Quercetin, what it is and what benefits it offers against certain diseases

Quercetin is a flavonoid compound found in many varieties of fruit and vegetables. Let’s find out what are the benefits it offers to the body.

Quercetin is a very important compound that belongs to the category of flavonoids and is present in many fruits and vegetables. Citrus fruits, berries, apples and grapes, but also tomatoes, onions, broccoli and capers are just some of the foods that contain this important element. Known for its preventive effect on many diseases , quercetin is not present in nature in isolated form. In fact, this compound comes in the form of aglycone, or the non-sugary part, of extracts of chamomile, calendula, hawthorn or gingko biloba. Therefore, let’s discover all the properties and benefits offered by quercetin, how to use it and any contraindications.

Quercetin: properties and benefits

Quercetin is an element, belonging to the category of flavonoids, which has many properties and benefits. First of all we can say that this element has a high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect. Precisely for this reason it is an excellent anti-aging supplement, able to counteract the action of free radicals and the aging of skin and cells.

Many studies have in fact demonstrated the great potential of quercetin in the treatment of morbid conditions or pathologies. This action is due to the ability to counteract the negative effects of solar radiation , which can increase the production of free radicals. But quercetin also plays a very important role in preventing diseases due to oxidative stress or chronic inflammation. In particular, these are allergies, insulin resistance, arteriosclerosis, but also arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, lupus and many other diseases related to aging.

Furthermore, Quercetin is able to inhibit the processes that lead to the release of histamine and to the production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, capable of causing inflammation. This allows to prevent cardiovascular risks and avoid the formation of aggregations in the circulatory system.

Quercetin: an aid to prevention

As we have anticipated, thanks to its properties, quercetin is an excellent ally in the prevention of various diseases. In addition to the already mentioned action against inflammation or allergies, this element also helps with more serious diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and, according to recent studies, cancer. In fact it seems to be useful if added to chemotherapy treatments, thanks to the action it exerts on the multiplication of cancer cells.

However it is always best to ask your doctor for advice. In any case, Quercetin is known for its anti-haemorrhagic action, with important therapeutic roles in the treatment of disorders such as hemorrhoids, varicose veins, venous insufficiency or nocturnal cramps.

Ways of use and contraindications of quercetin

In general, we can say that the recommended quantities of quercetin are around 500 mg per day, even if the daily dietary intake is 30 mg . The doses refer to individuals with Western eating habits. However, bound forms of quercetin are more easily absorbed than isolated quercetin.

In any case, however, there may be contraindications, especially as regards the antithrombotic and antiplatelet properties of this element. In fact, it is necessary to use a great deal of caution if you use antiplatelet drugs, platelet or not, and anticoagulants. This is because several studies have shown that quercetin may have mutagenic interactions and activity , even if not confirmed, with the drugs mentioned above. For this reason it is always essential to ask your doctor for advice before introducing this element in the diet.

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