Quercetin to boost the immune system

Every day, we face bacteria, viruses, allergens and cancer cells, which our body eliminates through our immune system. immune systemour great defender.^{2, 3}

A reminder of good lifestyle habits

When we talk about good lifestyle habits, we're talking about all the actions that keep us in balance. For example, a good night's sleep, a diet rich in vitamins, minerals and the antioxidants found in fruits, vegetables and nuts. In addition to regular physical activity, it's good hydration, a life rich in experiences and good stress management through moments of relaxation that will fortify our immunity and protect us from viral or other intruders..^{2, 3}

In today's fast-paced world, our habits are put to the test. Ultimately, our natural rhythm of life is affected, and with it our health. In this context, our immune system does what it can.^{2, 3}

Quercetin and the immune system

What is quercetin's role?

Quercetin is an antioxidant molecule belonging to the flavonoid family. It is useful for strengthening our natural defenses, and is a precious aid to our immune system. It acts as a protector against bacteria, viruses, parasites, environmental allergens and more.^{1, 5}

Is quercetin present in the foods we eat?

Also known as quercetol, these molecules come from brightly-colored plant pigments found in fruits and vegetables.

The foods richest in quercetin are: capers, yellow peppers, cocoa powder, red onions, blackcurrants and apples with skin (organic), among others..^{1, 5}

What are antioxidants?

When we breathe, oxygen is used as fuel to produce chemical energy in the form of a very important molecule called ATP (adenosine triphosphate). As this fuel is metabolized, it creates quantities of "waste" known as "free radicals". Free radicals are highly unstable molecules, as they possess a "single" electron which triggers destructive chain reactions that damage the cell..¹

An antioxidant molecule transforms free radicals into harmless products, reducing their harmful effects on cellular health..¹

The benefits of quercetin

Numerous studies show that quercetin has the capacity to support good health of the cardiovascular, immune, osteoarticular, circulatory and blood systems, etc. But how?

• By inhibiting oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL cholesterol)
• By modulating inflammatory markers (arthritis)
• Supports normal platelet activity
• Inhibiting certain cold and flu viruses
• Controlling histamine production (allergies, allergic rhinitis)
• Protects capillary integrity^{1, 5, 8, 12}

By regularly consuming foods rich in quercetin (flavonoids), we offer our bodies a natural means of fighting cardiovascular disease, slowing the degeneration of our joints, and providing support during the passage of potential viruses. In short, it's preventing illness rather than curing it..^{1, 5, 9}

Natural quercetin supplements

Quercetin is highly bioactive, but in its simple form has low bioavailability..^{5, 6, 7}

For faster action, high concentrations of the active ingredient are required through supplementation..^{5, 6, 7}

Natural Factors has developed a technology that overcomes this challenge. The Natural Factors source of quercetin is obtained from the bud of the Japanese sophora (Sophora Japonica), also known as the "pagoda tree".⁵

EMIQ bioactive quercetin

The product Bioactive quercetin EMIQ is produced using an enzymatic process, Enzymatically Modified Isoquercitrin (EMIQ), which gives quercetin a higher bioavailability, with peak concentrations that can be reached within 15 minutes. It is extensively metabolized in the intestine and liver.^{5, 6, 11}

LipoMicel Matrix quercetin

To overcome quercetin's low bioavailability, Natural Factors uses a unique LipoMicel technologytechnology, creating a liquid micelle matrix "vehicle" which disperses quercetin into tiny micro-droplets, improving absorption by a factor of ten..^{5, 7, 8}

C Extra + Quercetin

The benefits of vitamin C and quercetin in immune support formula.^{5, 12}

Vitamin C

• In times of stress and during intense physical training
• For teeth and gums
• Helps with colds and flu
• Helps collagen formation

Vitamin C and quercetin help protect tissues against free radical damage in this quercetin complex with bioflavonoids (grape seed, turmeric and Co Q10).^{4, 5, 9, 12}

The quercetin complex

Personally, I really like thecomplexesbecause they meet several needs at the same time. These shields are precious helpers against the oxidative stress produced by free radicals..^{4, 5, 9, 12}

Grape seed 

Grape seed is a flavonoid antioxidant with anti-allergenic and anti-inflammatory properties. These polyphenols are recognized for their ability to reduce the formation of oxidized LDL cholesterol. They also help protect the integrity of capillary endothelium and blood vessels..⁴

Turmeric 

Our focus here is on its active ingredient, curcumin. Traditional Indian medicine, known as Ayurvedic medicine, has used the rhizome of Curcuma longa since ancient times for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

CoQ10 

Coenzyme Q10 (COQ10), or ubiquinone, is a fat-soluble vitamin or vitamin-like substance that is both potent and antioxidant. In the diet, traces of COQ10 are found in edible offal, beef, soybean oil, sardines, mackerel and peanuts. It is a powerful antioxidant, extremely important in neutralizing free radicals. However, above all, its contribution is to create energy in the mitochondria, the lungs of our cells (the place where cellular energy is produced)..⁴

Visit quercetin Natural Factors complex antioxidant complex helps prevent and/or support accelerated aging by reducing the formation of free radicals.¹

• supports cardiovascular and circulatory health
• Helps calm allergy symptoms
• Helps fight free radicals and protect cellular health
• Protects the health of capillaries and other blood vessels
• It is anti-inflammatory^{5, 9, 12}

The right tools for your immunity are at your fingertips! 

About the author

Marie Couture, Certified Naturopath

Specialized in :

• Digestive disorders
•  Inflammation
• Hormonal problems
• Stress management

References :

1. Béliveau Richard Ph.D., Foods against cancer, Trécarré Quebecor Media, 2005, 213 pages

2. Joyeux Pr. Henri and Joyeux Jean, Manger mieux et meilleur de 0 à 100 ans, Éditions du Rocher, 2017, 326 pages
3. Liesse Véronique, Lefief-Delcourt Alix, The "Special Immunity" dietLeduc Éditions, 2020, 297 pages.
4. Strand Ray D. M.D. What your doctor doesn't know about nutritional medicine could be fatal to youÉditions du trésor caché, 2004, 274 pages
5. https://ca.naturalfactors.com/fr/pages/quercetin
6. https://ca.naturalfactors.com/fr/products/quercetine-emiq
7. https://healthfirstnetwork.ca/fr/blog/quest-ce-quun-systeme-dadministration-liposomale/
8. https://www.biocyte.com/fr/blog/avantage-de-la-technique-liposomal-dans-les-complements-alimentaires-n146
9. https://ca.naturalfactors.com/fr/products/quercetine-pepin-raisin-curcuma-coq10?_pos=3&_psq=complexe&_ss=e&_v=1.0
10. https://www.passeportsante.net/fr/Solutions/PlantesSupplements/Fiche.aspx?doc=oligo_proanthocyanidines_ps
11. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278691514001471
12. https://www.passeportsante.net/fr/Solutions/PlantesSupplements/Fiche.aspx?doc=quercetine_ps
13. https://www.passeportsante.net/fr/Solutions/PlantesSupplements/Fiche.aspx?doc=curcuma_ps