Broccoli may guard against arthritis (UK)

"British scientists say broccoli - already known to help prevent cancer - may fight osteoarthritis. Scientists at the University of East Anglia say initial laboratory tests find a bioactive compound in broccoli - sulforaphane - blocks the enzymes linked to the joint destruction in osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis. The scientists are undertaking a research project to see if the compound found in broccoli could slow or prevent osteoarthritis development. "Britain has an aging population and developing new strategies for combating age-related diseases such as osteoarthritis is vital -- to improve the quality of life for sufferers but also to reduce the economic burden on society," research project leader Ian Clark says in a statement. The three-year research project will also investigate the effects of other dietary compounds on osteoarthritis, including diallyl disulphide - a compound found in high amounts in garlic that appears to slow the destruction of cartilage in laboratory models' - UPI