You are probably aware of what an apple a day keeps away, but did you know that a compound found in apples may also prevent muscle weakening in individuals who spend prolonged periods in bed recovering from illnesses or injuries?

A recent study published in the journal Cell Metabolism stated as much, since experiments with laboratory mice found that substance, known as ursolic acid, prevented muscular atrophy. Researchers noted that if this effect holds true in humans, then the compound may be useful in helping individuals stay healthy through a period of hospitalization.

Scientists associated with the University of Iowa began by analyzing which genes change their expression in response to physical inactivity. For their study, the team pored over more than 1,300 promising substances before selecting ursolic acid as the likeliest candidate for reducing the severity of muscular wasting.

They found that immoblized mice tended to lose less muscle mass when given the compound, and normal mice gained some muscle mass when ursolic acid was added to their diet.

Likewise, those given the apple-derived substance became slightly leaner and displayed reductions in their blood glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol levels.

Besides in the fruit itself, ursolic acid and other beneficial compounds, like antioxidants, may be found in herbal supplements that are made with apple peels.