Apple peel compound increases “brown fat” deposits in mice.
To peel or not to peel the apple? Research from the University of Iowa, USA suggests that a natural substance found in the peel of apples can partially protect mice fed a high-fat diet from obesity, pre-diabetes, and fatty liver disease. This substance, ursolic acid, contributes to the waxy coats on apples and many herbs. The investigators were surprised to discover that ursolic acid increases “brown fat,” a type of fat that actually burns calories. Further research is necessary to determine if the same phenomenon occurs in humans.
Eat the apple and the peel for good health.
Fred Hardinge DrPH, RD
Source: PositiveChoices.com. Used with permission.