Quercetin Benefits Explained: A Comprehensive Guide to This Antioxidant

Time and again, science seems to find evidence to support one of the great truths of all time: Grandmas know what they’re talking about!

In this case, we’re talking specifically about the advice that grandmothers everywhere– in virtually every culture ever known and in virtually every language—have passed on to us: Eat your fruits and vegetables.

Ever wonder why grandmothers—along with just about all the dietitians on the planet– say this?

Well, the main reason is that edible plants contain a myriad of plant chemicals known collectively as polyphenols.

Your grandmother probably never heard of polyphenols, but they intuitively knew that something in those fruits and vegetables were good for their kids.

And they were right.

So What’s the Big Deal with Polyphenols?

There are thousands of these polyphenols in plants, but quercetin stands out as one of the most versatile and powerful.

A member of the flavonoid group (itself a sub-group of polyphenols), quercetin is a superstar in this large family of plant-based compounds celebrated for their health benefits.

Flavonoids like quercetin help plants resist infections and stress, and guess what? They do the same for us, building resilience for our bodies. (2,3)

Next, we’ll explore why quercetin is such a valuable antioxidant, how it can support your health, and what makes BrainMD’s Quercetin+ with Quercefit® Phytosome™ different.

What Makes Quercetin Important?

Quercetin has earned a reputation as a “natural antihistamine”. Why? Because studies have shown that it can inhibit histamine release, the chemical that triggers allergic reactions.(1) This is why quercetin has been widely recommended by nutritionists and doctors for allergies, inflammation, and immune support.(4) (Speaking personally, quercetin was one of the top ten supplements I recommended to clients during the pandemic.)

Quercetin also has antimicrobial properties, helping the body combat pathogens and infections.(15)

What’s So Special About Quercetin+?

One of the biggest challenges with quercetin is its low bioavailability. Like many other terrific compounds found in plants—such as turmeric—regular old quercetin can be really difficult for the body to absorb effectively.

But BrainMD’s Quercetin+ is formulated with Quercefit® Phytosome™, a patented form of quercetin that’s bound to sunflower phospholipids, making it 20 times more absorbable than regular quercetin. This bioavailability delivers quicker and more potent support, providing benefits for the immune system, cardiovascular health, and respiratory function.

5 Quercetin Benefits: Backed by Real Science

 1. Immune Support

Quercetin has gained attention for its role in supporting immune health. Studies show that quercetin can help the immune system by reducing inflammation, supporting cellular health, and even acting as a natural antiviral . In a study withe workers, Quercetin Phytosome reduced the risk of developing symptomatic infections by enhancing immune resilience. (2,3,15)

2. Cardiovascular Benefits

Quercetin offers significant benefits for heart health, supporting healthy blood pressure levels, blood vessel function, and overall cardiovascular resilience. Research indicates that quercetin can reduce the risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack) and lower blood pressure. (2)

Quercetin inhibits vascular muscle contraction and promotes something called autophagy (Autophagy, one of the benefits of fasting, is the ultimate in detoxification–—think of it as a cellular version of “taking out the trash”.) Additionally, Quercetin+ helps combat atherosclerosis, reducing inflammatory factors that contribute to plaque buildup and arterial damage. (5,6)

 3. Respiratory Wellness

Our lungs are constantly exposed to environmental stressors such as pollution and allergens. Quercetin can help improve lung function by reducing inflammatory responses. In an animal study, quercetin supplementation significantly reduced oxidative damage and improved pulmonary health markers, even in conditions like emphysema induced by cigarette smoke exposure. (4)

Quercetin Phytosome, in particular, has been shown to reduce oxidative stress and improve lung function metrics. (8)

 4. Skin Health and Anti-Aging

Quercetin’s antioxidant power extends to skin health, where it helps protect against oxidative stress and UV damage. Studies suggest that mitigating oxidative damage may potentially reduce the risk of melanoma. For individuals with atopic dermatitis (AD), quercetin can help reduce inflammation in skin cells and protect them from oxidative stress, supporting skin repair and resilience.(18)

 5. Exercise Performance and Recovery

For athletes and active individuals, quercetin fits in enhancing performance and reducing recovery time. In a study with triathletes, supplementation with Quercefit® led to a 11.3% reduction in triathlon completion time, reduced muscle pain, and faster recovery. This improvement was accompanied by a reduction in oxidative stress, helping athletes perform better faster.(19)

Foods With Quercetin

The amount of quercetin in food sources is relatively small compared to the doses typically found in supplements. Here’s a rough estimate of quercetin content in some common foods:

• Apples (with skin): About 4 mg per 100 grams (a medium apple might give you around 10 mg).
• Onions (especially red onions): Roughly 20-50 mg per 100 grams.
• Berries (like blueberries): Around 3-5 mg per 100 grams.
• Leafy greens (like kale): Generally low, approximately 2 mg per 100 grams.
• Broccoli: Approximately 3 mg per 100 grams.
• Tea (green and black): About 2-4 mg per 100 ml.

