Garlic May Thwart Osteoarthritis

Garlic^[1] might help shield your hips from osteoarthritis^[2], according to recent research^[3]. Published in the journal BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, the new study shows that women with a diet rich in allium vegetables (including onions and leeks) may have lower levels of hip osteoarthritis.

The study focused on 1,086 female twins (ages 46 to 77), many of whom had no symptoms of arthritis. Looking at x-ray images and data on the participants’ dietary patterns, researchers found that those who followed a healthy diet high in fruits and vegetables (especially alliums) showed fewer signs of early osteoarthritis in the hip joint. The researchers also investigated certain compounds in garlic, finding that a substance called diallyl disulphide may eliminate enzymes known to damage cartilage.

Past research suggests that garlic may guard against a host of other health conditions, including high cholesterol^[4] and high blood pressure^[5]. There’s also some evidence that garlic may aid in cold prevention^[6].

References

1. ^{^} Garlic (altmedicine.about.com)
2. ^{^} osteoarthritis (altmedicine.about.com)
3. ^{^} recent research (www.biomedcentral.com)
4. ^{^} high cholesterol (altmedicine.about.com)
5. ^{^} high blood pressure (altmedicine.about.com)
6. ^{^} cold prevention (altmedicine.about.com)