Natural compounds found in apple peels and green tomatoes could prevent muscle loss and weakness in old age according to U.S. researchers.
The study showed that ursolic acid found in apple peels and tomatidine found in green tomatoes decreases the activity of the protein ATF4 — which is associated with the depletion of muscle protein synthesis, strength and mass as the body ages, Tech Times reports.
The researchers tested their theory by using groups of older mice. The mice were put on a diet containing either 0.2 per cent ursolic acid or 0.05 per cent tomatidine. Compared to the control group, both sets of mice showed a 10 per cent increase in muscle mass and a 30 per cent increase in muscle strength within the first two months, according to the report published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry.
"Many of us know from our own experiences that muscle weakness and atrophy are big problems as we become older," said Dr. Christopher Adams, the study's corresponding author in a press release.
"These problems have a major impact on our quality of life and health."
Also on HuffPost
