Garlic ‘could prevent hip osteoarthritis’

Women who consume a diet high in allium vegetables, such as garlic, onions and leeks, have lower levels of hip osteoarthritis, a study has shown.

Researchers from King's College London and the University of East Anglia looked at over 1,000 healthy female twins, many of whom had no symptoms of arthritis.

In those who consumed a healthy diet with a high intake of fruit and vegetables, particularly alliums, there was less evidence of early osteoarthritis in the hip joint.

Dr Frances Williams, lead author from the Department of Twin Research at King's College London, said: "While we don't yet know if eating garlic will lead to high levels of this component in the joint, these findings may point the way towards future treatments and prevention of hip osteoarthritis."

The findings of the study have been published in the BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders journal.

Earlier this month, the Fat Panel recommended that those trying to lose weight should make mashed potato with olive oil and garlic instead of butter and milk.

Does garlic feature regularly in your diet?