Quercetin

A phytochemical, quercetin is a plant pigment and is produced by the Flavonoids in a plant. It is found in many plants like apples, berries, onions, kale, tomatoes, broccoli and red wine, green tea, buckwheat tea and black tea. Quercetin is water soluble and it lends certain fruits, flowers and vegetables their color.

Quercetin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties useful for the body. These antioxidants fight against the free radicals that cause damage to the cell. It works as an anti-inflammatory substance by stabilizing the cells that release histamine in the body. Thus it is mainly used to reduce inflammation of the prostate. It is also used to increase endurance and perk up athletic performance. Quercetin can be obtained from citrus fruits and apples and vegetables like onions, parsley and sage. Olive oil, grapes, dark cherries and dark berries are filled with the goodness of quercetin.

What quercetin does ?

Quercetin is a natural anti-histamine, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It boosts the immune system and increases mitochondria in the muscle and brain. Quercetin is used for treating certain conditions:

• Atherosclerosis
  
• High cholesterol
  
• High blood pressure
  
• Heart diseases
  
• Diabetes
  
• Peptic ulcer
  
• Schizophrenia
  
• Asthma
  
• Gout
  
• Viral infections
  
• Prevents infections of the prostate
  
• Prevents cancer.
  

Quercetin is generally considered safe if used for a short term, when consumed orally. It is also safe when appropriate amount is given intravenously. Pregnant and lactating mothers must their doctors before using quercetin, though it is generally not recommended. Quercetin may cause headache and tingling sensation in the arms and legs. Very high doses might cause kidney damage. People using blood thinning drugs, chemotherapy, liver drugs and drugs for certain other medical conditions should not use quercetin.

Quercetin

Quercetin is not a nutrient but a flavonol, a sub-class of Flavonoids. Anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-carcinogenic and cardio-protective properties of Quercetin help in fighting diseases and improve over all well-being. It helps to get rid of damaging free radical molecules. It inhibits the formation of LDL cholesterol and various enzymes that cause inflammation in the body.

Role of Quercetin

The anti-histamine properties of Quercetin play a vital role in fighting allergies, specifically seasonal allergies (pollen, mold or dust). Quercetin inhibits histamine, (the chemical released by the immune system to trigger an allergic reaction) release from immune cells and helps reduce itching red eyes, runny nose and scratchy throat. Quercetin is beneficial to people with interstitial cystitis, high blood pressure, prostatitis. Quercetin also inhibits tumor growth.

Research indicates positive use of Quercetin in treating cellular damage in brain cells. Lesser damage to cellular proteins and DNA cells have been confirmed. By improving the strength of capillaries, Quercetin helps alleviate bruises, edema, varicose veins and fragile capillaries. A study on healthy but un-trained exercisers suggested that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Quercetin help boost endurance capacity as well as maximal oxygen capacity. Headache and stomach ache are common side effects. High dosage can however lead to complications. The most common of the Quercetin side effect is heartburn that occurs soon after taking a large dose. Acid reflux may also occur.