The Healing Benefits of Quercetin

Quercetin is a type of flavonoid antioxidant that gives plant foods – including green, leafy vegetables and berries – their deep color. This plant pigment promotes better health by boosting the body’s ability to heal itself. Studies show that quercetin is loaded with anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticancer properties. In today’s post, we are listing down all the healing benefits of antioxidant quercetin:

Neutralize Inflammation

Quercetin is an effective internal inflammation neutralizer. It works by counteracting the effects of an inflammatory enzyme in the body called xanthine oxidase. This chemical increases uric acid production that leads to gout. Apart from reducing the level of xanthine oxidase in the body, quercetin also stops the spreading of immunity cells called neutrophils. These cells produce inflammation-causing hormones that cause painful joints, swollen muscles, and skin redness. Taking foods rich in quercetin helps reduce uric acid that leads to a painful gout attack.

Reduces Cholesterol

Research shows that quercetin protects the arteries from fatty plaques that cause hardening of the arterial wall. When the body sustains an injury, special cells called macrophages are produced to heal the affected area. However, these macrophages contain cholesterol that could build up on the arterial wall. Eventually, the arterial wall will lose its flexibility, making the body vulnerable to heart attacks and strokes.

Quercetin keeps the arterial wall healthy, curbing the risk of atherosclerosis by controlling the LDL cholesterol in the body. Quercetin works by reducing the oxidation of bad cholesterol. It slows down the chemical reactions that cause macrophages to clump together and prevent cholesterol buildup on the arterial wall.

Curbs Allergy Attacks

Allergies are caused by a hyperactive immune system that mistakenly attacks harmless compounds, like pollen, animal dander, or dust. During an allergic reaction, the body secretes histamines that cause all the usual symptoms of allergies: itchy, watery eyes, itchy and congested nose, sneezing, itchy throat, hives, and skin redness.

Quercetin helps control and reduces allergic attacks by increasing the lungs’ ability to handle irritants, such as dust and pollen. By making the lungs resistant to allergens, the histamine levels in the body do not surge. Quercetin-rich foods are very beneficial for patients suffering from asthma and emphysema. These foods are also ideal to those who suffer from seasonal allergies and patients that are very sensitive to environmental pollutants.

Protects from Cancer

Just like any antioxidants, quercetin neutralizes free radical stress that causes cancer. Free radicals are destructive ions that target healthy cells, triggering cell mutation. When healthy cells mutate, there is a good chance that malignancy develops as well. When malignant cells start to develop, they multiply at a much faster rate than healthy cells. Eventually, malignant cells will overtake healthy cells, stealing nutrients from the body by forming cancerous tumors.

Quercetin keeps the body healthy by protecting healthy cells from free radical damage. This antioxidant works by neutralizing and even reversing the effects of free radical damage, preventing tumors formation. Studies show that consuming foods high in quercetin reduce the risk of colon cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, bladder cancer, and liver cancer.