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It affects more than 690,000 people in the UK, of which over 500,000 are women and around three-quarters are of working age.

Experts believe the Mediterranean diet is effective in suppressing rheumatoid arthritis - but the elements responsible for this currently remain unknown.

Now researchers from Osaka City University in Japan, have set out to investigate what part of the diet - which constitutes oily fish, olive oil, fruit and vegetables - could help ease symptoms of the disease.

A study looked at 208 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 205 healthy volunteers from the same age group.

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Their food and nutrient intake was assessed using a questionnaire, a Mediterranean diet score was calculated and the prevalence of the disease in 28 joints was analysed.

Experts found the consumption of MUFA - monosaturated fatty acids, alcohol, pulses, vegetables, meat milk and dairy products were significantly lower among participants with RA.

The study authors said: Intake of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) was significantly lower in the RA, than in the control group (P=0.003) and the ratio of consumed monounsaturated to saturated fatty acid significantly differed within the RA group.

What are monosaturated fats?

Monounsaturated fats can help reduce levels of bad cholesterol in the blood - reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Examples of foods which are high in monounsaturated fats include olive oil, sesame oil, avocados, peanut butter and nuts and seeds.

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Daily MUFA intake, a component of the Mediterranean diet score, might suppress disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Experts have also revealed eating a diet high in monounsaturated fats can reduce belly fat and encourage weight loss.

The study concluded: Daily MUFA intake, a component of the Mediterranean diet score, might suppress disease activity in RA patients.

People with rheumatoid arthritis experience a range of symptoms, including pain and swelling in the joints, tiredness and depression which can affect their daily lives, from their ability to do basic everyday tasks like buttoning a shirt, to the possibility of having to stop work as a result of their condition.

The study was published in the journal Clinical Nutrition.

Experts, writing in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology last year said eating a Mediterranean diet with no limit on calories and plenty of olive oil is the best way to stay healthy.

Researchers said guidelines promoting low-fat, low-calorie diets had created an unnecessary fear of the fats present in food loved by the southern Europeans.

The study looked at more than 7,000 participants who were either given an unrestricted Mediterranean diet or a low-fat diet where the advice was to avoid all dietary fat.

On average, those in all groups lost some weight with the greatest loss seen in the group eating the Mediterranean diet with olive oil.

Dr Aseem Malhotra, cardiologist advisor to the National Obesity Forum, said: A high fat Mediterranean diet which I follow and tell my patients to not only doesnt lead to weight gain but is also the most protective dietary pattern against heart disease, cancer and dementia.

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Diet to cure arthritis: Eating THIS part of the Mediterranean diet could suppress symptoms - Express.co.uk

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