Could Broccoli Slow Down the 67 Million People Predicted to Get Arthritis?

You may not have osteoarthritis now, but a study completed by the National Health Interview Survey says 67 million people will have doctor-diagnosed arthritis by 2030. In a 2003-2005 study, there are currently 46 million people who say they have arthritis. The National Center for Health Statistics states that 22 percent of adults have been told they have some form of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus or fibromyalgia. Could broccoli be the answer to preventing the most common form of arthritis?

Medical News Today reports that Arthritis Research UK and the Diet and Health Research Industry Club (DRINC) are completing a study to find out whether the sulforaphane blocks found in broccoli can slow or prevent the development. Sulforaphane, which is also found in cauliflower, is defined by Merriam Webster as a stimulant for the production of enzymes in the body that detoxify cancer-causing substances.

The term "broccoli" comes from the Latin word "brachium," which coincidentally means "branch" or "arm," the latter of which is a pain location for someone with arthritis. Pain from hands, feet, spine, hips and knees are more popular.

Of course if broccoli could cure arthritis and cancer, it's unlikely that a person would turn it down if they didn't like the taste of it. Broccoli is frequently drowned in cheese, pepper and butter to make the vegetable taste a little better. Oftentimes it's found on baked potatoes, too. The Chicago Tribune suggested a recipe including olives, capers and lemon juice instead of fattier ingredients. AllRecipes.com has 1,075 recipes that include broccoli, both as the main dish and as a side dish.

EverydayHealth.com reports that two tablespoons of olive oil can lead to a lower risk of arthritis. Instead of soaking broccoli in cheddar cheese, margarine or butter, and sour cream, using broccoli and olive together may lower arthritis risks. Crushed walnuts, great for omega-3 fatty acids, are also recommended.

However, the results have not been confirmed so don't think doubling up on cooked broccoli now will do it, although clearly your body will thank you for the 11 percent of dietary fiber, 30 percent of Vitamin A and 80 percent of Vitamin C. Cooked broccoli is healthier than raw broccoli, which only contains 4 percent of dietary fiber, 20 percent of Vitamin A and 60 percent of Vitamin C.

The most popular forms of arthritis-outside of general arthritis-are childhood arthritis, fibromyalgia, gout, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid Arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus). Currently the only ways to control arthritis are medication, surgery, physical or occupational therapy, splints or joint assistive aid, patient education and support, and weight loss. Physical activity decreases the pressure on joints to do basic physical activity. A body mass index (BMI) of 27 or higher can lead to a higher risk of arthritis in the knees.

Although running or jogging may be too strenuous for someone with bad arthritis, physical activity like resistance weight training may help with joint activity and building muscles. Yoga classes, which increase flexibility and strength, are also a common way to decrease joint pain from arthritis.

Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Data and Statistics)
Fruits and Veggies Matter "Vegetable of the Month" (CDC)
Medical News Today "Eating Broccoli Could Guard Against Arthritis"
National Center for Health Statistics