Sugar Is Crucial for Immunity: 2 Kinds Boost Immunity and Help You Live Longer

B-cell white blood cell, type of lymphocyte produce antibody molecules. B cell is humoral immunity component of the immune system producing antibodies, protect against pathogens: bacteria, viruses. By Corona Borealis Studio/Shutterstock

Nowadays, the concept of a low sugar and no-sugar diet is very popular. Many people are beginning to pay attention to reducing sugar intake in their diet, and are even implementing a “zero sugar” diet to some extent.

However, a recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that sugar is important for the body’s immune function, and sugar plays a decisive role in the activation of immune cells. When the body has the right amount of sugar, immunity can be activated.

Immune Cells Need Sugar to Obtain the Strength to Fight

Many of our immune cells live in the lymph nodes, and the energy in the lymph nodes is sufficient for their function. “It’s as if the lymph nodes are filled with lunch boxes. These cells can be permanently filled with energy, and even grab a box to go when they leave the lymph nodes to circulate through the body,” said the head of the study, Associate Professor Marc Veldhoen of the Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes (IMM).