Recent research suggests that apple peel can be extremely beneficial in reducing obesity. Priyanka Singh finds out more
A study done on mice led to the conclusion that the waxy substance found in apple peel increased muscle and brown fat (it’s good!) in mice who were on a high-fat and high-calorie diet. This waxy substance has ursolic acid which is responsible for this increase.
The study made the mice follow a high fat diet and then fed them with an apple peel supplement. It was observed that these mice burned more calories and had reduced obesity levels, diabetes and fatty liver disease than the rest.
It was believed that only infants have brown fat, which disappears as we grow. Studies have shown that there is a link between increased levels of brown fat with lower level of obesity and a healthy level of blood sugar and blood lipid. This observation has led to the conclusion that brown fat maybe helpful in controlling obesity and diabetes. However, a very recent study revealed that adults also retain a small amount of brown fat in the neck and shoulder blades region.
A new research by the University of Iowa researchers showed that a natural substance found in apple peel can protect mice partially from the risk of obesity and some of its harmful effects. The active substance is ursolic acid, which increased the mice’s brown fat and muscle mass — both known for their calorie burning properties.
To put it simply, ursolic acid that is found in apple peels increases your muscle mass, strength, and also augments the brown fat that you have, which in turn may reduce the risk of obesity and diabetes in you. But, we have to wait to see how effective it is for us, because the research is yet to be tested on humans.