Study: Apple a day may keep colitis at bay

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BETHESDA, Md., Nov. 30 (UPI) -- U.S. researchers say anti-inflammatory polyphenols in apple peels could lead to treatments for disorders related to bowel inflammation, such as colitis.

The findings, published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology, suggest antioxidants in apple peels can suppress T cell activation in mice.

"Our results show that a natural product found in apple peels can suppress colonic inflammation by antagonizing inflammatory T cells to enhance resistance against autoimmune disease," said David W. Pascual, a researcher involved in the work from the Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases at Montana State University.

"It appears that the old adage rings true in more ways than one," John Wherry, deputy editor of the Journal of Leukocyte Biology, said Wednesday in a release. "In addition to the obvious health benefits of the nutrients and fiber in fruits and vegetables, this study indicates that even something as relatively common as the apple contains other healthy ingredients that can have serious therapeutic value."