Muscle loss (or muscle atrophy) is something that can happen to any of us, even when we lead health conscious lives. Recent research has discovered a biological “trigger” for muscle loss , and two compounds that can stop that trigger.
This news means that people who are especially vulnerable to muscle loss, such as the elderly, can now prevent muscle weakness, and may even be able to reverse and treat muscle atrophy with eating simply by eating two delicious and healthy foods.
The age-muscle connection
As our bodies age, they become prone to muscle weakness. Although this is a natural part of the aging process, it can leave people more susceptible to serious injuries, such as broken bones from falling (this could also be the result of bone loss, so be sure to read our article about eating for bone loss ).
Muscles continue to grow bigger and stronger from the time of birth until around the age of 30; people can lose up to 3 to 5 percent of their muscle mass every 10 years after their 30th birthday. After the age of 75, muscle atrophy tends to accelerate.
This weakening of the muscles can make life more difficult and less enjoyable as we reach our older years, as the loss of strength, agility, and stamina can prevent us from doing things like gardening or hiking – even simply walking can become a chore. dangerous when muscle weakness is present.
Although muscle atrophy as we age is natural, a new study has shown that it is not at all necessary. In fact, a simple change in diet can stop muscle loss from occurring or make it worse if it is already underway.
How to treat muscle atrophy with diet
It may surprise you to learn that the key to stopping and even reversing muscle loss lies within two very common fruits: apples and green tomatoes.
Green apples and tomatoes can stop muscle loss
By eating these two fruits every day, you can keep your muscles strong and healthy in the long term, regardless of your age. Who would have thought that a couple of apple slices or a dollop of salsa verde could be so powerful?
How it works: Ursolic acid and tomatidine
A team of researchers from the University of Iowa found that two compounds appear to have an inhibitory effect on ATF4, the genetic transcription factor responsible for age-related muscle wasting: ursolic acid in apple peel , and tomatidine in green tomatoes .
These two substances can act as a switch for the expression of impaired muscle ATF4.
The findings, which were published online in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, could lead to new therapies for age-related muscle weakness and atrophy.
Researchers found that after two months of having ursolic acid and tomatidine added to the diet, significant increases were shown in both muscle mass and muscle strength, mass increasing by 10 percent, and strength increasing in 30 percent.
An apple a day could really keep the doctor away
This latest research, which will continue to do human trials, could soon lead to new supplements on the market, but why wait when you can get the same benefits from eating fresh, raw fruit?
Apples are tasty and healthy, and green tomatoes are a delicious treat.
Eat an apple a day and a green tomato, too. They can be eaten raw in salads to add tangy flavor and crunchy texture and strengthen your muscles against senile atrophy by turning off the ATF4 button.
Your best option is to buy organic apples or disinfect them very well with natural and effective ingredients, you can read our article: How to naturally disinfect fruits and vegetables . Another option is that, alternatively, you can grow them yourself. We also invite you to read our article: 5 simple steps to grow apple seeds.