Apple a day may well keep doctor at bay

THE old adage that an apple a day keeps the doctor away may well have some truth in it.

Scientists have discovered that apple peel contains a muscle-pumping ingredient that might form the basis of new treatments to keep people in shape.

The waxy substance, ursolic acid, has been shown to promote muscle growth and reduce wasting in mice. It also reduced levels of fat, blood sugar, and cholesterol. Scientists believe the compound could be used to treat muscle wasting and possibly metabolic disorders such as diabetes. But whether enough is consumed as part of a normal human diet to be beneficial is not yet known.

Study leader Dr Christopher Adams, from the University of Iowa in the US, said: "Muscle wasting is a frequent companion of illness and ageing. It prolongs hospitalisation, delays recoveries and in some cases prevents people from going back home. It isn't well understood and there is no medicine for it."

The research is published in the journal Cell Metabolism. Dr Adams, who now hopes to study ursolic acid in human trials, believes the compound may be responsible for some of the benefits of healthy eating.

"We know if you eat a balanced diet like mom told us to eat, you get this material," he said. "People who eat junk food don't get this."