Eat Your Broccoli: May Help Prevent the Onset of Osteoarthritis

Researchers now suggest that eating a lot of broccoli could help prevent or slow the onset of osteoarthritis.

In fact, according to researchers at the University of East Anglia, they found that sulforaphane, a common ingredient found in broccoli and Brussels sprouts and cabbage, may actually be able to delay the destruction of cartilage in joints.

The study shows that approximately 8.5 million people in Britain have osteoarthritis-a condition that surfaces in the joints and can create damage.

Over time, the problem can gradually worsen, affecting joints in the hands, neck, lower back, knees and hips. While there are treatments that can slow the progression, at this time, there is no cure for the problem.

And according to a 2005 report from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 27 million Americans have the same health issue.

Fortunately, the results from the study hold hope for the future of the issue.

"The results from this study are very promising," said Ian Clark, professor of musculoskeletal biology at UEA, which is based in Norwich, via the AFP. "As well as treating those who already have the condition, you need to be able to tell healthy people how to protect their joints into the future."

Professor Alan Silman, medical director of Arthritis Research UK adds that, "Until now research has failed to show that food or diet can play any part in reducing the progression of osteoarthritis, so if these findings can be replicated in humans, it would be quite a breakthrough."

Now the big question is, do you like broccoli?

More information regarding the findings can be seen via the journal Arthritis and Rheumatism.