Flavonoids are a group of plant chemicals with many health promoting benefits. One flavonoid of special interest as a natural remedy for allergies is quercetin.
Quercetin acts as an antioxidant and helps protect the body against the damaging effects of free radicals. Quercetin is also a very effective antihistamine. Unlike many allergy medications, quercetin acts on the cells that produce histamine, and does not cause drowsiness as many over-the-counter antihistamines do. Quercetin also inhibits the production of leukotrienes, which are another class of pro-inflammatory molecules in the body.
Quercetin seems to be more effective when combined with bromelain, a natural enzyme found in pineapple. Bromelain has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy activity, but also increases the absorption of quercetin.
Many fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits, apples, onions, and parsley are good dietary sources of quercetin. Green tea, olive oil, bilberry, blueberries, blackberries, and red wine are all rich in flavonoids, including quercetin.
Quercetin is available as a supplement, often packaged with bromelain. Taking either a quercetin supplement, or including more quercetin rich foods in your diet, can make allergy season less stressful.
Click this link to read more about Natural Remedies for Allergies.
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