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Joint pain can be miserable. Once simple things – like getting the mail or opening a pickle jar – are now agonizing and seemingly impossible tasks. And the mainstream help is limited… ranging from pumping you full of risky prescription drugs… to injecting your already sore joints with useless steroids.
Natural solutions—especially those from food—often get overlooked. That’s why we want you to know about the latest pain research, which shows that relief for your aching joints might be as close as a warm bowl of soup.
Key Takeaways:
- Consuming broccoli soup daily reduced arthritis pain by 20% over other soups.
- Sulforaphane, activated when broccoli is chopped or prepared, blocks cartilage-destroying inflammation, helping to ease joint pain and protect joint health.
- Broccoli and its cruciferous cousins, like cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower, are widely available, and sulforaphane supplements provide another way to harness this compound’s benefits.
Pain-Relieving Soup?
Groundbreaking research has revealed that nutrient-packed broccoli, when prepared the right way, can significantly reduce joint pain. Curious? Let’s dive into the research on how this simple, delicious remedy works and how it could transform your approach to managing pain.
In a new study, researchers from the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England, split a group of arthritis patients into two groups. One group ate vegetable soup with broccoli extract (equivalent to about half a pound of the vegetable) daily for 12 weeks, and the other ate plain vegetable soup.
All participants were assessed for arthritis pain before and after the trial. And the results were incredible!
The broccoli soup group's pain scores were reduced by 4.2 points on a scale of 20. This means the broccoli soup slashed their pain levels by one-fifth. But the plain vegetable soup group wasn’t as lucky… they actually saw an INCREASE in their pain levels.1
Can you imagine getting this kind of relief from just eating soup?! Sounds a whole lot better than taking a risky drug or getting an injection to me.
So, how does broccoli work against joint pain?
Broccoli’s Super Nutrient
You’ve probably heard of sulforaphane before. Research shows this powerful compound can help fight cancer and heart disease and even boost your brain.2 In fact, one study shows sulforaphane may protect your brain from stroke damage and even boost clot-busting drugs’ effectiveness.
It’s powerful because sulforaphane helps fight inflammation, a root cause of disease.
Sulforaphane is also a powerful antioxidant.
Previous animal studies show that sulforaphane works in the same way when it comes to arthritis. It blocks the type of inflammation that destroys cartilage, the substance that cushions joints.3 But the soup has another extraordinary power.
You see, sulforaphane only becomes activated when the broccoli is cut, chopped, or damaged. So, when the broccoli is diced and prepared for soup, the process helps activate this powerful compound!
This is incredible news for anyone who wants to stop their arthritis pain… and eat well, too.
Even better? Broccoli is available just about everywhere and can be purchased year-round.
Get More Pain-Fighting Broccoli Today
In my opinion, broccoli tastes best when it's fresh. But the frozen varieties will get the job done, too.
If you don’t like broccoli, I’ve got good news…
Other vegetables – like cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower – also contain high levels of sulforaphane. Additionally, sulforaphane supplements are another excellent source of this nutrient.
Finally, you can get standardized sulforaphane supplements from your local natural health store.
Summary
Relief for arthritis and joint pain may be as simple as enjoying a bowl of broccoli soup. A new study from the University of East Anglia found that arthritis patients who consumed vegetable soup enriched with broccoli extract experienced a significant reduction in pain levels, thanks to the powerful anti-inflammatory compound sulforaphane. This nutrient in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables fights inflammation and protects cartilage from damage, offering a natural and accessible solution to alleviate joint pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sulforaphane, and how does it help with arthritis?
Sulforaphane is a powerful compound found in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables. It reduces inflammation, protects cartilage, and eases joint pain.
How much broccoli should I eat to see results?
In the study, participants consumed a soup containing broccoli extract equivalent to half a pound of broccoli daily for 12 weeks to achieve pain relief.
Can I use frozen broccoli for the same benefits?
Yes, frozen broccoli retains sulforaphane. However, fresh broccoli may offer the best flavor and nutrient content.
Are there other vegetables with sulforaphane?
Yes, other cruciferous vegetables like Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower also contain sulforaphane.
Are sulforaphane supplements effective?
Yes, standardized sulforaphane supplements can provide a concentrated dose of this nutrient. Consult your doctor before starting any supplement.
The Expert:
