According to new research, the seemingly useless organ known as the appendix may actually have a purpose after all. Despite the fact that people who have their appendix removed have no noticeable changes in health, the appendix does appear to have a higher purpose – as a place to protect good bacteria in the gut.

“That way, when the gut is affected by a bout of diarrhea or other illness
that cleans out the intestines, the good bacteria in the appendix can
repopulate the digestive system and keep you healthy.

But in a modern society less of these good bacteria are needed due to better
hygiene practices, which may explain why the appendix has gained a reputation
as a useless organ.”

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