Quercetin - An Apple A Day Really Does Keep The Doctor Away!

I'll bet you've never heard of Quercetin, but you probably eat it on a regular basis.

For those of you needing an explanation, Quercetin is a healthy compound that is normally found in many fruits and vegetables. It is found in many common foods including apples, berries, onions, seeds, and nuts.

Furthermore, it belongs to a class of compounds that are known as flavanoids. A flavanoid is a natural antioxidant that is found in many foods you already eat. Research has shown that flavonoids provide protection from a number of diseases. This particular flavanoid is the most common one in the plant kingdom.

In fact, there have been numerous research studies validating its effectiveness in treating a variety of conditions.

Indeed, one study has shown that it helps to lower blood pressure. If you consume apples daily, you may lower your blood pressure by up to 7 points.

Plus, it may also prove helpful in preventing the development of atherosclerosis, otherwise known as hardening of the arteries. Test tube, animal, and some population studies have shown that it minimizes the damaging effects of LDL cholesterol.

Additionally, it even has anti-cancer properties as well! In one study published in the British journal of Cancer, researchers found that prostate and skin cancers, when treated with a combination of Quercetin and ultrasound for 1 minute, exhibited a 90 percent mortality rate within 48 hours.

Also, you women out there can take comfort in the fact that consumption of apples can reduce your risk of developing lung cancer by 21 percent, according to a recent study.

Moreover, preliminary research done by the Mayo clinic has found that it may be useful in treating or preventing prostate cancer. These researchers found that men with inflammation of the prostate gland exhibited fewer symptoms after taking this compound.

In addition, Quercetin works to help minimize the flushing feeling in those individuals taking niacin for high cholesterol. One of the side effects associated with consumption of large doses of niacin is known as the niacin flush. This 'flush' is a temporary warming or flushing feeling experienced at various locations on the body.

It is also interesting to note that it may be a beneficial treatment for those suffering from asthma. In laboratory tests it was found to inhibit the release of a body chemical called histamine. Histamine is a chemical produced by mast cells that is associated with a number of allergy-based conditions such as asthma.

In conclusion, who would have thought that a food as simple as an apple could be so healthy! The next time you pull one from your lunch box, feel free to pat yourself on the back, you have made a wise choice!

Oh, and by the way, call your doctor occasionally.

I'm sure he'll be missing you from now on.