Canadians are always looking for ways to make positive lifestyle changes. From eating better to incorporating daily exercise to getting more sleep, people nowadays seem more motivated to improve and maintain their overall health and well-being. Nancy’s Nifty Nook, Bradford’s original bulk food and health supplement store, says adding essential vitamins and supplements can help.
One such supplement that Nancy herself promotes is Quercetin, which can prevent and manage many conditions including inflammation, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. This essential supplement also supports optimum health and prevents accelerated aging.
What is Quercetin?
Quercetin is a pigment that belongs to a group of plant compounds called flavonoids. It is a lipid-soluble natural antioxidant and can be found in high amounts in green leafy vegetables, and fruits, especially citrus, apples and berries. Seeds, nuts, green tea, dark chocolate, red wine and some medicinal plants also contain Quercetin.
The benefits of Quercetin
In a time where scientists are constantly looking for ways to address virus and infections such as cold and flu, there are many other health benefits of Quercetin to consider:
- It is a dietary and anti-inflammatory compound;
- It helps with respiratory tract health including the small sac-lie alveoli in the lung that transfers oxygen to the blood;
- It protects the cells that line the surfaces of the body and blood vessels;
- It fights infection by boosting the immune function as well as having certain anti-viral effects;
- It enhances white blood cell activity and helps to mobilize the cells in areas of infection;
- It is proven to work with Zinc to enter infected cells and block viral replication;
- It complements Vitamin C;
- It exerts significant inhibition on the binding of specific spike proteins in docking to human cells;
- It has the ability to directly neutralize viral proteins that are critical in the replication of superbugs; and
- It is safe to take with no reported side effects*.
*Quercetin may increase the absorption of some drugs including chemotherapy agents and blood pressure medications. For those taking drugs in these classes, it is recommended to use a lower dose of Quercetin (250 mg daily). Nancy’s Nifty Nook is extra cautious and always recommends that anyone taking any other medications consult with a pharmacist. They will advise of any contraindications.
Given that regular Quercetin is not absorbed in the body that well, reputable brands like Natural Factors have developed a popular form called Micellar LipoMicel Quercetin that has 10 times higher absorption than regular Quercetin. To support immune function, the Natural Factors suggests taking 250 mg up to twice a day.
Want to know more about Quercetin or other vitamins and supplements? Stop by Nancy’s Nifty Nook at 152 Holland Street East.