Superfoods like green tea, red wine, blueberries, and kale have one thing in common, i.e., quercetin. This natural compound is key to longevity, a healthy heart, and strong immunity.
Dozens of studies have concluded its anti-cancerous, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. This potent antioxidant is present in deeply-colored fruits and veggies abundant with nutrients.
Although people can acquire it from a healthy and varied diet, it can also be taken in supplement form for stronger effects. Below, learn more about the best health advantages of consuming quercetin.
The Healing Properties of Quercetin
- Helps with allergies
Quercetin is considered a natural antihistamine and an anti-inflammatory agent and it may be of aid for reducing the symptoms of seasonal and food allergies, according to studies done with lab animals.
Quercetin is believed to work by balancing the release of histamines from some immune cells and results in relieving symptoms like watery eyes, runny nose, coughing, hives, swollen tongue, and indigestion.
- Reduces ache
Quercetin may be of aid in reducing ache from autoimmune conditions such as arthritis and prostate and respiratory infections.
According to several smaller-scale studies, people with bladder aches due to infections experienced relief from the symptoms when they took quercetin supplements.
- Reduces inflammation
Flavonoids like quercetin have anti-inflammatory properties because of their antioxidant effects. Quercetin, therefore, lowers the damage caused by free radicals that contribute to cell mutations and promote the death of healthy cells.
It will also lower the expression of inflammatory genes like interleukin. According to research, inflammation is the root of most illnesses, including cancer, heart illness, and autoimmune disease.
Quercetin is used in the fight against high cholesterol, ulcers, atherosclerosis, gout, viral infections, prostate infections, skin disorders, allergies, etc.
- Good for the cardiovascular health
Quercetin has the power to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress and can therefore be of aid in improving cardiovascular health.
Consuming deeply colored veggies and fruits abundant with flavonoids has been associated with a lower risk of heart disease. Moreover, quercetin has also been associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity, two of the contributing factors to heart illness.
Moreover, some types of flavonoids like quercetin and catechins can lower the risk of atherosclerosis, a condition caused by arterial plaque buildup.
Antioxidants also prevent bad cholesterol and balance blood pressure.
- May be of aid in the fight against cancer
In a study done by the Boston University School of Medicine, it was discovered that a diet rich in nutrients, including quercetin and other antioxidants, helped reduce the risk of cancer.
What’s more, quercetin showed chemo-preventive activity and may have an antiproliferative effect on cancerous cells.
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