According to researchers at Cardiff University, UK, cod liver oil can ease pain of arthritis by mimicking the effects of aspirin. The fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These inhibit a key inflammatory enzyme called cox-2, which is thought to cause much of the swelling and pain in arthritis, say the researches. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin also have this property. Says Bruce Caterson, one of the researchers: "The key now is to find which fish oils works best" (New Scientist, Vol 165, No 2222).