9 Proven Benefits of Quercetin

Research shows that quercetin, a type of antioxidant found in plant foods such as leafy greens, berries, and broccoli, can help manage numerous health problems, from heart disease and blood vessel problems to allergies and chronic fatigue.

- By Jillian Levy, CHHC

Have you ever wondered what makes a “superfood” super? Or what top superfoods like red wine, green tea, kale, and blueberries all have in common? The answer is quercetin, a natural compound tied to longevity, heart health, endurance, immunity, and more.

Considered one of the most abundant flavonoid antioxidants in the human diet, quercetin plays an important role in fighting free radical damage, the effects of aging, and inflammation, according to many studies. In fact, quercetin is considered to be the most widely distributed and extensively studied flavonoid, according to a 2018 review. Here are nine reasons to add quercetin-rich foods and supplements to your diet:

1 Lowers Inflammation

Flavonoids (aka bioflavonoids) including quercetin, are key anti-inflammatories that act as antioxidants, which means they fight the natural process of oxidation that takes place over time as we age. Quercetin can help stop damaging particles in the body known as free radicals, which negatively impact how cells work. It can also reduce expression of inflammatory genes such as interleukin.

Research now shows that inflammation is the root of most diseases, including heart disease, cancer, cognitive decline, some mental disorders, and autoimmune disorders. At this time, practitioners and patients report using quercetin to effectively fight a variety of conditions related to inflammation, including:

* “Hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis)

* High cholesterol