Quercitin and Health |
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By: John Gibb Posted: 2007-02-05 22:35:57 |
| Quercitin and its benefits, side effects and precautions, and sources are the topic of this article.Quercitin, a water soluble bioflavonoid, is one of a family of pigments found in almost all plants, herbs, fruits and vegetables. Bioflavanoids help provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant protection, and are the most powerfully effective herbal anti-inflammatory on the market.Quercitin is used to prevent the development of f both some inflammatory conditions and free radical cellular damage. Among these conditions are arthritis, allergies, macular degeneration and heart diseases; it may also be effective against gout, and various forms of cancer. Its anti-carcinogen effect results from its blocking the flow of nutrients and oxygen to cancer cells.Other Positive Health EffectsQuercitin, a phytoestrogen, mimics the effects of estrogen on the human body and when obtained from citrus fruit, can reduce the growth rate of breast cancer cells by 50%. It has also, in studies with animals, been shown to slow the growth of prostate, breast and lung cancer cells.The nutrient, because it blocks the production histamines, is used to treat allergies. It reduces the inflammation of swollen joints, and increases the production of collagen and fibronectin necessary for healthy joints and skin. An ingredient in cosmetic products, quercitin may also help speed wound healing..Where to Find QuercitinMost plant foods, including black tea, broccoli, onions, and red apples, contain quercitin. Available in concentrated powder, tablet, and capsule form, it is often packaged with bromelaine, an enzyme useful for the treatment of allergies and inflammation, found in pineapple. Bromelaine is believed to help the absorption of quercitin.Further quercitin benefitsBioflavonoids are potent nutrients that help to maintain the collagens responsible for the firmness and health of our largest physical organ, the skin. Wrinkles and skin lines is actually caused by the breakdown of Collagen.Quercitin and other bioflavanoids, by improving the health of capillaries and connective tissues, not only improve the strength of the capillaries, but also alleviate bruising, edema, and varicose veins. Quercitin, because of its ability to gradually stop the release of histamines, may help to help allergy-related conditions like eczema, asthma, hay fever, and has been said to have anti-inflammatory properties. It is showing promise as a treatment for prostrate cancer, although, at the time of this writing, there has been no concrete evidence of its effectiveness.Things to Watch Out ForThose taking anticoagulants, because quercitin could intensify the effects of these medications, excessively thinning the blood, should be cautious with this supplement.Its side effects may include head aches, tingling sensations, and in some cases, and become pro-oxidant, losing its effectiveness in fighting free radicals.Its water solubility allows excess quercitin to be passed in urine. Because quercitin is not an essential nutrient, no the Recommended Daily Allowance has been established.According to many studies, however, there doesn't seem to be much of an issue as regards toxicity with quercitin.We suggest exercising caution and advise against taking mega-doses those of 500 mgs or more--of quercitin. A dosage of between 50 mgs and 150 mgs seems to be the safest and best option. Women who are nursing or pregnant, we always suggest, should talk with their physician before beginning any new dietary supplementation.How to Select a Supplement offering Quercitin benefits1. 1. Always buy your nutritional supplements from pharmaceutical GMP compliant facilities, which comply with the strictest manufacturing standards. Because nutritional supplements production, in the U.S., has become largely unregulated, consumers of health products have only a 20% chance of buying products containing contains the actual ingredients stated on their labels, or worse yet, one that is not contaminated with harmful toxins. This is an industry wide issue, and should not be ignored if you want supplements that benefit your health, not impair it.2. Be sure the product does not contain any fillers or additives (examples include: sugar, starch, gluten, silica (sand!) or any artificial colors or flavors of any kind.3. Quercitin and Vitamin C work synergistically meaning they, meaning the they need each other so that each can effectively do its job. Together, they maintain the health of collagen. And the enzyme Bromelain enhances the absorption of quercitin. All three nutrients, therefore, should be taken together.To maximize its health benefits, as we want you to do, it is also wise to take quercitin with other bioflavonoids, hesperidin and rutin. |
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