London - Eating broccoli could help to stave off arthritis in old age, scientists say.
A compound found in abundance in the superfood slows down the destruction of joints that occurs in osteoarthritis, according to a study.
Sulforaphane – a chemical that is also found in Brussels sprouts and cabbage – “switches off” the genes responsible for cartilage damage, researchers found in tests on human cartilage cells.
The often debilitating condition affects 8.5 million adults, with no cure or effective treatment other than pain relief or joint replacement.
In tests involving mice, scientists from the University of East Anglia found those fed a diet rich in the compound suffered significantly less wear to their joints, helping protect against osteoarthritis. In a third test, the team observed a protective effect on cow cartilage tissue that was first given sulforaphane.
Lead researcher Ian Clark, professor of musculoskeletal biology at UEA, said: “The results from this study are very promising. We have shown that this works in the three laboratory models we have tried, in cartilage cells, tissue and mice. We now want to show this works in humans. It would be very powerful if we could.”
Broccoli has long been hailed as a superfood with a range of health benefits. Previous studies have linked sulforaphane to breast cancer prevention.
The chemical may also help to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke by boosting the body’s defence system. - Daily Mail