Broccoli ‘can help to protect against osteoarthritis’

British scientists have identified a compound in broccoli that can play a key role in slowing the progress of osteoarthritis.

University of East Anglia researchers backed by funding from Arthritis Research UK have found that sulforaphane can slow down the destruction of cartilage in joints associated with the painful and debilitating condition, which is the most common form of arthritis.

Sulforaphane is released when eating cruciferous vegetables and can be found in high quantities in broccoli, as well as Brussels sprouts and cabbage, with the compound also offering anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties.

Lead researcher Ian Clark, professor of musculoskeletal biology at the University of East Anglia, said: "This study is important because it is about how diet might work in osteoarthritis. Once you know that you can look at other dietary compounds which could protect the joint."

Around one million people see their GP about osteoarthritis every year, with the NHS in England and Wales performing more than 140,000 hip and knee replacement operations annually as a result of the condition.