Quercetin Offers Numerous Health Benefits

Monday, July 12, 2010 by: Anthony Gucciardi
Tags: quercetin, health, health news

(NewsTarget) Quercetin is a plant-derived flavonoid commonly taken as a nutritional supplement. Quercetin has been linked to supporting the immune system, clearing excess congestion, supporting bone health, and may aid in fighting mild allergy problems. It is also used in some weight control programs. Quercetin, like other flavonoids, is an antioxidant that travels throughout the body removing harmful free radicals. Studies have also shown that quercetin may also be a potential solution to cardiovascular disease, a leading cause of death in the United States.

This idea came from a recent study conducted to study the effects of quercetin on overweight people with high cardiovascular risk. This plant-derived flavonoid was tested on a group of ninety-three overweight and obese subjects ranging from ages twenty-five to sixty-five. Each individual was given only 150mg of quercetin per day, while regular quercetin capsules are weighted at 500mg and can be taken up to three times a day. Over the six-week trial period of taking quercetin in smaller doses, the capsule was found to lower blood pressure and significantly prevent damage to LDL cholesterol. Since only damaged LDL cholesterol causes plaque build up, quercetin was shown to prevent Cardiovascular Disease overall.

The results from this study present new-found information about the effectiveness of quercetin. Previous to this groundbreaking study, it was not known if quercetin taken by itself would have any effect on cardiovascular health. Now supplementing with quercetin can be done with confidence, as we now know individual flavonoids such as quercetin are indeed potent.

On top of preventing cardiovascular disease, quercetin is capable of saving even more lives in different ways. In 2006, 56,561 people died from hypertension in the United States. With one in three adults suffering from high blood pressure, quercetin could lower the number of deaths occurring due to hypertension.

In addition to cardiovascular disease and hypertension, quercetin along with other flavonoids has proven to protect against cancer. Flavonoids are found in fruits and vegetables and have been proven to lower the risk of cancer. Fruits and vegetables alone also contain many anti-cancer properties, including a multitude of antioxidants and other nutrients. Another means of taking in flavonoids is through quercetin supplementation. With supplementation you can get higher doses of quercetin without eating excessive amounts of foods rich in quercetin.

In another smaller study, the effects of quercetin were also shown to aid in fighting inflammatory problems such as prostatitis and rheumatoid arthritis. Patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis are suggested to follow a diet consisting of uncooked fruits and vegetables, seeds, and nuts. Men with prostatitis have also been shown to have more relief from symptoms when taking quercetin than men taking a placebo.

Quercetin is a natural alternative to expensive pharmaceuticals that come with a host of side effects.

Sources:
http://www.wellnessresources.com/studies/ent...
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml...
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/quercetin...
http://nutrition.about.com/od/phytochemicals...

About the author

Anthony Gucciardi is a health activist and wellness researcher, whose goal is centered around educating the general public as to how they may obtain optimum health. He has authored countless articles highlighting the benefits of natural health, as well as exposing the pharmaceutical industry. Anthony is the creator of Natural Society (http://www.NaturalSociety.com), a natural health website. Anthony has been accurately interpreting national and international events for years within his numerous political articles. Anthony's articles have been seen by millions around the world, and hosted on multiple top news websites.