As most people who suffer from rheumatic conditions will tell you, it is very painful and can significantly affect one's quality of life. The disease affects the musculoskeletal system and causes inflammation and stiffness in the joints. So whenever experts recommend a new method of alleviating the discomfort and cutting the risk of getting the disease, we're all over it.
As with a lot of medical conditions, proper diet can play a huge role in preventing or managing rheumatoid arthritis. Luckily, over the last few years experts have been researching the relationship between certain foods to the bone disease and there's one in particular that stands out from the rest.
According to a study published in the journal of Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases by the researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, there is a very important link between eating fish and rheumatoid arthritis.
After decades of studying a group of participants, the results revealed that eating one portion of oily fish per week or four lean fish can decrease one's risk of developing arthritis by 50%.
Among the participants were women who were diagnosed with arthritis later in life and their tests showed that they had lower intakes of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) when compared to those who don't have the disease. Those who consumed over 0.21g of omega-3 PUFAs a day had a significantly lower risk.
But for all the seafood haters, it is important to note that the researchers found no link between omega-3 supplements and decreased risk of arthritis. So only the real deal will do.
This isn't the first time that studies have shown benefits of adding fish to one's diet. In 2015, it another study revealed that seniors who followed the MIND diet had their risk of Alzheimer's reduced by 53%.
Just be wary that not all Omega-3 laden fish are necessarily good for you. Here's an easy guide you can refer to so that next time you're at the grocery store seafood counter you'll be able to pick best one possible.
[h/t: Medical News Today]