Reality can be painful. For one, there are certain instances wherein a single disease can prevent people from leading independent and quality lives. While this is already terrible news in itself, things can get worse. Sometimes, scientists would break the news that such a disease is not only debilitating and painful, the harrowing condition does not have a definitive cure as of the present.

A good example is osteoarthritis, one of the most common arthritis and age-related disorders that debilitate its victims worldwide. Statistics show that in UK and in America, it is the leading disorder that causes disability as evident in its extensive repercussions on the millions of people that suffer from the disease.

However, reality also presents endless possibilities — one of which is hope through effective treatment. A new landmark project in the UK, which significantly exhibits that hopeful possibility, is launched. Funded by the Diet and Health Research Industry and Arthritis Research UK, the new project will delve into the possibility of warding off and slowing the onset of osteoarthritis through a powerful compound of broccoli.

Landmark project: Protective effects of broccoli against Osteoarthritis

For those who suffer from the disease, and at the same time, are avid fans of incorporating broccoli into their diet-- possible good news awaits.

Researchers from the University of East Anglia will conduct a 3-year pioneering project that will probe the possible preventive and protective effects of broccoli against osteoarthritis. Initial research conducted at the same university has already shown that a broccoli compound, sulforaphane, blocks the enzymes that cause the debilitating disease; and the new project aims to further flesh out how beneficial broccoli is, or can be.

The bioactive compound can be acquired through consuming cruciferous vegetables, with broccoli as a notably rich resource. Broccoli consumption enables the blood to contain high levels of sulforaphane. However, whether the bioactive compound substantially and effectively gets into, or affects the joints in ample amounts or not remains unclear. The project will include investigations in relation to this.

During the 3-year study, the team of researchers from UEA will also examine other compounds that can be incorporated into one’s daily diet, in relation to how these can contribute to the fight against and prevention of osteoarthritis. The dietary compounds will include diallyl disulphide, which is acquired through high levels of garlic consumption, and which possibly slows down cartilage destruction.

A pioneering research

Former studies have already shown the potent healthy benefits of broccoli against cancer and other severe health conditions, but the new project is reportedly the first of its kind—through concentrating on the health of joints.

It will also initiate patient trials, which will enable the study to yield more accurate human-related results and assessments. Furthermore, the findings will likely provide a basis for developing new broccoli-related methods in osteoarthritis treatment and prevention.

The project offers benefits not only to the victims of disease, but also on a societal level. According to the study’s lead researcher, Professor Ian Clark: Because of UK’s aging population, it is crucial to formulate effective strategies that fight against age-related health conditions. He furthered that such measures will enhance the victims’ quality of life while simultaneously cutting down on society’s economic concerns.

The healthy benefits of broccoli

There are several cruciferous vegetables that are regularly consumed, but among these, broccoli reportedly proves to be the most concentrated or richest source of vitamin C—a key antioxidant. It also provides high amounts of flavonoids and carotenoids, vitamin E, minerals, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and several other healthy components that aid in preventing the development of severe conditions.

Heart ailments

The high content of fiber found in broccoli, along with beta-carotene and omega-3 fatty acids, significantly aid in reducing bad cholesterols. As such, these have potent contributions in heart health and function through its regulatory effects on blood pressure.

Cancer

There are several studies that have already established the strong links between cancer development and its risk factors such as chronic inflammation, insufficient detoxification, and oxidative stress.

Given these factors, a wide range of cancer types can be prevented through broccoli. Its antioxidant, pro-detoxification, and anti-inflammatory effects enhance its potent capacity for preventing and reducing risk of developing cancer. Risks are most notably reduced for the following types--  prostate cancer, bladder cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, and ovarian cancer. These findings show the excellent remedies that broccoli can provide in battling both fatal and debilitating diseases.

Stomach problems

Broccoli’s rich fiber content also enables it to treat a wide array of stomach disorders. Fiber’s key favourable effects include constipation treatment, water retention, and bowel formation. Other favourable contents of broccoli include magnesium and vitamins, which facilitate proper food digestion and enhance the body’s capacity of absorbing and optimizing food nutrients. It also provides anti-acidity benefits.

Detoxification enhancement

Detoxification is vital to eliminating toxins and dangerous substances that put cells at risk, and fortunately, broccoli is capable of altering certain activities in an effort to strengthen and regulate the 2-step detoxification process. Made from broccoli’s glucosinolate contents, isothiocyanates are active modifiers that can hamper the production of enzymes in the first phase; it can also modify enzyme activities in the second phase. Reportedly, optimal concentrations and combinations of glucosinolates are best acquired through broccolis among other sources.

Other sources of arthritis relief

All-natural approaches are potent measures for arthritis relief. As seen in the benefits of broccoli: One effective and fun, natural remedy is eating foods that are rich in anti-inflammatory and overall anti-arthritis compounds.

Copper

Copper has the capacity for pain and swelling reduction in relation to rheumatoid arthritis, another commonly debilitating arthritis disorder. The favourable effects result from the mineral’s anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory roles. It also enhances the activity of a particular enzyme called lysyl oxidase, which is necessary for collagen and elastin cross-linking— substances that provide and enhance elasticity, strength and structure in joints. A good source of this beneficial mineral can be found in sesame seeds.

Ginger

Gingerols found in ginger are potently active in their anti-inflammatory effects. These contents, through regular ginger consumption, strongly show why pain is reduced in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis patients. Based on the findings of two clinical studies, 75% of patients with arthritis experienced a significant reduction in arthritis-related swelling and pain. Simultaneously, all participants that suffer from muscular discomfort yielded improvements in pain reduction and mobility through regular consumption of ginger.

Cinnamon

Findings from a study conducted at Copenhagen University reportedly revealed that the combination of honey and cinnamon powder led to substantial arthritis pain reduction. Links point to the anti-inflammatory components of cinnamon, which aid in reducing muscle and joint stiffness. As such, the combination of honey and cinnamon powder is one of the potent measures for arthritis relief.

Salmon

Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids— healthy and multi-beneficial polyunsaturated fats that have very potent anti-inflammatory effects. The benefits are made possible through omega-3 fatty acids’ role in hampering cytokine and enzyme production, which are substances that severely affect the cartilage. Simultaneously, these beneficial fatty acids enhance both the immune and circulatory system of the body.

Spinach

Spinach enjoys a noble reputation of combating heart ailments and a wide range of cancer types. In addition to this, its nutrients are also capable of decreasing inflammatory activities that cause and worsen joint health and arthritis symptoms. Such beneficial nutrients contained in spinach include vitamin C, vitamin K, and beta-carotene.

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