So you have heard about quercetin, whether online or in group chats, and wondered whether it is safe to use. In this short piece, you can find out all you need about quercetin and how to use it for treating certain conditions.
What is Quercetin?
Quercetin is a flavonoid (plant pigment) that can be found naturally in plants and food. The most common examples include apples, onions, green tea, red wine, Gingko Biloba, and berries. But what most people don’t know is that the chemical compound quercetin dihydrate cannot be used for humans or animals and only serve research purposes.
Recommended Dosage
Ordinary, you can get your supply of quercetin from selected fruits and veggies, but you can also find them available as a supplement. While onions contain up to 300mg of the flavonoid, the daily recommended dose is 500mg. But you can find folks who consume up to 1000mg a day. The general rule is to consult with a medical practitioner before self-administering quercetin supplements.
What are the medical uses?
Quercetin is used in the treatment of specific conditions, which could include those of the heart and blood vessels. It may also be useful in the prevention of cancer and treatment of arthritis, diabetes, and bladder infections.
While more studies are needed to determine its effectiveness in treating a particular condition, quercetin could help in the treatment of
· Autism
There have been several kinds of research that show that using a combination of quercetin and other substances could improve social behavior in children with autism.
· Diabetes
Combining quercetin with other medications like chlorogenic acid and myricetin could help reduce blood sugar levels in people who have diabetes.
· Heart Diseases
You can also find quercetin available for the treatment of conditions of the heart. The medication is reserved for older adults who may be at the risk of heart diseases. But you can consume food rich in quercetin to keep your heart in the best condition.
· Cancer
Quercetin could also serve as a treatment for diseases such as ovarian, pancreatic, and lung cancer. While there is still limited evidence to back this claim, consuming food rich in the flavonoid could be beneficial to adults who smoke.
Is it Safe to Use?
When consumed orally, it is entirely safe to use quercetin. But you want to avoid other means of using the drug intravenously as it can lead to complications. While it is safe to use, you want to stick with the recommended dosage as it could lead to other side effects. When taking more than 1000mg of it daily, you could experience symptoms such as a tingling sensation, headaches, and stomach aches.
Final Note
Quercetin is a naturally occurring flavonoid, and it is best always to opt to get your dose from food sources. You should also be aware that there is still limited study to prove it works in the treatment of the above conditions. But to be on the safe side, you want to keep your daily consumption to 500mg or less and avoid it entirely if you suffer from kidney-related diseases.
