Broccoli Could Prevent Arthritis

Scientists at the University of East Anglia (UEA) has launched an innovative new project to investigate the benefits of broccoli in the fight against osteoarthritis. The result is good news for arthritis sufferers.

Early research in the laboratory UAE has found that a compound in broccoli called sulforaphane blocked the enzyme causes joint damage in osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis itself is a form of arthritis is most common.

With funding from the Arthritis Research UK and the Diet and Health Research Industry Club (DRINC), research projects discuss how sulforaphane may act to slow or prevent the progression of osteoarthritis. It is quoted Health24, Saturday (18/09/2010).

Sulforaphane is the bioactive compounds found in vegetables, especially broccoli. Eating sulforaphane in broccoli increased the blood, but scientists do not yet know whether the amount of sulforaphane that enter into the joint enough to make it effective in preventing osteoarthritis. This has become one of the things in which the UAE team hopes to find it, because osteoarthritis is a major cause of disability cases.

There is no effective treatment

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that gradually destroys cartilage in the joints, especially on the hands, feet, spine, hips and knees of older adults. To date, no effective treatment other than pain relief or joint replacement surgery.

Prof. Ian Clark, from UEA School of Biological Sciences, who led the research said: "Britain has a population of elderly and develop new strategies for age-related diseases. Combating diseases such as osteoarthritis is very important to improve the quality of life of sufferers, but also to reduce the economic burden of society. "

As part of the project for three years, the UAE team will also investigate the effects of other compounds in foods that are associated with osteoarthritis, including diallyl disulphide found quite high in garlic.

Broccoli previously been associated with cancer risk reduction, but this is the first time conducted a large study of health effects of broccoli on the joints.

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