Quercetin, Another Super Antioxidant

So, there is truth in the old adage, an apple a day keeps the doctor away.  I have been reading about quercetin in the book, Natural Detoxification, The Complete Guide to Clearing Your Body of Toxins, by Dr. Jacqueline Krohn. Quercetin is one of those marvels of nature. It can't be manufactured in a factory, it is grown in our orchards, kissed by sunshine and blessed by rain. It is the source of that wonderful color in apples, cherries and grapes. And, it is a powerhouse for good health.

But what the heck is quercetin in terms of science and human health? As I have learned from my reading, it is a plant based flavanoid, or bioflavanoid, which means it is a plant pigment. Flavanoid's are the substances which give plants color, they are frequently found in the rind or skin of fruits and vegetables. They are also common in teas, dark chocolate and wines. Quercetin is also produced in pineapples, broccoli, green peppers Italian squash, red and yellow onions, tomatoes, cayenne pepper, garlic.

I started taking quercetin as a supplement about a year ago for its anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine effects. But, I had no idea it was such a powerful antioxidant until I read this in Dr. Krohn's book, "One of the most powerful anticancer substances discovered to date, quercetin prevents damaging changes in the cells that initiates cancer. It also helps inhibit the spread of cancer cells. In addition, quercetin keeps blood from thickening and forming clots. The pain-promoting inflammatory substances that are produced in the the body by rheumatoid arthritis and colitis are blocked by quercetin." Here are some more factoids from the book: 

Quercetin Aid to Detoxification

• extremely potent antioxidant
• inhibits the production of free radicals
• accelerates the production of detoxifying enzymes that rid the body of carcinogenic toxins
• interferes with an enzyme that neutralizes cortisone, the natural anti-inflammatory produced by the body
• a powerful antihistamine
• helps protect and potentiate vitamin C
• prevents free radicals from oxidizing LDL, the "bad" cholesterol

• prevents nerve, eye and kidney damage in people with diabetes by blocking the accumulation of sorbitol.

The recommended dosage is 400 mg., between meals, two to three times a day.

Lucinda