Quercetin is a flavonoid, a natural pigment present abundantly in many fruits, vegetables, and red wine. It’s anti-inflammatory, and antioxidants help to prevent several diseases. Quercetin is known to control blood sugar, help reduce swelling, kill cancer tissues, and prevent bladder infections and heart diseases. Humans cannot make Quercetin in their bodies. Hence, they take it in supplements or add fruits, vegetables, and plants containing the natural pigment in their diet as it functions as antioxidants within the body. Antioxidants bind and neutralize free radicals. When free radical levels are high, they cause cellular damage, linked to several chronic diseases. In addition to this, the antioxidant properties in Quercetin help to reduce inflammations and allergies.
Benefits of Quercetin
Protect from free radicals
Quercetin has antioxidant properties and is powerful than Vitamin C, Vitamin E properties. Antioxidants protect our body from free radicals, which are unstable molecules that increase the risk of infections. The mechanical life we are living in today and stress factors contribute to more radicals, including pollution, smoking, drinking, radiation, and chemical toxins.
Decreases inflammations
Inflammations help our body heal from infections, but persistent or chronic inflammations tend to be harmful and contribute to serious health issues, including cancer, heart and kidney diseases. Research studies claim that in male athletes, Quercetin lowers inflammations, showing anti-arthritis properties. But it did not prove to be positive in females with rheumatoid arthritis.
Lowers down the cancer risk
Quercetin is rich in antioxidants, hence may contain anti-cancerous properties that help prevent the risk of cancer. Research studies have shown that intake of foods rich in Quercetin help to prevent the spread of tumor cells, reducing the risk of many types of cancer. Though test tube and animal studies are promising with proven results of Quercetin suppressing the cell growth of cancer cells in the liver, lung, breast, prostate, colon, blood, and adrenal, human studies are required to recommend Quercetin as a medication for cancer.
Prevent neurological disorders
Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s occurs by oxidative stress when there is an imbalance in free radicals. Quercetin‘s antioxidants properties help fight oxidative stress caused by free radicals. The research studies on rat quercetin lower oxidative stress and prevent the toxic effect of metals on the nervous system.
Ease Allergies
The anti-inflammatory properties of Quercetin may provide relief to allergic symptoms. Test tube research studies on animals found that Quercetin suppresses the enzymes involved in inflammations. In addition, studies on rats and mice proved that the supplement stopped the peanut-related anaphylactic reactions when given. Yet, research studies are in progress to recommend the medicine as an anti-allergic medication to confirm that the compound has the same effect on humans as that on mice.
Prevents bacterial and viral infections
The anti-bacterial properties of Quercetin are effective against the bacteria types that cause infections in the stomach, intestines, skin, respiratory and urinary. In addition, Quercetin with other flavonoids prevents viral infections caused by adenovirus, herpes simplex, and Japanese encephalitis.
Controls blood pressure
Quercetin supplements work as a great way of controlling blood pressure. Research studies showed that 150mg of Quercetin per day decreases the harmful cholesterol levels in the blood, thereby reducing systolic blood pressure. Although the studies are impressive, more studies on human studies are required for prescribing Quercetin actively for controlling high blood pressure levels.
Generally, Quercetin is safe as a supplement with little or no side effects. However, its interactions with other medications are alarming factors for pregnant, breastfeeding women, and people with chronic diseases. Therefore, it is advisable to talk to the doctor before using the supplements.
