IT IS one of the nation’s favourite junk foods – which might not be so bad for you after all.
If prepared with fresh ingredients – like the Italians do it – it can ease the symptoms of a rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a study has found.
GettyEating at least half a pizza once per week can help reduce pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis[/caption]
RA is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system by mistake attacks healthy cells, causing inflammation and painful swelling.
It’s a long-term condition that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints, for which there is currently no cure.
However, early diagnosis and treatment – from exercise to surgery – is vital to prevent long-term damage to the joints.
Scientists from Italy, the birthplace of pizza, discovered that eating at least half a pizza once per week can help reduce pain caused by the disease by up to 80 per cent.
The experts said this was because of the anti-inflammatory properties of some of the fresh ingredients.
“These beneficial effects were likely driven by mozzarella cheese and, to a lesser extent, by olive oil, even though we were unable to assess the possible contribution of tomato sauce,” the researchers wrote.
For the study, which was published in Nutrients, experts analysed the pizza consumption and wider diets of 365 people with RA between the ages of 18 and 65.
Participants who ate ate half a pizza more than once per week reported a reduction in pain, compared to the those who ate two pizzas a month.
While those with more severe forms who the same amount of pizza saw an 80 per cent reduction in pain compared to the group who ate less pizza.
More than 400,000 adults in the UK have RA according to the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society.
Medicines such a steroids and physiotherapy are the main forms of treatment for the condition.
According to the NHS, there’s no strong evidence to suggest that specific dietary changes can improve RA.
Although some people with the disease feel their symptoms get worse after they have eaten certain foods.
The NHS recommends sufferers follow an anti-inflammatory Mediterranean-style diet, which includes vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, beans, cereals, grains, fish and unsaturated fats such as olive oil.
Studies suggest the colourful diet can also lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.
What are the signs of arthritis?
Symptoms of arthritis can vary depending on the type you have, and can affect anyone of any age.
It is important to see your doctor and get an accurate diagnosis if you have:
Joint pain, tenderness and stiffness
Inflammation in and around the joints
Restricted movement of the joints
Warm, red skin over the affected joint
Weakness and muscle wasting