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The Amazing Benefits of Quercetin
Although you may be currently unaware of it, the effectiveness of numerous medicinal plants is believed to be related to high quercetin content. In plants, quercetin and other flavonoids fulfill many functions, including the production of yellow or red/blue pigmentation. They naturally protect flowers from microbes, insects, viruses, fungus and bacteria, as well as oxidative stress and damage from sunlight. At one time the benefits of quercetin were believed to be related to this “antioxidant” activity. In the test tube, flavonoids like quercetin show antioxidant activity, but recent studies have shown that the activity within the human body is quite unique. The benefits of quercetin and other flavonoids are now often referred to as “biological response modification”. Studies have shown that these plant compounds have the ability to modify the human body's reaction to allergens, viruses and carcinogens. Within the human body, flavonoids show anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-cancer activity. After eating foods that are rich in flavonoids, antioxidant activity in the bloodstream increases, enzymes that help eliminate mutagens and carcinogens are released and mechanisms that help kill cancer cells are induced. All of this activity occurs after eating plant foods that contain flavonoids. Studies have shown that the uses for quercetin may include the treatment of cancer. A recent study showed that a combination of quercetin and ultrasound killed skin and prostate cancers. In fact 90% of cancer cells were dead within 48 hours, but there was no damage to normal cells. Ultrasound promotes the topical absorption of quercetin. Other uses for quercetin supported by preliminary studies include the prevention or treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia or enlarged prostate. This benefit is likely related to the compounds anti-inflammatory activity. It is present in cranberries in relatively large quantities. Cranberries are commonly recommended to promote prostate health. The latest consensus is that cancer, heart disease and other chronic and life threatening diseases are caused by chronic inflammation. While anti-inflammatory drugs cannot prevent this chronic inflammation and continued use can lead to other health problems, natural anti-inflammatories like quercetin and other plant compounds may help to prevent and reduce chronic inflammation, and diseases resulting from or accompanied by inflammation. The American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association recommend a diet rich in a wide variety of multi-colored fruits and vegetables. Some of which, like apples, cherries and broccoli contain quercetin, while others contain different antioxidants. Other uses for quercetin that are being studied include benefits to the brain, improvement of cognitive function, lowering unhealthy levels of cholesterol, prevention of cataracts, treating type II diabetes, peptic ulcers and more. The uses for quercetin may eventually outnumber those of other plant antioxidants. If you do not get enough fruits and vegetables every day, the better daily multi-nutrient supplements contain quercetin and other flavonoids. Scientific studies have shown that the activity within the body that contributes to the health benefits of quercetin occurs even when very small amounts are consumed. Mila Sabido is editor of http://www.nutritional-supplements-information.com | Visit http://www.nutritional-supplements-information.com/benefits-of-quercetin.html for more info now on how to choose a quality quercetin supplement. | Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com |
The health benefits of quercetin, a flavonoid
found in plant foods primarily relates to the prevention
of cancer, heart disease and other diseases that sometimes
accompany aging. The medicinal uses for quercetin are
many, which is why it is now used in quality nutritional
supplements.
Coalition for Responsible Healthcare Reform