To prevent osteoarthritis, think green

Added 21.01.2011

Green tea and broccoli have been known for centuries to have disease-preventive properties. From maintaining a strong cardiovascular system to preventing some types of cancer, green tea and broccoli are a great source for overall health. To add to the list of health benefits, a study has found they can prevent osteoarthritis too.

Green tea prevents cartilage destruction

Green tea's health benefits can be attributed to polyphenols - chemical substances which have potent antioxidant effects. Two specific polyphenols - epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and epicatechin gallate (ECG) - have been found in a study to prevent the breaking down of cartilage. As you know, osteoarthritis is characterised by the progressive deterioration of cartilage in joints.

What researchers found was that these compounds protected cartilage by blocking the enzyme responsible for deteriorating it. EGCG and ECG were also found to decrease joint inflammation and pain.

Broccoli also protects cartilage

Green is in fashion this season. Well, at least if you want to prevent osteoarthritis it is! Like green tea, broccoli has been found to protect against osteoarthritis by blocking the enzyme that causes cartilage deterioration. Who are we to thank for this? Little compounds in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables called sulforaphanes. Sulforaphanes have long been known to have anti-microbial anti-cancer and anti-diabetic properties.

Getting your daily dose of green tea and broccoli

Okay, so how many of us are really going to drink and/or eat large amounts of green tea and broccoli every day? Not many. But, there is a perfect alternative to still get your daily dose of polyphenols and sulforaphanes: natural supplements.
Even better, we have a supplement called Phyto-Synergy which contains caffeine-free green tea extract AND broccoli extract in addition to other health promoting antioxidant nutrients such as lycopene, quercetin and calcium d-glucarate!

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