‘Eat your greens to beat arthritis and heart risks’
EATING sprouts, broccoli, cabbage or cauliflower every day could help prevent ailments including arthritis, stroke and heart disease, a study says.
Scientists believe they have found proof that the old adage of “eating your greens keeps you healthy” really is true.
But the vegetables need to be of the type known as cruciferous – the family that includes kale, sprouts, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower.
They contain chemical compounds that are good for a healthy gut, which in turn prevents toxins and harmful microorganisms spreading around the body leading to a host of diseases.
Lead researcher Gary Perdew admitted the healthy veg in question were not always the most popular among diners.
But his team at Pennsylvania State University in the US found the amount needed to maintain a healthy regime was not necessarily large.
The right daily amount could be eaten as three US “cups” of broccoli – around 8oz – or just one cup of sprouts.
Professor Perdew said: “If you have problems, like a leaky gut, and start to suffer inflammation, that may then lead to other conditions, like arthritis and heart disease. Keeping your gut healthy and making sure you have good barrier functions so you’re not getting this leaky effect would be really big.”
He added that eating greens could even act against some cancers and Crohn’s Disease which are related to the inflammation of the gut.
The results come from a study conducted by the agricultural sciences department of Penn State for the specialist publication, Journal of Functional Foods.
Researchers compared different groups of mice and found those which had broccoli added to their regular diet were better able to cope with the symptoms of colitis and other problems of the gut. A spokesman for the British Heart Foundation said: “A healthy diet can help reduce your risk of developing coronary heart disease and stop you gaining weight, reducing your risk of diabetes and high blood pressure. Even if you already have a heart condition, a healthy diet can benefit your heart.”
NHS experts said a good diet should be combined with regular exercise.