Quercetin much more than allergy support.It is indeed recognised for its role in allergy relief, but its benefits extend far beyond just managing seasonal symptoms.
Quercetin is a potent antioxidant found in many fruits, vegetables, and grains. It helps neutralize free radicals, protecting cells from oxidative damage. It does have bitter taste when consume separately. As a flavonoid—a type of compound abundant in vegetables and fruits—quercetin has a broad spectrum of potential health benefits. Here’s a more detailed look at what research suggests about its capabilities.
Antioxidant Properties: Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant. It helps neutralise free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress and damage cells. This action helps protect the body against various diseases, including some types of cancer.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Inflammation is a natural response by your immune system that can sometimes become chronic. Quercetin has been shown to inhibit inflammation through various pathways, potentially helping manage conditions like arthritis, heart disease, and autoimmune diseases.
Anti-cancer Properties: Quercetin has been studied for its potential anticancer effects, including inhibiting tumours and inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells.
While research is still preliminary, it holds promise as a complement to traditional cancer treatments.
Allergy and Immune Support: Quercetin has been shown to have immune-modulating effects, helping to regulate the immune system's response to infection and inflammation. It can stabilise mast cells, which are cells that release histamine and other chemicals during allergic reactions. By preventing or reducing these releases, quercetin can alleviate symptoms of allergies such as sneezing, itching, congestion as well as asthma, and other respiratory conditions.
Heart Health: Some Studies suggest that quercetin may improve blood vessel function and lower blood pressure. Additionally, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects may help reduce heart disease risk factors by improving heart health markers.
Neuroprotective Effects: There’s growing evidence that quercetin can benefit brain health by protecting against neurotoxicity and inflammation. It might also help in reducing the risk and the management of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Exercise Performance and recovery: Some research suggests that Quercetin may improve exercise performance and endurance by increasing mitochondrial biogenesis and improving oxygen utilisation. It might also aid in recovery by reducing post exercise muscle inflammation and pain.
Skin Health: Quercetin may help protect the skin from UV damage and reduce inflammation, making it beneficial for skin health.
Anti-viral and Anti-bacterial Properties: Preliminary studies suggest that quercetin may inhibit various types of viruses and bacteria, making it a topic of interest for researchers, especially in the context of emerging infectious diseases. Still more research is needed in this area.
Blood Sugar Regulation: Quercetin may help regulate blood sugar levels, which can be beneficial for people with diabetes or at risk of developing diabetes.
Eye Health: Quercetin may help protect the eyes from age-related macular degeneration and other eye conditions due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Quercetin is generally considered safe when consumed in food, but high doses from supplements may cause side effects in some people.
As with any supplement, it’s wise to consult with a healthcare provider before starting quercetin, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking other medications.
Despite these promising areas, it’s important to note that many studies on quercetin have been conducted in vitro (in a lab setting) or in animal models, and human research is still needed to confirm these effects. Additionally, how well quercetin is absorbed and utilized by the body can vary, and it’s often taken in supplement form to ensure adequate intake.
