What Is Quercetin?
Quercetin is a natural pigment present in many fruits, vegetables, and grains.
It’s one of the most abundant antioxidants in the diet and plays an important role in helping your body combat free radical damage, which is linked to chronic diseases.
It is a flavonol, which is a sub-category of flavonoids. Flavonoids are a particular chemical in plants, called phytonutrients, and have a wide range of health benefits.
Humans cannot make quercetin in their body, but many fruits, vegetables, and drinks contain it.
Foods and drinks that contain quercetin include:
grapes
berries
cherries
apples
citrus fruits
onions
buckwheat
broccoli
kale
tomatoes
red wine
black tea
Quercetin is also present in herbal remedies, such as ginkgo biloba and St John’s wort. People can also take quercetin as a supplement. It is one of the most common and well-researched flavonoids.
People take this supplement for several reasons, including to boost immunity, fight inflammation, combat allergies, aid exercise performance, and maintain general health.
8 Health Benefits of Quercetin
Possible health benefits of quercetin include:
1. Fighting free radicals
Quercetin has antioxidant properties.
Antioxidants work to protect the body from free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules in the body that can increase the risk of disease and quicken aging.
2. Reducing inflammation
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to stress and injuries and usually helps the body heal. However, chronic inflammation can be harmful to the body and may contribute to certain health conditions.
3. Reducing the risk of cancer
Quercetin may contain anticancer properties that might help prevent the spread of cancerous cells and tumor growth.
4. Preventing neurological diseases
Quercetin may help to prevent neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.
5. Relieving allergy symptoms
Research suggests that quercetin might be an effective antihistamine, as it restricts histamine from being released from cells.
6. Preventing infections
Quercetin has antibacterial properties, which are effective against almost all types of bacteria.
7. Reducing the risk of heart disease
Diet plays an essential role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart disease and strokes. Because fruit and vegetables contain flavonoids, eating more of them can reduce the risk of these diseases.
8. Lowering high blood pressure
taking quercetin supplements could be an effective way to reduce blood pressure.
The bottom line
Quercetin is the most abundant dietary flavonoid.
It has been linked to improved exercise performance and reduced inflammation, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. Plus, it may have brain-protective, anti-allergy, and anticancer properties.
Though its benefits seem promising, more human research is needed.