Eating oily fish once a week 'halves rheumatoid arthritis risk'

Eating at least one portion of oily fish once a week could halve the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, a new study has revealed.

The research conducted on more than 32,000 Swedish women found that a fish diet is beneficial because it is rich in omega-3- a good anti-inflammatory agent, the BBC reported.

The researchers found that women who consistently ate any type of fish at least once a week cut their risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis by nearly a third, while those who ate at least one portion of oily fish or four servings of other fish each week halved their risk.

Talking about fish oil supplements, Prof Alan Silman, medical director of Arthritis Research UK, said that taking high levels of fish oils can prevent inflammation from starting in the joint.

The study is published in journal Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.