It turns out you were doing your friend a favor when you cupped your hand to your butt, farted, then swiped it into their face. Same with all those times you crop dusted (the act of farting and walking at the same time thus spreading the scent over an expansive area) an unsuspecting crowd at the supermarket. According to a study, the smell of farts, or hydrogen sulfide, can have some incredible health benefits.

The study emanating from Devon, England, states that not only does farting help the farter live longer, but the smell of the farts can quell dementia. In addition to helping people remember your farting around them when they were younger, smelling farts could help with heart disease, diabetes, and even arthritis. The stinkier the better. The scientists say the risk of cancer, heart attacks, and strokes can be reduced by simply farting.

This is thanks to the ecosystem in our bowels. When you fart, you’re helping yourself out:

“When cells become stressed by disease, they draw in enzymes to generate minute quantities of hydrogen sulfide. This keeps the mitochondria ticking over and allows cells to live. If this doesn’t happen, the cells die and lose the ability to regulate survival and control inflammation.

Researcher Dr. Mark Wood gives the key quote for you to repeat to anyone in the vicinity of your gas passing (if they have a problem with it ((they shouldn’t if they keep up on their #Science)):

“Although hydrogen sulfide is well known as a pungent, foul-smelling gas in rotten eggs and flatulence, it is naturally produced in the body and could in fact be a healthcare hero with significant implications for future therapies for a variety of diseases.”

This stuff should be bottled.

(Via Plymouth Herald)

