Also fat Useful Protect the Body from Infection

Fat in the body is always associated with weight loss. In fact, not all fats are bad for health. Based on research in the United States, the layer of fat under the skin it helps protect against bacterial infection.

Professor Richard Gallo, from the UC San Diego School of Medicine, found that the fat cells under the skin, known as adipocyte cells capable of fighting bacteria. The fat cells are known to produce a molecule called antimicrobial peptides. This peptide that acts to help fend off and fight bacteria and other pathogens.

In fact, according to Gallo, the study also showed that fat cells can produce antimicrobial almost as much as the white blood cells called neutrophils.

"It was totally unexpected. The previously unknown that adipocytes can produce antimicrobial, let alone could produce nearly as much as neutrophils," Gallo said as quoted from LiveScience.com.

In the study, researchers used mice that teinfeksi bacteria methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This type of bacteria commonly found on human skin and is resistant to some antibiotics. These bacteria make cuts and make the infection harder to treat.

The results showed that fat cells can be faster than the fight against bacteria and white blood cells such as neutrophils. It takes time for the white blood cells reach the skin wound. Meanwhile, the fat cells under the skin directly on the skin around the wound.

The study, published in the journal Science also shows that mice lacking the fat cells under the skin to infection more often. However, that does not mean the more fat in the body will provide more protection against infection.

If you are obese, can lead to insulin resistance which makes fat cells do not function properly. Resistance insulis actually reduce a person's immunity to infection.