London, May 9: Consuming one gram of fish oil every day and including spinach in the diet could help reduce the pain of patients with osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis that generally affects the hands, hips and knees.

In the study published in the journal Rheumatology, the researchers examined the link between diet and the effective self-management of osteoarthritis.

Analysing 68 previous studies in the field, they found that a low-dose supplement of fish oil (one and a half standard capsules) could result in pain reduction for patients with osteoarthritis and help improve their cardiovascular health. 

Essential fatty acids in fish oil reduce inflammation in joints, helping to alleviate pain, the study said.

An increase in foods rich in vitamin K such as kale, spinach and parsley was also found to deliver benefits to patients with osteoarthritis. 

Vitamin K is needed for vitamin-K-dependent (VKD) proteins, which are found in bone and cartilage. 

An inadequate intake of the vitamin adversely affects the working of the protein, affecting bone growth and repair and increasing the risk of osteoarthritis.

"The importance of a good diet and regular exercise should never be underestimated. Not only does it keep us fit and healthy, but as we have learned from this study, it can also lessen painful symptoms of osteoarthritis," said study co-author Margaret Rayman, Professor at the University of Surrey in Britain.

"We are what we eat and it is important that we have the right amount of nutrients from our food to ensure that our body systems work as they should," Rayman added. 

The researchers also found that a reduction of weight for overweight and obese patients and the introduction of exercise tailored to mobility could also help ease the symptoms of osteoarthritis. 

Not only does obesity increase strain on joints, it can cause low-grade, systemic inflammation in the body aggravating the condition further.

A calorie restricted diet, combined with strengthening, flexibility and aerobic exercises, was identified as an effective approach in reducing pain in overweight patients.

There is no evidence that a calorie restricted diet does anything beneficial for lean patients with the condition, the study said.

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New Delhi: Virat Kohli's return to the Ranji Trophy after nearly 13 years has generated massive excitement among fans, with thousands gathering outside Arun Jaitley Stadium, chanting "RCB RCB" in support of the star batter. Kohli is playing for Delhi against Railways as part of his preparation for the upcoming Champions Trophy.

The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has allowed free entry for spectators, requiring only an Aadhaar card and a photocopy. Fans have been allocated the Gautam Gambhir Stand, accessible through Gate Nos. 16 and 17, while Gate No. 6 is reserved for DDCA members and guests.

DDCA secretary Ashok Kumar Sharma stated that around 10,000 fans are expected on the first day, with arrangements matching those of an international or IPL match.

Kohli, who last played in the Ranji Trophy in 2012 under Virender Sehwag's captaincy, is looking to regain form. Since 2020, he has scored 2,028 runs in 39 Test matches at an average of 30.72, with just three centuries. In the 2023–25 ICC World Test Championship cycle, he managed 751 runs in 14 matches at an average of 32.65.