This Incredible Nutrient Helps Combat Allergies and Heart Issues
Written by Susan Parker | Updated on May 28, 2025
Reviewed by Susan Parker
11 sources cited
Are you seeking a natural solution that can alleviate allergies and support heart health affordably?
A certain nutrient found in select fruits and vegetables has been discovered to ease hay fever and allergy symptoms while also safeguarding the heart from serious health conditions. This nutrient serves as a compelling reason to include more fruits and vegetables in your diet. Prioritizing your health involves incorporating foods rich in this natural compound into your daily meals. Read on to explore further details. . .
Overview
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Relief from Allergies Without Side Effects: Quercetin alleviates allergy symptoms such as itchy eyes, sneezing, and runny nose by soothing histamine-producing cells.
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Heart Health Benefits: It relaxes blood vessels for improved circulation and shields the heart from harm. .
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Support for Liver, Brain & Nerves: Quercetin defends neurons from oxidative stress, combats Alzheimer's risk, and aids in liver recovery from fatty liver disease.
The natural compound – quercetin – falls under the category of polyphenols. Polyphenols are a group of substances present in plants that, due to their unique molecular composition, function as potent antioxidants. These compounds are responsible for giving plants and fruits their distinctive flavors, aromas, and colors.
Safe, Effective Allergy Management
Recent studies suggest that quercetin can relieve runny noses and combat sneezing triggered by respiratory allergies like hay fever. A study in Japan showed that taking quercetin for five days helped alleviate an itchy nose caused by allergic reactions.1
Another study in Asia involved individuals with pollen allergies, showing that quercetin could prevent tearing and itching of their eyes.2
However, the advantages of quercetin go beyond alleviating allergies.
Enhances Cardiovascular Health
Research indicates that quercetin acts as a natural vasodilator, relaxing blood vessels to promote blood flow and maintain healthy blood pressure, a crucial risk factor for heart disease.
Quercetin also reduces inflammation, limiting the production of inflammatory cytokines that can damage arteries. A study from Oregon State University revealed that quercetin significantly benefits heart health by protecting the function of the entire cardiovascular system. 4
Research conducted in India indicates that quercetin can help shield cells from oxidative stress, a key factor not only in heart issues but also in memory loss, joint discomfort, and various signs of aging.
Preserves Sharp Memory
Experts at Cornell suggest that due to its potent antioxidant characteristics, quercetin is beneficial in protecting brain cells and other components of the nervous system from damage that raises the risk of memory loss.
Research at Cornell reveals that it can combat oxidative stress in neurons more effectively than other antioxidants like vitamin C.5
Enhances Night Vision Clarity
The eye structures, part of the nervous system, may benefit from quercetin. Studies on elderly individuals' eyes show that quercetin and other nutrients could improve adaptation to low-light conditions. It might also decrease the likelihood of age-related macular degeneration, a primary cause of blindness in older adults.
Research suggests a link between the time taken for eyes to adjust to low-light conditions and the risk of developing macular degeneration.6
Increasing Quercetin Intake
To boost your quercetin consumption, focus on foods such as apples (consume the peel for maximum benefits), onions, berries (especially cranberries and blueberries), peppers, tomatoes, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, etc.), leafy greens, grapes, and plums.
Another reason to include quercetin-rich foods in your diet is to reduce the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a growing concern in developed countries like the United States. Factors contributing to NAFLD include aging, obesity, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, and smoking. NAFLD, characterized by fat accumulation in the liver, can lead to severe conditions like cancer, cirrhosis, and liver scarring.
Studies in England reveal that as NAFLD progresses, many mitochondria in liver cells become dysfunctional, contributing to liver fat buildup. Nevertheless, research indicates that quercetin can promote liver health by safeguarding mitochondria at a cellular level to prevent dysfunction.10
Summary
Quercetin, a powerful polyphenol present in various fruits and vegetables, offers a broad range of health benefits. Studies suggest it alleviates allergy symptoms, protects against heart damage, enhances brain function, and supports liver detoxification.
Commonly Asked Questions
What is quercetin?
Quercetin is a natural antioxidant found in numerous fruits and vegetables, known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties.How does quercetin help with allergies?
It stabilizes immune cells and reduces histamine release, aiding in alleviating sneezing, itching, and other allergy symptoms.Can quercetin help with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)?
Yes. Studies indicate quercetin can eliminate damaged mitochondria from liver cells and reduce fat accumulation, making it a promising natural remedy for preventing or managing NAFLD.
