Quercetin (quercetin) is a plant compound found in a variety of foods that has some beneficial effects on the body. It appears as a yellowish natural dye and protects plants from harmful environmental influences such as too much sunlight. It is used to reduce allergies, colds and inflammation due to its antiviral and antioxidant properties.
What Is Quercetin?
Quercetin, as a natural dye, is a polyphenol and flavonoid characterized especially by its light yellow color. It is a plant pigment that protects plants from harmful environmental influences. It is an important part of the diet as a secondary plant substance, as it is often found in the ingredients of plants.
What you need to know briefly about quercetin:
It is mainly found in the outer parts of the plant, such as the bark.
It belongs to the group of polyphenols and cannot be produced by the body itself. It can protect our cells from free radicals that can damage cells and tissues.
It is known for its anti-inflammatory and blood pressure lowering effect, relieving allergy symptoms and promoting faster healing of various benign ulcers.
Quercetin contains different interactions with some drugs and may cause isolated side effects in case of overdose. Therefore, the active ingredient should not be taken in high doses with drugs without medical advice.
As an active ingredient, quercetin protects the plant from UV radiation, herbivores, viruses, fungi and bacteria. Since it is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, it also has a protective function in the body. However, the body cannot produce quercetin itself and absorbs it from plant foods. (Source)
Quercetin is mainly collected in the outer parts of the plant (for example, the peel of an apple). High amounts of quercetin are found in various teas such as onions, apples, green vegetables, red grapes, as well as linden tea.
The core of the apple contains almost no quercetin. However, depending on the way the food is prepared, some of the plant matter can also be destroyed at extreme temperatures, for example during cooking. Cooked onions contain up to a quarter less quercetin than fresh ones.
How Does Quercetin (Quercetin) Affect the Body?
Quercetin supports the body in many processes. It mainly comes to the fore with its antiviral, anti-inflammatory and muscle regenerating properties. Quercetin is also effective as a natural antihistamine (for allergies). It has a positive effect on cell renewal (anti-aging) and vitamin C regeneration.
Quercetin enters the blood through the intestines, with absorption occurring mainly in the small intestine. It takes 6 to 9 hours for the effects to be felt in the body. The body absorbs slightly less than half of the given amount. Finally, the substance can be converted in the liver and excreted in the urine or feces.
Due to its many functions in the body, quercetin can have a positive effect on some diseases:
- For the prevention and relief of allergies
- for the common cold
- To prevent arteriosclerosis
- To reduce inflammation
- To prevent certain types of cancer
- For the prevention of rheumatoid arthritis
Allergy
Quercetin exerts a significant effect in connection with allergies. In a Japan-based study, this plant compound was found to inhibit the so-called histamine receptor. High histamine levels have been observed in patients with allergies. The higher the histamine levels, the greater the severity of allergy symptoms. Therefore, inhibition of histamine receptors is associated with alleviation of allergic symptoms.
Lowering Blood Pressure
Quercetin also protects against atherosclerosis and has blood pressure lowering effects. Oxidized cholesterol accumulates on arterial walls during oxidative stress and increases arteriosclerosis. Quercetin can counter this because as a flavonoid it is a particularly effective radical scavenger.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Quercetin also blocks an enzyme that leads to the accumulation of sorbitol. Increased amounts of sorbitol can contribute to secondary damage in diabetes, such as kidney, nerve, and eye damage. Quercetin has antiallergic and anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, it can have a positive effect on inflammation in the intestines, prostate or various benign ulcers. (Source)
Serious Diseases Like Cancer
The cause of the development of cancer is changes in the genetic material. Quercetin acts to protect genetic material from free radicals. On the other hand, it has some properties that calm the inflamed tissue and stop tumor growth. While repair genes are activated in healthy cells, the growth of cancer cells is also stopped. Quercetin thus prevents the development of cancer.
What Side Effects Can Quercetin Cause?
In general, quercetin is considered a well-tolerated dietary supplement with almost no side effects when taken in normal doses for less than three months. Side effects can occur when taken as an artificial product or even injected at very high concentrations (>1000 mg).
