Broccoli is proving to be an extremely useful vegetable in arthritis, which should be included in therapeutic regimens in the fight against the disease, say scientists from the University of East Anglia based on the results of clinical trials with volunteers.
Their laboratory tests show how a compound from the plant, also found in Brussels sprouts and common cabbage, blocks a destructive enzyme that damages cartilage. Cartilage is composed of connective tissue that covers the articular surfaces of the bones and gives a firm elastic consistency to areas of the body where it is not biologically appropriate to develop bones - nose, ear, trachea and others. Unlike most tissues, cartilage does not penetrate blood vessels, which makes them extremely difficult to treat with medication.
From broccoli, the human body absorbs the compound glucoraphanin. During its decomposition, sulforaphane and rafanin are released .
Sulforaphane has the ability to protect joints from a number of diseases and to strongly inhibit the growth and development of Helicobacter pylori - a dangerous pathogen that causes inflammation and ulcers. Rafanin is a strong antibiotic, antifungal and antiviral agent.
Scientists believe that 100 g per day of the plant, with optimal heat treatment, will not be able to repair the damage already caused by the disease, but can stop its progression. They are based on the fact that sulforaphane targets the joint tissues and causes favorable and healing changes at the cellular level in them.
Osteoarthritis is a severe degenerative disease that most severely affects the joints of the hands, feet, spine and knees. Cartilage and bone loss is associated with swelling of the joints, severe pain, stiffness of the limbs and immobility, often leading to muscle atrophy. One of the most common forms of artis, in most cases it is the cause of disability, and in Europe alone there are over 32 million people suffering from it.