Even for those of us who don’t particularly like vegetables, a new study gives us a good reason to add particular ones to our diets. Researchers at the University of East Anglia in the United Kingdom discovered that sulforaphane – a component of cruciferous vegetables – may be capable of preventing and treating osteoarthritis (1).
Broccoli as an arthritis treatment
The UK study, which appeared in Arthritis & Rheumatism, looked at cartilage cellular activity to gauge the effects of sulforaphane on joints and joint pain. The researchers observed the compound shutting down the activities of inflammatory molecules. Preventing free movement of those molecules in turn disallowed enzymes from damaging the cartilage. Additionally, the study examined tissue samples, yielding similar results.
Finally, as with many studies, this one used mice as well, to better understand how sulforaphane might impact humans. The research team fed two different diets to groups of mice, one standard and one containing high levels of sulforaphane. The latter group experienced less osteoarthritis and less degradation to their cartilage.
Joint Pain Superfoods
Assuming the findings of the arthritis study are accurate, it’s wise for anyone experiencing joint pain such as osteoarthritis to get plenty of sulforaphane in their diets. Broccoli is just one option – sulforaphane is prevalent in all cruciferous vegetables, including the following:
- cabbage
- kale
- cauliflower
- bok choy
- Brussels sprouts.
If you need more than one good reason to eat Brussels sprouts, cruciferous vegetables go beyond helping to maintain cartilage levels. A study conducted last year in the United States suggested that sulforaphane makes the development of cancer less likely. It does so, per the study, by altering genetic communication and behavior.
Groundbreaking Osteoarthritis Findings
Although sulforaphane has been shown to have other impressive properties, this Arthritis & Rheumatism article represents the first successful attempt to connect the compound with activity in the joints. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether or not sulforaphane is released into the body in large enough amounts to positively impact osteoarthritis.
The study is even more compelling because it looked at sulforaphane impact from three different perspectives: cells, tissue, and mice.
Further Arthritis Treatment
To optimize your health, changing your diet is a great place to start. The above study shows how powerful a balanced diet really is. Of course, working with medical professionals can utilize a more comprehensive approach. At Weston Medical, we reduce joint pain in our patients in as little as five weeks. Book online https://www.westonmedicalhealth.com/knee-pain/ or call now: 954-888-6650.
Sources:
(1) http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265310.php
