About Quercetin
Quercetin not only acts as an Anti-histamine and Anti-inflammatory, but it has also been found to help protect against heart disease and cancer.
What Is Quercetin
Quercetin belongs to a group of flavonoids that are present in many fruits, leaves, flowers, and vegetables Dietary Sources of quercetin include particularly citrus fruits, apples, onions, parsley, sage, tea, and red wine. Olive oil, grapes, dark cherries, and dark berries are also high in flavonoids, including quercetin.
These molecules are antioxidants; they scavenge damaging particles in the body known as free radicals generated during oxidative metabolism, which damage cell membranes, tamper with DNA, and even cause cell death. They also inhibit LDL ("bad") cholesterol from oxidation, which may contribute to heart disease.
The Many Benefits Of Quercetin
Quercetin acts like an anti-histamine and an anti-inflammatory, and may help protect against heart disease and cancer. Quercetin blocks histamine release from mast cells and may reduce symptoms of allergies (runny nose, watery eyes, hives and swelling), hay fever and hives. Studies have indicated that quercetin reduces blood pressure in people who have hypertension. Some preliminary evidence indicates that quercetin might reduce symptoms of prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate).
Quercetin, and other flavonoids are considered important in cancer prevention. People who eat more fruits and vegetables tend to have lower risk of some types of cancer. Quercetin and other flavonoids have been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells from breast, colon, prostate, ovarian, endometrial, and lung tumors. Frequent intake of quercetin rich foods is associated with lower lung cancer risk, for example, in smokers.
Recommended Dosages Of Quercetin
Recommended adult dosages of quercetin vary depending on the condition being treated as well as on combination with other flavonoids (apigenin, luteolin, rutin, EGCG and the like) .
Quercetin is generally considered safe at doses less than 200 mg. Quercetin may have possible interaction with anticoagulants (bloodthinners) such as warfarin and plavix enhancing their effect and thus causing increased risk for bleeding. Quercetin may enhance the effect of chemotherapeutic agents doxorubicin and cisplatin.
1 study found that organic tomatoes had 79% more Quercetin than non-organically grown tomatoes![source]