Dr. Mercola is now a controversial person, it seems merely because he raises red flags in seemingly legitimate question areas. I worry for him as the ‘system’ is pretty heavy handed! But thanks to him a lot of sound research is neatly summarized. One area is that of antioxidants! We know Astaxanthan is likely the ‘king’ but Quercetin not far behind!
Lab and animal studies show that Quercetin, found in apple peel, besides anti-viral, also helps promote neurogenesis in the hippocampal brain region responsible for learning and memory function
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- Quercetin coupled with exercise helps to support your immune system and generally lower your risk of viral illnesses, such as the common cold, flu or even COVID-19
- In a collaboration between researchers from the University of Queensland and the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, scientists realize quercetin has pro-neurogenic effects in the hippocampus of the brain.
- The researchers chose apples as they are widely consumed across the globe resulting in a generalized exposure. The study began with an in vitro examination of quercetin, which is an abundant flavonoid found in apple peel.
- The second half of the study was an in vivo study using an animal model. After their data analysis, the researchers ultimately found that apples contained compounds in the peel and the flesh that helped promote neurogenesis.
Astaxanthin is another powerful antioxidant, antiviral, and naturally occurring carotenoid responsible for the pink or red color found in salmon, trout, lobster and other seafood.
Often referred to as the “king of antioxidants” and is derived from haematococcus microalgae that produce it as a protective mechanism to shield from ultraviolet light.
In your body, besides potentially good antiviral properties, it helps protect against reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidation that play a role in heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and aging.
But Quercetin together with exercise, helps to support our immune system. The interaction of lifestyle choices with your immune system has become even more important since 2020 after the release of SARS-CoV-2.
Preponderance of evidence suggests exercise is an important positive and has a complex effect on the immune system.
Quercetin has also been highlighted in the medical literature as it acts as a zinc ionophore, helping move zinc into the cells where it can halt viral replication.
It is also a synergistic partner with vitamin C. Yet, on its own, quercetin acts as a natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory that can also lower your risk for viral illnesses.
Researchers have also found that quercetin can inhibit the expression of casein kinase II (CK2), which down-regulates the ability of the cell to generate type 1 interferon when it is attacked by a virus.
By inhibiting the expression of CK2, quercetin may help slow the replication of RNA viruses.
In addition to apple peel, you can find quercetin in foods such as plums, red grapes, green tea, elder flower and onions.
Considering its wide-ranging benefits, quercetin is a useful supplement, either acutely, for times you feel you’re coming down with something, or more long-term for metabolic health and brain health.
Another benefit is to take quercetin at night so as to take advantage of its ‘senolytic’, action. This helps to remove ‘senescent’ cells, which are similar to nonreplicating cancer cells, (at this juncture!) that secrete powerful proinflammatory cytokines. Quercetin Comprehensive Virus Fight!
