All about Quercitin
What is it?
Quercitin is a bioflavonoid. Bioflavonoids are nutrients that are found in some fruits and various leafy green vegetables, among other things.
Specifically, quercitin is naturally present in teas -- both green and black -- apples, onions, and beans. Red wine is also a rich source of this nutrient.
Other well known bioflavonoids include hesperidin and rutin.
The Benefits of Quercitin
Bioflavonoids are potent nutrients that help maintain the health of collagen. Collagen is responsible for the firmness and health of our largest organ -- our skin. Indeed, wrinkles and sagging is the direct result of the breakdown of collagen.
Quercitin, along with other bioflavanoids, can also improve the health of capillaries and connective tissues. Because of this, the many benefits of quercitin include alleviating bruising, edema, varicose veins, and fragile capillaries.
Other benefits include its ability to inhibit the release of histamine. As such, it is said to help mitigate conditions brought on by some type of allergin (ex. eczema, asthma, hay fever, etc) and has been ascribed anti-inflammatory properties. Indeed, the prestigious Mayo Clinic, after conducting laboratory tests, concluded that quercitin may be useful in helping to treat or prevent prostate cancer.
In the words of the Mayo Clinic researcher Nianzeng Xing, Ph.D who presented the findings of the study: "Our laboratory results showed quercitin blocks the androgen activity in androgen-responsive human prostate cancer cell lines."
"By blocking the androgen activity," he continued, "the growth of prostate cancer cells can be prevented or stopped."
However, this preliminary laboratory research does not necessarily mean quercitin will actually benefit men who have prostate cancer or are at risk of getting it.
Precautions
Because it is not considered an essential nutrient, there is no RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) set.
However, various studies have indicated that there doesn't seem to be an issue of toxicity with quercitin.
However, to err on the side of caution, we would suggest refraining from using mega-doses -- 500 mgs or above.
A dosage of between 50 mgs and 150 mgs seems much more reasonable.
As always, pregnant or nursing women should always speak with their physician before beginning supplementation of any kind.
Tips on Choosing a Supplement
1. Purchase your product only from pharmaceutical GMP compliant manufacturers. These facilities adhere to the strictest regulatory standards for the manufacture of dietary supplements. This is an issue consumers need to take seriously because dietary supplements are unregulated in the U.S., and many products have been shown to harbor contaminants or do not even contain what is stated on the label.
2. Be sure that you choose a product that does not contain any fillers or additives (examples include: sugar, starch, gluten, silica (sand!)) or any artificial colors or flavors.
3. Quercitin works synergistically with Vitamin C to maintain the health of collagen and the health enzyme Bromelain enhances quercitin's absorption. Therefore, all three should be taken together. In addition, it is desirable to take it with other prominent bioflavonoids, hesperidin and rutin.
Featured Product
One product that meets all of the above requirements -- and more -- is Xtend-Life's Total Balance.
Total Balance contains not only Quercitin but also Vitamin C, the bioflavonoids hesperidin and rutin, and the enzyme Bromelain.
Total Balance, in fact, is an extremely potent multi-nutrient health supplement that contains almost 70 different ingredients, which include various vitamins, minerals, amino acids, speciality nutrients, enzymes, and herbal extracts.
We here at Nutritional-Supplement-Info have personally been using Xtend-Life's Total Balance for the past year with excellent results: we have noticed an increase in energy, mental sharpness, and feeling of well-being.
|