Quercetin
Quercetin has been used as an anti-inflammatory supplement, but one of the more recent and credited claims of Quercetin is its energy boosting properties. Taking a Quercetin supplement can provide a long burst of naturally sustained energy. This is a result of Quercetin naturally increasing the quantity of mitochondria in your cells. Mitochondria are the power source of a single cell, and an influx provides your muscles with extra fuel and extended endurance.
In this video Dr Mark Davis discusses the powerful effects of Quercetin and how much you should take to see results which include anti inflammation properties and boosting of immune system.
Quercetin Guide
Quercetin is a plant based chemical known as a flavanoid. It is naturally found in many natural food sources. It is especially potent in apples, raspberries and the skin of onions. It is now available as a dietary supplement.
Since Quercetin is a flavanoid, it performs an antioxidant function. More and more research is being done to determine how flavanoids, specifically Quercetin, play a role in the prevention of cardiovascular illnesses, as well as cancer. It may also aid in improving respiratory function and reducing allergy symptoms.
Quercetin can be taken in tablet form or from FRS, which can be easily dissolved in water or juice. While Quercetin is a natural substance, it should only be used as recommended. When taking any with any dietary supplements, it’s best to stick with the specified daily dose, indicated on the manufacturer and consult your doctor before you increase your intake.
The Benefits of Quercetin
Quercetin is a naturally occurring flavonoid that is obtained from plants. A flavonoid is a kind of phytochemical of which there are more than 10 different subclasses. The primary sources for quercetin can be found in foods such as apples and onions, with other foods having less concentration such as berries, red grapes, broccoli, and citrus fruits. It is also available as a nutritional supplement, and you can find it widely available in many drugstores. Quercetin is digested and absorbed by the smaller intestine and colon where it conjugates with glucuronic acid. At this point, it becomes bound to albumin and gets passed on to the liver. Research has found that there are many benefits of quercetin in the body.
Because flavonoids such as quercetin are not produced in our bodies, we can only obtain it by eating certain types of food that contain it, or through nutritional supplements added to our diet. Researchers showed that quercetin has many benefits and can help treat people with many conditions such as eczema, hives, asthma, hay fever and allergies. Other more serious conditions include pancreatitis and prostatitis.
Let us look at a few examples where quercetin can be beneficial:
In cases such as allergic rhinitis, or more commonly known as hay fever, there is an inflammation of the nasal airways. This can start when an allergen, which can be anything from pollen, dust, animal hair or any other kind of particle, gets inhaled by someone that has a immune system which is sensitized. This will trigger the production of antibodies, which will bind with mast cells and basophils. These cells contain histamine, which they release when they come into contact with an allergen. Swelling, itching and the production of mucus will occur as a result of this. The severity of these symptoms will be different for each person. In some cases, individuals who are extremely sensitive can develop hives and other types of rashes. Quercetin can help prevent allergies by inhibiting certain enzymes such as lipoxygenase or other inflammatory mediators through its direct antioxidant action. It has also shown that it can inhibit mast cells and basophils from releasing histamine, which cause congestion. People who have a high intake of foods rich in quercetin such as apples, are at a reduced risk from particular respiratory diseases such as bronchitis or asthma. Studies have shown that individuals who may be suffering from increased levels of inflammation, or who have what is known as oxidative stress, might find it beneficial to implement quercetin supplements
A quercetin supplement can help in those people that suffer from atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis occurs when fatty materials or plaque buildup in the artery. This occurs when free radicals oxidize molecules known as low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Contact between oxidized LDL molecules will cause damage to the artery wall, which will set off a series of reactions. These reactions will try to repair the damaged artery wall. In order for the LDL molecule to carry cholesterol from the body, it has a hollow core and a globular shape. This is the only way that cholesterol can move inside the bloodstream. In response to the damaged artery wall, specialized white blood cells will absorb the oxidized LDL molecules. Unable to process the oxidized LDLs, the white blood cells grow and then rupture, causing even more oxidized cholesterol deposits. This creates a vicious cycle whereby the immune system once again sends more white blood cells, only for them to keep rupturing.
As the buildup of plaque continues, the muscle cells enlarge and a hard cover is formed over the plaque buildup. This results in a decrease in blood flow and an increase in blood pressure due to the narrowing of the artery by the hard cover. In this case, quercetin can be beneficial by helping to reduce the amount of plaque that builds up in the arteries, which can lead to heart attacks or strokes. Furthermore, the study showed that death from heart disease could be reduced, as the flavonoid showed signs that it could protect against damaged artery walls that is caused by oxidized LDLs. It can also help to reduce high blood pressure that occurs as a result of the narrowing artery.
Aldose Reductase is a type of enzyme that converts glucose found in the blood into sorbitol. In the case of individuals with diabetes, it is believed that this conversion is what leads to the complications often associated in diabetes. Some of the problems that may arise from this may include heart disease, kidney failure or painful neuropathy. Since the enzyme is also found in other parts of the body such as the eye, it will explain why the loss of vision is sometimes accompanied in diabetes. If the retinal, Schwann and eye lens cell have a high quantity of sorbitol trapped in them, they will get damaged and this will lead to the individual developing retinopathy, or if it is the Schwann cells, they will develop peripheral neuropathy, and with the eye lens cells, cataracts.
These complications and secondary problems found in diabetes may be better controlled through the use of quercetin. This is because research has shown that when quercetin is used, it can inhibit the aldose reductase enzyme from converting glucose to sorbitol. Some studies have suggested that those patients who eat foods rich in quercetin, such as apples and onions, may be able to benefit from it. However, these foods will contain only small amounts and would require the consumption of greater amounts. Alternatively, the use of nutritional supplements that contain quercetin can be utilized as part of a supplementary diet. Since quercetin is one of the major bioflavonoids found in foods throughout the world, studies have shown that diets with bioflavonoids have seen a reduced amount of coronary heart disease and other ailments.
As with all supplements, it is advisable to consult your local doctor before you start to add quercetin supplements to your diet. While quercetin has shown to be very beneficial, it may have adverse effects based on an individualís health, or if they are taking other medications. That is all you need to know about quercetin.
