To see if there is a link between fat in the diet and arthritis, researchers fed three different diets to mice with arthritis of the knee.
One group was fed a diet high in saturated fat, which is known to increase cholesterol levels and promote inflammation in the body. A second group was fed a diet high in omega-6 fats from corn oil, soybean oil, nuts and seeds. The final group was fed a diet high in omega-3 fats from flaxseed and fish oil.
Mice that had diets high in saturated fat or omega-6 experienced worsening of their arthritis while those fed omega-3 fats had healthier joints. The omega-3 fats did not reverse the joint damage but they did slow the progression of the arthritis.
Source: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
