Scientists have finally figured out why brittle bones and fractures happen-common in postmenopausal women who have an increased risk of osteoporosis-and they think that eating plenty of broccoli and spinach could be an effective way to prevent the problem.
It’s all to do with the protein osteocalcin, which keeps our bones strong. But when we slip or fall, the protein is disturbed, and can’t do its usual protective work. Any fall will weaken the bone-because of the impact on osteocalcin levels-and a further slip can break the bone.
Vitamin K, found in green leafy vegetables as well as in supplements, helps feed the protein, and may help it withstand a fall or slip, say researchers from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
(Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2012; 109: 19178-83).
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