The Big Q To Beat The Flu And MORE!

Researchers at Appalachian State University in North Carolina have found that the bioflavonoid quercetin, found in grapes, red wine, apples and broccoli among others, can effectively reduce susceptibility to viral infections. The study was funded by the US Department of Defense, which has been searching for ways to maintain the immune system of troops undergoing the physical and cognitive stresses of combat. We suggest keeping this study in mind, particularly when it comes to fighting off the flu and other viral pathogens. In the study, 20 cyclists took 1,000 mg of quercetin a day for five weeks and a control group of 20 cyclists took a placebo. Three weeks into the study, the athletes rode a bicycle three hours a day to the point of exhaustion. Extreme exercise weakens the immune system and increases an individual’s susceptibility to infection. While 45 percent of the cyclists taking the placebo developed an illness following the exercise, only 5 percent of those on the quercetin experienced any illness. There were no side effects from taking the quercetin.

It was interesting to note that blood and tissue samples indicated that the immune-boosting effects didn’t take place until after the three-hour intense exercise period. The researchers commented that it obviously takes a significant amount of stress to bring out quercetin’s infection-fighting properties. They also found that, following the three-hour exercise period, quercetin helped the athletes maintain their mental alertness and reaction time—which didn’t occur in the placebo group. In this respect, the effects of quercetin were comparable to that of caffeine. Additional studies will be undertaken to see if lower doses are as effective and if quercetin would be beneficial to the general population in counteracting the negative aspects of mental stress. Quercetin, as as we mentionedis a powerful antioxidant found in red grapes, red wine, red apples, all onions, green tea, and broccoli. From earlier studies, it seems to work best when taken with vitamin C. Higher quercetin intake has been associated with decreased cholesterol levels and a lower risk of heart disease and diabetes. It is associated with a reduction in the risk of several types of cancers. The normal intake in this country from food sources is estimated to be in the neighborhood of 20 to 50 mg daily. A diet high in fruits and vegetables could easily provide 200 to 500 mg. You can easily find quercetin capsules containing 250 to 500 mg in most health food stores.