No Question About Quercetin
Quercetin is one of the most abundant chemical compounds in fruits and vegetables. Quercetin is an important member of a large group of plant compounds called flavonoids. Flavonoids have potent antioxidant properties, but also have recently been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antihistamine effects. Foods particularly high in quercetin include apples, onions, parsley, purple grape juice and tea.
As we study the therapeutic uses of quercetin, we quickly realize why God spread it so widely throughout the plant kingdom. Quercetin helps to alleviate allergy symptoms. Studies show it inhibits the release of histamines from certain types of red blood cells and thus functions as a mild antihistamine.
Quercetin and other flavonoid cousins can also promote insulin secretion and protect blood vessels as well as enhance immune system function.
Studies from Finland indicate that quercetin may also help prevent blood clots, which is the initial process that leads to blockage in the arteries and heart attacks. Because of the anti-inflammatory properties in quercetin, it also may be useful in rheumatoid arthritis.
Although quercetin is very common in fruits and vegetables, 60 percent of adults unfortunately do not get even three servings of vegetables a day and 80 percent get less than two servings of fruit daily. As a result, I strongly recommend taking a high potency supplement that contains quercetin — especially if you suffer from allergies.
