Super Food Broccoli May be able to Fight Aging, Osteoarthritis and Cancer
Broccoli a Super Food
Broccoli is a Super Food
More and more research is being focused on the benefits of diet and super foods to help against aging and age-related diseases. Also, scientists have been taking a look at super foods and certain kinds of diets for diseases for which no cure or effective treatment has been found. One of the super foods that has made a lot of news over the last year is the cruciferous dark green vegetable called broccoli. Super foods are usually loaded with necessary vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants. Broccoli is labeled a super food because of all of its highly nutritious properties. It is very rich in vitamins and minerals including Vitamin C, Vitamin A beta-carotene, Vitamin K, calcium and potassium. Broccoli belongs to the Brassica family of vegetables that also includes cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, Chinese broccoli and bok choy.
Broccoli and Osteoarthritis
In 2013 a study by researchers at the University of East Anglia was published about an anti-microbial phytochemical in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables called sulforaphane that was able to slow down the progression of osteoarthritis in mice.
Osteoarthritis is a Leading Cause of Disability in Seniors
Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of disability in seniors and the older one gets, the greater is the chance to get osteoarthritis. It is estimated that more than 30 million Americans have osteoarthritis. To date no cure has been found or a way to stop it in its destructive path of destroying cartilage in joints. Treatment is geared mainly to stopping pain and inflammation, which in many people can be chronic. The most common drugs for treating the pain of osteoarthritis are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, Celebrex and more. NSAIDs have been associated with dangerous side effects in seniors, especially as they are taken over a long period of time since osteoarthritis is a chronic disease. When osteoarthritis progresses to a more advanced state of chronic pain, disability and a poor quality of life, then surgical operations aimed mainly at joint replacement in the knees and hips is offered.
Human trials are now in progress to see if the same beneficial effects broccoli had on mice will be duplicated in humans regarding an anti-aging effect and protection from osteoarthritis.
Broccoli May Prevent Cancer
Research has also shown that sulforaphane in broccoli may also help to prevent cancer by causing the destruction of cancer cells (apoptosis), especially for breast, colon, and prostate cancer.
Broccoli may Protect Against Cardiovascular Events
An Australian study published April 4, 2018, in the Journal of the American Heart Association discovered that eating three servings of colorful vegetables every day, could lower deaths from atherosclerotic vascular disease (ASVD). ASVD is the buildup of plaque in arteries that causes subclinical atherosclerosis that leads to cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes.
Those who ate vegetables daily like broccoli and cabbage from the cruciferous family or onions, leeks and garlic in the Allium family had even less buildup of plaque than those who ate other kinds of vegetables.
Heart Protective Organosulfur Compounds
The researchers found that these cruciferous and Allium families of vegetables contain heart-protective organosulfur compounds.
Choose a Rehab that Offers a Healthy and Nutritious Cuisine
The Park Crescent Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in East Orange, New Jersey offers fine dining that includes a delicious and healthy cuisine with a variety of options sure to satisfy everyone. Those who have special dietary needs are accommodated.
Conclusion
Research has shown that daily eating of healthy cruciferous vegetables like broccoli may be able to prevent disabling diseases like osteoarthritis, cancer and heart attacks and strokes so everyone should try to include more of these kinds of vegetables in their diet.