Consumption of apple peels could provide some relief from muscle tissue breakdown in the elderly, according to a new study from researchers at the University of Iowa. The researchers examined the use of apple peels on mice, specifically looking at how it affects a protein called ATF4.
The protein is largely responsible for the breakdown of muscle tissue and researchers have found that compounds in apple peels can significantly reduce levels of the protein.
"Many of us know from our own experiences that muscle weakness and atrophy are big problems as we become older. These problems have a major impact on our quality of life and health," the researchers explained.
"Based on these results, ursolic acid and tomatidine appear to have a lot of potential as tools for dealing with muscle weakness and atrophy during ageing. By reducing ATF4 activity, ursolic acid and tomatidine allow skeletal muscle to recover from effects of ageing."
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