Article courtesy of Dr. Joel Kahn, MDwho is Clinical Professor of Medicine at Wayne State University School of Medicine, one of the world’s top cardiologists, best-selling author, speaker, and leading expert in plant-based nutrition and holistic healing.
Quercetin, the most abundant flavonol or dietary pigment, has antioxidant effects that may benefit cardiovascular disease, cancer, and degenerative brain disorders. Flavonoids like quercetin are found in vegetables, fruits, grains, teas and wine.
They have been linked to several health benefits, including reduced risks of heart disease, cancer, and degenerative brain disorders. The beneficial effects of flavonoids like quercetin come from their ability to function as antioxidants in your body. Evidence regarding its effects on blood pressure (BP) is inconclusive. A recent study assessed the impact of quercetin on blood pressure through a systematic review and meta-analysis of available randomized controlled trials.
Methods and Results: The authors identified studies examining the impact of quercetin on BP, as reported in 7 research reports (587 patients). Meta-analysis results showed significant reductions in both systolic BP (3 mmHg drop) and diastolic BP (3 mmHg drop) after quercetin supplementation. When studies were ranked by quercetin dose, there was a significant systolic BP and diastolic BP lowering effect in randomized controlled trials with doses ≥ 500 mg/day (5 mmHg drop) , and no significant effect for doses < 500 mg/day.
Conclusion : Study results showed a statistically significant effect of quercetin supplementation on BP reduction, perhaps limited or greater with doses > 500 mg/day. It is recommended to eat quercetin in food. Foods that commonly contain quercetin include onions, apples, grapes, berries, broccoli, citrus fruits, green tea, coffee, red wine, capers and cherries, but it is believed that the diet food provides 10 to 100 mg/day. It is also available as a dietary supplement in powder and capsule form if the goal is to achieve >500 mg/day for blood pressure support.
About the Author: Deep down, Dr. Joel Kahn believes that plant-based nutrition is the most powerful source of preventative medicine on the planet. Having practiced traditional cardiology since 1983, it wasn’t until his own commitment to a plant-based vegan diet that he really began to delve into the realm of non-traditional diagnostic tools, prevention tactics, and nutrition-based recovery protocols.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice. please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine.
