Table of Contents
What is Quercetin?
Quercetin is a flavonoid or a bioflavonoid. Simply put, it is a plant pigment. It can be found in many plants and other foods. Although using quercitrin by itself is not that effective a compound, it is still useful as an anti-inflammatory agent and an anti-oxidant.
It is considered as the most abundant anti-oxidant available to man. You can actually get a good dose of quercetin by eating a balanced diet. Of course, you can also take supplements if you want to.
This flavonoid is also considered as the most researched supplement. It interacts well with other nutrients absorbed by the body. It is also synergistic, often working with other bioflavonoids. It can also help to increase the absorption rates and bioavailability of green tea extracts and resveratrol.
What Plant(s) is Quercetin Extracted From?
Quercetin is sourced from a lot of different plants and food sources. However, fruits as well as vegetables are the most abundant sources. Onions and apples are actually the food sources that have the highest quercetin content.
It should be noted that this flavonoid has a low bioavailability when taken orally. Simply put, there is a low percentage of this compound getting absorbed by the body and its nutritional benefits used.
Some forms of quercetin get changed when it is processed in the liver. Studies also point to the observation in the differences in its effects to people who consume large doses of quercetin, whether live from fruits and veggies or via supplementation.
Another bit of good news is that this bioflavonoid is recognized by various authorities as generally safe for consumption. That means there are no side effects that have been recorded or observed in people who take supplement with quercetin on a daily basis.
Quercetin’s Mechanism of AMPK Activation
AMP-activated protein kinase kinase is activated by quercetin. The mechanism of its activation is via the reduction of PP2C expression. This protects the brain from neurotoxicity that is induced by high cholesterol. Studies suggest that AMPK activated by quercetin may be able to enhance neuron resistance to diseases that are related to age. Click here to read the review.
Effects from Taking Quercetin
Anti-Inflammatory Effect: Quercetin, just like other flavonoids, has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect. This is due to the fact that these compounds act as antioxidants (i.e. they counteract the natural oxidation processes as people grow older).
Free radicals negatively impact the way human cells work. They also damage the cells membranes causing the death of healthy cells and the increase of cell mutation. Anti-oxidants like quercetin act against free raidcals and serve as protection.
Quercetin is used to treat the following conditions that are related to inflammation:
- Dermatitis, hives, and other skin disorders
- Chronic prostate infections
- Cancer
- Cataracts and other eye disorders
- Viral infections
- Inflammation of the ovaries, bladder, and prostate
- Cognitive impairment
- Gout
- Hay fever, asthma, and allergies
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Stomach ulcers
- Diabetes and insulin resistance
- Circulatory problems including heart disease
- High cholesterol levels
- Atherosclerosis
Natural Anti-Histamine: quercetin is a natural histamine blocker. It can be used as a natural treatment against skin reactions, asthma, and food allergies.
The body releases histamines when the immune system detects allergens or any form of sensitivity. Sometimes the release of these chemicals become unstable thus we feel the symptoms related to an allergic reaction.
Quercetin stabilizes the release of these chemicals that come from immune cells. When histamines are blocked, symptoms like swelling in the tongue or lips, hives, runny nose, watery eyes, and cough are reduced.
There is evidence that ancient Chinese herbal formulas included foods rich in quercetin. These herbal formulas were used to treat allergic reactions toward certain foods such as peanuts.
Since quercetin acts as a natural medicine, it can be used to fight allergies. Its effects are comparable to some prescription medication. The big difference is that unlike allergy prescriptions, quercetin has little to no side effects. Click here to see a supporting study.
Support for Heart Health: due to quercetin’s ability to lower oxidative stress as well as react against inflammation, it has been suggested in some studies that it may be used for treating people with disorders of the blood vessels and/or heart problems. Click here to see the review of the said study.
You don’t always have to supplement with quercetin in order to harness its heart healthy benefits. For instance, you can eat plenty of colorful veggies and fruits. They will most likely contain enough flavonoids including quercetin. That will already be beneficial to your health and they may help to lower your risk of cardio vascular diseases. This is especially true for older men and women. Please click here to see the report regarding that study.
Quercetin Recommended Dosage
The optimal dose of quercetin has not been established by the FDA or any health authority for that matter. Actual dosages for each condition that it may be used for has not been established.
In fact there isn’t a recommended daily dose for quercetin, however, dosage requirements may vary from one person to the other depending one’s health condition.
Most people usually get around 5 to 40 mg of quercetin every day, according to estimates. That amount is typically gained from just eating plant food sources. Nevertheless, people who eat a nutrient dense diet usually take in so much more. According to some reports, people who eat a balanced diet or nutrient rich diet can get as much as 500 mg of quercetin each day. Click here to see the report.
It should be noted that quercetin supplements usually have dosages of 500 mg and it is recommended that people take 1 capsules with each meal for a total of 1500mg. All the studies and health benefits that have been found in them are using doses of 900mg+ of quercetin.
Quercetin supplements are available in both capsule and tablet forms. It is usually formulated with other anti-inflammatory enzymes such as bromelain. Other formulations also include anti-allergy compounds.
Make sure to purchase quercetin supplements only from reputable retailers. Choose only the brands from reputable manufacturers. Note that the active ingredient from each supplement brand will vary depending on how each product is formulated.Natur