The secondary plant pigment quercetin belongs to the group of flavanoids, which in turn belong to the polyphenols. It is considered a yellowish plant pigment that is mostly found in the outer layers of the fruit, the skin or in the flowers. Quercetin protects the plant from harmful environmental influences as well as strong sunlight.
Occurrence in food
Quercetin is thus contained in many different plant foods. These include, for example, old apple varieties, onions, capers, berries or buckwheat.
Plant foods with particularly high quercetin content are capers (180mg/100g), lovage (170mg/100g) or dill (55mg/100g).
Due to its wide occurrence in various foods, quercetin can be absorbed by humans with the help of a balanced, healthy diet.
Effect in the human organism
Quercetin has many beneficial properties on humans.
Just as the plant pigment protects its host from oxidation, it also exerts antioxidant effects in the human organism. Quercetin can neutralize free radicals and promote the formation of the body's own antioxidants.
In addition, quercetin is considered a natural anti-allergic as well as antihistamine. Furthermore, the plant pigment can have anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects.
It is therefore suitable for the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections. The effect of quercetin can be enhanced with the additional intake of vitamin C.