Ursolic acid, a waxy substance found in apple peels, may be a simple way to boost your metabolism and promote muscle growth. Studies at the University of Iowa have shown that ursolic acid can have a significant effect on metabolism, helping not just with weight loss but potentially reducing the risk of developing fatty liver disease.
Ursolic Acid and Its Effects on Metabolism
One of the reasons ursolic acid is so interesting is because it helps encourage the growth of new muscle tissue. “From previous work, we knew that ursolic acid increases muscle mass and strength in (lab animals), which is important because it might suggest a potential therapy for muscle wasting,” says researcher Christopher Adams. “In this study, we tested ursolic acid in (animals) on a high-fat diet — a mouse model of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Once again, ursolic acid increased skeletal muscle. Interestingly, it also reduced obesity, pre-diabetes, and fatty liver disease.”
This unexpected increase in muscle tissue could be what helps make ursolic acid such a powerful weight-loss aid. Since muscle is incredibly effective at burning calories, the increased muscle mass seen in the ursolic acid-treated mice could explain how the substance helps reduce obesity. But that’s not the only intriguing aspect of ursolic acid’s effects on the body.
Ursolic Acid and Brown Fat
In addition to its impact on muscle growth, ursolic acid also appears to increase the amount of brown fat in the body. Brown fat, as opposed to the more familiar white fat, functions differently and has some surprising benefits. Brown fat’s primary purpose is to generate heat by burning calories, which is why it’s often referred to as “good” fat. When brown fat is activated, it can burn off several hundred calories per day, making it an incredibly effective calorie burner.
The increase in brown fat seen in the ursolic acid-treated mice was surprising to researchers but could be another reason for its ability to protect against obesity. Of course, it’s essential to note that these findings are based on lab studies, and more research would be necessary to fully understand the implications for human use.
Other Health Benefits of Ursolic Acid
The potential advantages of ursolic acid extend beyond boosting metabolism, increasing muscle tissue, and promoting brown fat. There have been several other studies that have examined the positive effects of ursolic acid on various aspects of health. Some of these benefits include:
- Reducing inflammation: Ursolic acid is a potent anti-inflammatory substance, which means it can help reduce swelling and pain in the body. This could potentially aid individuals struggling with chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease.
- Improving gut health: Research suggests that ursolic acid can help rebalance gut bacteria, improving overall gut health and potentially aiding in digestion.
- Fighting cancer: Ursolic acid has been linked to a reduction in cancer cell growth. While more studies are needed, this preliminary research is promising and could point to a future role for ursolic acid in cancer prevention or treatment.
- Protecting the brain: Recent studies have shown that ursolic acid may have neuroprotective effects, potentially reducing the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Getting More Ursolic Acid in Your Diet
While apple peels are the most well-known source of ursolic acid, there are several other sources. Other fruits and herbs rich in ursolic acid include:
- Cranberries
- Prunes
- Basil
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Lavender
- Peppermint
Incorporating more of these foods into your diet could be an excellent way to boost your metabolism naturally and enjoy the many other health benefits that ursolic acid has to offer.
Final Thoughts
Ursolic acid’s potential impact on metabolism, muscle growth, and brown fat is certainly worth investigating further, as are its other possible health benefits. While more research is needed before ursolic acid can be considered a weight-loss wonder or a health panacea, its presence in tasty fruits and herbs makes it easy to add to your daily diet to reap the potential benefits. As always, it’s important to emphasize a balanced, healthy lifestyle with good nutrition and regular exercise to keep your metabolism in top shape.
