We all are aware that belly fat is related to
serious health issues such as diabetes, heart disease and certain types of
cancer. But a new study has demonstrated that belly fat can be helpful in
repairing tissue and improving your immune system.
There is a fatty membrane, known as the omentum that
lingers from the stomach, which is located in all animals and was recently
perceived to be useless in humans. This membrane aligns the organs located in
the abdomen and plays the role as storage for fat. I understand that belly fat
may seem unnecessary for most of us because of the harmful effects and
unattractiveness but there is a reason why the belly fat is there after all.
This study that revealed the benefits of belly fat
was headed by Makio Iwashima, PhD, associate professor in the Department of
Microbiology and Immunology at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of
Medicine. The omentum cells of mice were studied by researchers to see if the
cells had any effects on the response of the immune system. I speculate that
the omentum cells of mice and humans are similar so that’s why the mice were
used in this particular study.
Researchers were looking to determine if the omentum
cells had any effect on the T-lymphocyte cells. T-cells are a very vital part
of the immune system response, which usually play as the first defense to
harmful bacteria. When T-cells discover bacteria or an infection, the cells
will multiply to fight off the foreign body to protect your immune system. When
the omentum cells where paired up with active and producing T-cells, the
T-lymphocyte cells died rather than multiply. Unfortunately the omentum cells
had no effect on T-cells that were inactive.
According to researchers, omentum cells are utilized
to regulate the body’s response to harmful bacteria and contribute to
suppressing the immune system response. Possibly, in the future, omentum cells may
be an asset to develop new drugs that would suppress the immune system but with
lesser side effects than the immune-suppressing drugs that are currently
available.
The other intriguing aspect of belly fat was its
important role in repairing damaged tissue. Researchers found mesenchymal stem cells,
which are used by the body to regenerate damaged tissue. The stem cells will
journey to the area of the injury to repair damaged tissue which is essential
to wound healing.
Rather than being a problem, belly fat could be very
useful to human survival. It has been discovered by researchers to repair
damaged tissue, help regulate the immune system and heal wounds which are
amazing. In the coming years, belly
fat
may be a selection for new medical treatments for auto-immune diseases and
organ transplants. With that being said, it is still important to eat healthy
and exercise on a daily basis. Even if it’s a quick walk through the park it’s
better than doing nothing at all and a great start. Remember to consult with
your physician before you make any major diet or exercise changes to make sure
it is healthy for you.