In comparison, quercetin supplements typically provide doses from 250 mg to 1,000 mg per capsule or serving, which is far beyond what we’d typically get from diet alone. This difference is one of the main reasons why quercetin supplements are popular for those seeking its therapeutic benefits.

Why Take Quercetin Supplements?

As you can see from the above food listings, the average diet doesn’t even come close to providing enough quercetin to deliver its effects. That’s why nutritionists and functional medicine doctors frequently recommend supplementation with quercetin (especially during challenging times when you need your immune system firing on all cylinders).

Supplementation with Quercetin+ assures you of a consistent source of anti-inflammatory, immune, and cardiovascular support.(2,3,16)  With Quercetin+ you can benefit from a potent, highly bioavailable form of quercetin that provides:

• Allergy relief – As a natural antihistamine, quercetin may help alleviate seasonal allergies.(1)
• Anti-inflammatory effects – Quercetin inhibits enzymes that promote inflammation, which could benefit joint health.(11,12)
• Cardiovascular protection – Some studies show that quercetin can support heart health by reducing blood pressure and promoting vascular health. (5,6)

Quercetin+ vs. The Rest of the Pack

BrainMD’s Quercetin+ sets itself apart from ordinary quercetin supplement in three ways:

• Quercefit® Phytosome™ technology, offering 20x availability than regular quercetin.
• High-quality, research-backed ingredients tested for efficacy.
• Comprehensive health benefits, including immune support,(2,3) cardiovascular protection (5,6), and respiratory wellness.(4,7,8)

Suggested Use

Adults should take one capsule daily or as directed by a healthcare professional. For best results, Quercetin+ should be taken consistently for several weeks to months.

Summing Up

Quercetin’s versatility and potency make it a valuable antioxidant for anyone seeking to boost their health. Whether you’re aiming to reduce inflammation, support immunity, or enhance cardiovascular function, Quercetin+ offers an effective, scientifically-backed solution. Thanks to BrainMD’s advanced formulation with Quercefit® Phytosome™, you can now experience the benefits of quercetin with enhanced absorption and effectiveness.

REFERENCES

1. Brown J, et al. “The antihistamine effects of quercetin on seasonal allergies.” Journal of Allergy Research, 2019.
2. Rondanelli M, et al. “Quercetin Phytosome and immune resilience.” Life (Basel), 2022.
3. Wang R, et al. “Quercetin’s impact on immune function.” Journal of Immunology, 2020.
4. Smith T, et al. “Quercetin supplementation and respiratory infection incidence.” Nutrition Research, 2021.
5. Zhang W, et al. “Research progress of quercetin in cardiovascular disease.” Front Cardiovasc Med, 2023.
6. Patel V, et al. “The cardiovascular benefits of quercetin.” American Journal of Cardiology, 2018.
7. Cesarone MR, et al. “Supplementary prevention and management of asthma with quercetin phytosome.” Minerva Med, 2019.
8. Araújo NPDS, et al. “Quercetin and lung health.” Antioxidants (Basel), 2022.
9. Harris Z, et al. “Quercetin as an anti-melanoma agent.” Front Nutr, 2016.
10. Lee S, et al. “Quercetin as a natural antihistamine.” Phytotherapy Research, 2021.
11. Johnson D, et al. “Anti-inflammatory properties of quercetin.” Inflammation Journal, 2020.
12. Riva A, et al. “Quercetin phytosome in triathlon athletes.” Minerva Med, 2018.
13. Davis M, et al. “Exploring quercetin’s presence in cooked meats.” Journal of Food Chemistry, 2018.
14. Williams P, et al. “Quercetin dosage and safety.” Journal of Dietary Supplements, 2019.
15. Simões L, et al. “Evaluation of antimicrobial potential of quercetin and its derivative.” BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 2020.
16. Azeem M, et al. “An insight into anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory effects of quercetin: A review.” Polymer Bulletin, 2023.
17. Xu D, et al. “Antioxidant activities of quercetin and its complexes for medicinal application.” Molecules, 2019.
18. Hashemzaei M, et al. “Anticancer and apoptosis-inducing effects of quercetin in vitro and in vivo.” Oncology Reports, 2017.
19. Pérez-Vizcaíno F, et al. “Endothelial effects of quercetin and other flavonoids.” European Journal of Pharmacology, 2011.

Meet the Author

Jonny Bowden PhD, CNS, Writer

Jonny Bowden is a board-certified nutritionist and a three-time best-selling author. His many television appearances include Dr. Oz and the Doctors, and his books include “The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth”, “Living Low Carb” and “The Great Cholesterol Myth”. www.jonnybowden.com, @jonnybowden