have called this into question. Nevertheless, lycopene is a good source of cell-protective antioxidants, and tomato juice is one of the best sources of lycopene around.
The power of lycopene in tomatoes
When researchers gave sixty post-menopausal women tomato juice, a lycopene supplement, a combination of the two, or a placebo for four months, they made some interesting observations. The women who received the lycopene supplement, the tomato juice, or a combination of the two had significant increases in the amount of lycopene in their blood. This isn’t surprising since the women were drinking tomato juice or taking a lycopene supplement.
What’s more interesting is that the women who drank tomato juice or took the lycopene in supplement form had lower markers for bone breakdown in their blood and greater antioxidant capacity. These factors are essential for healthy bones and for reducing risk.
Prior to giving them lycopene supplements or tomato juice, the women were asked to avoid eating any tomato products for thirty days. During this time, they found a chemical in their bloodstream that serves as a marker for bone breakdown – more evidence that lycopene is important for healthy bones.
How much is needed for healthy bones?
According to the above-mentioned study, drinking two glasses of tomato juice every day can improve bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. What about eating raw tomatoes? This wouldn’t necessarily have the same benefit. Lycopene is most readily absorbed when they’re processed, so tomato juice, tomato sauce, and ketchup are better sources than raw tomatoes.
The bottom line?
Don’t give up milk. It has the calcium the body needs to build stronger bones, but add more lycopene to your diet by drinking tomato juice too. Give your bones the nutrients they need to keep you standing tall for a lifetime.
