According to new research, boozing can lessen the risks of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

The research group from Sheffield University discovered that people with rheumatoid arthritis, who said that they consumed alcohol on over ten days during the last month showed less damage to their joints, less swelling, less pain, puffiness and impairment as compared to those who never boozed alcohol.

The discoveries showed that alcohol lessens the body's immune response, dampening down symptoms.

People who had alcohol on over ten days a month were four times less likely to have the disease as compared to those who never boozed.

Study's lead author Dr. James Maxwell, a consultant rheumatologist at the Rotherham Foundation NHS Trust and Sheffield University, stated, "There is some evidence to show that alcohol suppresses the activity of the immune system, and that this may influence the pathways by which RA develops."

"We do know that the changes in the immune system that lead to RA happen months and maybe even years before the arthritis actually develops. Once someone has developed RA, it's possible that the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of alcohol may play a role in reducing the severity of symptoms," Dr. James added. (With Inputs from Agencies)