Mice can keep their muscles stronger by eating apple peels. At least that’s the conclusion from a study conducted at the University of Iowa. Remember the old saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” There’s new evidence to suggest that ursolic acid in apple peels can promote muscle growth. It may also lower cholesterol, triglycerides and help control blood sugar levels. In this study, mice were fed diets high in ursolic acid. They were exposed to nerve damage or a low-calorie diet, both of which lead to muscle atrophy.
The mice getting ursolic acid were protected from muscle wasting. Healthy mice had stronger muscles after getting this nutrient in their diets. Interestingly, although their muscles were stronger, they did not gain body fat, suggesting that ursolic acid is specific for muscle. Before anyone rushes out to find ursolic acid supplements, though, there will have to be human clinical trials to see if works the same way in people as in mice. In the meantime, though, it can’t hurt to eat an apple a day.
