Quercetin is a pigment found in various plants and foods. It offers several health benefits. The effects of quercetin vary. It has anti-inflammatory properties and may support against allergy symptoms, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, oxidative stress, high blood pressure and disease risk.
The pigment is found in several food products. But if you are not getting enough quercetin in your diet, you may choose to take it in supplemental form. Here are a few reasons why take a quercetin supplement.
Why Take a Quercetin Supplement?
You Aren’t Getting Enough in Your Diet
Sources of quercetin include:
- Yellow and Green Peppers
- Red and White Onions
- Capers
- Green and Black Tea
- Wine
- Tomatoes
- Red apples
- Red grapes red leaf lettuce
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Cranberries
- Broccoli
- Kale
- Red leaf lettuce
- Shallots
- Cooked asparagus
- Citrus fruits
- Ginkgo biloba
If you are not getting enough quercetin in your diet, consider adding a supplement. Your quercetin intake will depend on your unique health needs.
You Wish to Reduce the Risk of Age-Related Disease
Quercetin has antioxidant characteristics that protect against aging. It can reduce inflammation and the risk of age-related diseases like cancer and diabetes. It also crosses the brain barrier easily to protect against neurodegeneration.
You Have Allergies
Test tube studies have established quercetin’s ability to protect immune cells from histamines which are chemicals that cause allergic reactions. Researchers believe the supplement can reduce allergy symptoms like runny nose, watery eyes, hives, and swelling. More research is needed to determine whether it can treat allergy symptoms in humans.
You are Prone to Heart Disease
Various studies have indicated that quercetin and other flavonoids found in red wine can reduce the risk of plaque buildup in the arteries that can lead to a stroke or heart attack. They may protect against bad cholesterol to prevent heart disease. Further studies may establish quercetin’s ability to reduce heart disease risk.
You Have High Cholesterol
Quercetin can help with high cholesterol in two ways. It protects the body against damage due to high cholesterol. Research also reveals that people who eat a high-quercetin diet are less prone to high cholesterol.
You are at Risk for Cancer
Flavonoids such as quercetin are known to potentially reduce cancer risk. They may inhibit the growth of breast, colon, prostate, lung, endometrial, and ovarian cancer cells. One study revealed that the pigment may be even more effective than resveratrol in inhibiting tumor growth. However, more clinical research is needed.
You Have Interstitial Cystitis
Interstitial cystitis is an inflamed or irritated bladder wall. Two small studies revealed quercetin may reduce interstitial cystitis symptoms. However, the study combined quercetin with other flavonoids. It is unclear which provided the most benefits.
You Have Prostatitis
Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate. It is a temporary condition, but it can be extremely painful. Quercetin may reduce prostatitis symptoms.
You Have Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Studies reveal that RA sufferers who switch to a plant-based diet that is high in quercetin and other antioxidants experience fewer symptoms. However, there is no evidence that the positive effects were due to quercetin or the other antioxidants that were consumed.
Quercetin reduces the risk of several diseases and their associated symptoms. If you aren’t getting enough quercetin in your diet, consider taking a dietary supplement. Its antioxidant properties may help improve your quality of life and boost your general health.
For best results, choose a quercetin phytosome supplement that is highly bioavailable. Source your supplement from a trusted brand with positive online reviews.
Talk with your healthcare provider if you’re worried about potential side effects, and avoid it if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Good luck reaching your wellness goals.
For more information, read about our recommendations on the best quercetin supplement. Good luck reaching your wellness goals.
