Broccoli may help slow arthritis, says study

Researchers said that a chemical present in broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts reduces joint damage.

09:53 29 August 2013

Based on survey, there are about 8.5million people in the United Kingdom who are currently suffering from osteoarthritis that affect the knees, hips, spine, feet, and hands. A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of East Angila is now claiming that eating broccoli could be the answer to prevent this disease from affecting more people.

Tests on mice and cells showed that a chemical present not just in broccoli but also in Brussels sprout and cabbage called glucoraphanin is taken by our body and turns it into sulforaphane, a compound that can protect our joints.

Researchers will ask 20 volunteers to eat super-dosed broccoli, a cross between a regular broccoli and a wild relative from Sicily, everyday before surgeons will repair their badly arthritic knees.

Dr Rose Davidson said: "We're asking patients to eat 100g (3.5oz) every day for two weeks. That's a normal, good-sized serving - about a handful - and it's an amount that most people should be happy to eat every day."

She added: "I can't imagine it would repair or reverse arthritis... but it might be a way to prevent it.”