Fat cells are the nemesis of bodybuilders and other health-conscious people the world over. Most folks want to reduce the size of their fat cells or get rid of them all together.  However, don’t get too carried away in your quest to get rid of all your fat cells. It now appears that fat cells play a vital part in the body’s immune system. Researchers have just found evidence that fat cells respond directly to toxins just like immune cells do.


In this study, published in January 2004 issue of The American Journal of Physiology, pig fat cells responded to infections by producing hormone-like proteins that regulate certain aspects of the body's immune response. This is evidence that fat cells behave like immune cells. The scientists from Purdue University in the U.S. are hoping to further investigate fatty acids, which could help them manipulate the immune response.

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Adipocytes (the scientific term for fat cells), may have a much more important function in our physiology than scientists previously suspected. The findings of this research suggest that we may actually need fat cells to help fight the numerous immunological challenges our bodies face every day and remain healthy. The key to a lean but healthy physique, is to make sure your fat cells don’t accumulate too much fat, but don’t get rid of them.

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Fat cells improve health

by Paul Cribb Ph.D. CSCS. time to read: 1 min