Apples & Allergies!
With so many of us suffering with allergies this time of year we wanted to shine a light on a helpful antioxidant that can help reduce allergy symptoms – QUERCETIN.
What exactly is quercetin and where can I find it?
Quercetin is a type of plant or ‘phyto’ antioxidant found in deeply coloured fruits and vegetables, and more specifically in the pigment of the foods, such as apples, onions, leafy greens, tomatoes, berries and broccoli.
Quercetin has been found to have anti-allergic properties and a 2010 study into the actions of quercetin, it was found to have anti-viral, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic agents – that’s pretty powerful stuff!
Quercetin is considered by some to be a natural anti-histamine due to it’s abilities to reduce the symptoms of seasonal allergies. Histamine is a chemical made in the body that is released by the white blood cells of the immune system, into the bloodstream, in response to the detection of a potential allergen. When histamine is too high it can cause the unpleasant symptoms associated with seasonal allergies, such as hay fever for example.
By reducing or stabilising the amount of histamine being made in the body, quercetin can help to reduce the symptoms, such as itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears, sneezing and coughing, a runny or blocked nose, and itchy, red or watery eyes.
Specific quercetin-rich foods for you to start increasing into your diet for some symptom relief include; Green and red apples, red, yellow and orange, peppers, blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, tomatoes, dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale and chard, and red onions.
Do you suffer from allergies at this time of year? If so, start increasing these foods in your day and hopefully you will see an improvement in those annoying allergy symptoms!
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