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Written by Superhuman
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Thursday, 17 January 2008 |
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Quercetin is an antioxidant found in apple skins, onions, tea and red wine. Quercetin boosts the immune system and might
prevent upper respiratory infections. It might also prevent hay fever by stabilizing mast cells, which inhibit the release of histamine (chemical that irritates the sinuses). Antioxidants neutralize free radicals produced naturally during metabolism. Free radicals are highly reactive chemicals that can damage cell membranes, depress immunity, break down DNA and impair cellular metabolism. David Neiman, one of the premier researchers in the world on exercise and immunity, found that quercetin (1 gram per day) prevented colds in elite cyclists training 3 hours a day and boosted measures of immune system health. In 2006, researchers from Pepperdine University in California found that antioxidants improved exercise performance in elite male cyclists. The antioxidant supplement consisted of quercetin, vitamin C and catechins, but also included B vitamins and caffeine (Int J Sports Nutrition Exerc Metab, 16:405-419, 2006). Quercetin is a valuable supplement that prevents illness during periods of heavy training. (Journal Applied Physiology, in press; published online September 2007)
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