(16-10-10) You don't have to hurt as you age! Eat broccoli and avoid arthritis

by S. L. Baker, features writer

(NaturalNews) Over 21 million people in the U.S. alone suffer from the most
common form of arthritis -- osteoarthritis. Primarily associated with growing
older, the condition is marked by the wearing away of cartilage, the cushioning
between the bones in the joints. As osteoarthritis gets worse, the cartilage
disappears and bone rubs on bone, producing pain and swelling. Mainstream
medicine offers symptomatic relief -- but no cure -- with medications including
liver damaging acetaminophen (Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen which, long term, can cause
ulcers and bleeding; some NSAIDs may increase the risk for heart attack and
stroke, too.

But despite the view of many that osteoarthritis is an inevitable part of
aging, researchers at the University of East Anglia (UEA) believe they are hot
on the trail of a way to prevent this form of arthritis from developing in the
first place. The potential solution? A natural, bioactive compound called
sulforaphane that is found in cruciferous vegetables, especially broccoli.

The UEA scientists have already discovered sulforaphane blocks the enzymes
that cause joint destruction in osteoarthritis. Now the same researchers are
launching a new and groundbreaking project to investigate how sulforaphane may
act to slow or even prevent the development of osteoarthritis. This initial
study will pave the way for additional patient trials that could lead to safe
and natural ways of preventing and treating this painful disease.

In a statement to the media, the UEA research team noted that broccoli has
previously been associated with a reduced risk of cancer. But their study is
the first major research into its effects on joint health. As part of their
three year long project, the UEA scientists will also investigate the impact of
other natural compounds on osteoarthritis -- including diallyl disulphide, a
component of garlic that appears to slow the destruction of cartilage in
laboratory models.

As reported previously in NaturalNews, phytochemical compounds in cruciferous
vegetables are turning out to be remarkably powerful disease fighters and
health builders. For example, scientists at Ohio State University's
Comprehensive Cancer Center at Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and the Richard
J. Solove Research Institute have discovered that a substance in broccoli and
Brussels sprouts specifically blocks the growth of breast cancer cells (http:
//www.naturalnews.com/029204_b...). Other research has concluded eating
broccoli can protect against asthma, too (http://www.naturalnews.
com/025771_b...).

For more information:
http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/home/home.aspx
http://www.naturalnews.com/broccoli...
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/...

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