Compound in common fruits may improve muscle fat metabolism, study finds

A natural compound found in blueberries and grapes may help muscle cells break down stored fat, new research suggests. In laboratory experiments conducted in Japan, researchers found that the compound, called pterostilbene, reduced fat accumulation in cultured mouse muscle cells. Pterostilbene is a naturally occurring antioxidant found in blueberries, grapes and other types of berries. While previous research linked it to metabolic benefits, little was known about how it could affect skeletal muscle. POPULAR SUMMER FRUIT HAS AN EDIBLE PART MOST PEOPLE THROW AWAY, USDA REVEALS The new findings, published Sept. 1 in the journal Food Bioscience, suggest that pterostilbene reduced abnormal fat buildup by encouraging cells to break down fat already stored in the cells. Fat buildup can result from high-fat diets, inactivity and aging, according to a news release.