19 Best Quercetin and Bromelain Benefits of 2024
What is Quercetin and Bromelain?
Studies have shown bromelain combined with quercetin, produce greater anti-inflammatory benefits than either one used alone. Thus, the combination of bromelain and quercetin is ideal for effectively inhibiting the inflammatory response in both acute and chronic inflammatory conditions.
Benefits of Quercetin
Quercetin is an antioxidant that belongs to a class of water-soluble plant substances called flavonoids, which are present in certain fruits and vegetables. According to an article in Current Research in Nutrition and Food Science, the bioavailability of quercetin absorbed by your body varies, depending on the source where you get it, as well as your individual body’s metabolism of it. Sugar and dietary fat and fiber also affect it.
While the best way to get quercetin is through your diet, it also is available in supplement form, as pills or capsules. Sometimes, quercetin in supplement form is packaged with bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapples, because both have anti-inflammatory properties (Quercetin & Bromelain for inflammation). Most dietary supplements contain a chemical compound, aglycone, which is the free form of quercetin.
When looking for and using quercetin supplements, it’s important to maintain a nutritious, balanced diet with fiber and healthy fats in it, as research shows that accumulation of quercetin in the body is dependent on “factors such as glucose moieties, solubility, human factor, vitamin C status and food matrix.”
Specifically, research also says that quercetin supplementation is best achieved when consumed with a fat-enriched diet.
There are foods high in quercetin that you can add to your diet. Arguably, red onions are some of the most potent sources of quercetin; one study found that absorption of onion-derived quercetin was 52% compared to only 24% in supplement form. In fact, onions can give you three times the amount of quercetin than you’d get from apples. Other food sources that are high in quercetin include:
- Organically grown apples, grapes and tomatoes
- Dark cherries and dark berries like blueberries, blackberries and bilberries (eaten in moderation)
- Cocoa, unsweetened
- Hot green chili peppers
- Lingonberries
Quercetin has been linked to the following health benefits:
1. Possessing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties that can help combat certain diseases. One study found that 500 mg of quercetin a day could improve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
2. Helping prevent cancer cell growth from breast, colon, prostate, endometrial and lung.
3. Counteracting allergic reactions and helping with immune responses.
4. Helping to prevent osteoporosis
5. Addressing cognitive decline, including Alzheimer’s and dementia.
6. Assisting in control of blood pressure. A study in 2002 found that quercetin can have vasodilator effects.
7. Potentially helping to lower blood sugar levels. One study found that dosages of 500 mg per day “significantly reduced” fasting glucose levels.
8. There is evidence that quercetin and vitamin C co-administration exerts a synergistic antiviral action due to overlapping antiviral and immuno-modulatory properties and the capacity of ascorbate to recycle quercetin, increasing its efficacy.
Bromelain, or pineapple extract, is a compound made up of proteases normally found in pineapples. Although it is widely known for its ability to aid in digestion and protein breakdown, its use far transcends these functions and can actually offer a lot more. The good news is that it's available in the market as a supplement and as an aid for disease treatments.
The history of bromelain is heavily linked to pineapple because it is the only known major source for this group of enzymes. First discovered in 1891 by chemist Vicente Marcano and then subsequently elaborated by Russell Henry Chittenden, another chemist, bromelain was first called "bromelin," and described as the "proteolytic ferment of pineapple juice."
Its first primary source was the pineapple fruit, before it was discovered that the mature pineapple stem had much more concentrated bromelain content.
Through the years after its discovery, the production of bromelain has broadened. Its commercialization has led manufacturers into developing faster extraction techniques for large-scale production and purification. Today, bromelain supplements are used for numerous health approaches.
These uses have been observed to be dependent on the time when it is taken. For example, if taken after a meal, bromelain may help promote better digestion and absorption, but when taken on an empty stomach, it can help alleviate inflammation (Daily Mail).
9. As a protease enzyme, the primary benefit bromelain has is improving protein absorption.
However, bromelain has been widely used to promote healing and assist in the treatment of numerous diseases. For example, if you're suffering from chronic inflammation or from sports injuries, consider taking bromelain supplements to help your body recover. Other bromelain benefits that you'll get from this supplement include:
10. Reduces inflammation and swelling — Bromelain may help alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatism. It's also used to help in sprain and strain recovery by reducing swelling and promote tissue healing. For people who are currently on arthritis medications, consider switching to bromelain for a more natural alternative.
11. Improves immune function — Studies show that bromelain promotes a healthy immune system by regulating numerous inflammatory proteins during periods of cellular stress.
12. Speeds up wound healing — The use of bromelain post-surgery has been observed to promote soft-tissue healing and reduce bruising. Patients who took bromelain also had shorter wound healing time compared to patients who did not.
13. Relieves sinusitis symptoms — Sinusitis refers to the inflammation of the inner lining of the sinuses, which is usually caused by infections, nasal problems or allergies. Bromelain is a known supplement for relieving sinusitis symptoms. Together with quercetin, bromelain can help alleviate sinus inflammation, with quercetin functioning as an antihistamine.
14. Promotes blood flow — Bromelain helps in promoting healthy blood flow by reducing platelet aggregation in the arteries and lowering the chances of clots forming. This may lower your risk of developing atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases.
15. There are also claims that bromelain can help induce menstruation by softening the uterine lining. The increased blood flow also supposedly helps in the prevention of menstrual cramps.
Because of the impressive properties of bromelain, it's not surprising that it's been utilized in treating or reducing the severity of disease symptoms. While it is usually prescribed or recommended for patients who have undergone surgery or people suffering from chronic sinusitis, bromelain can also be used in other ways. These include:
16. Topical application for burns — Studies suggest that bromelain can help remove dead skin cells from third degree burns and assist in burn healing in first and second degree burns. For severe burns, do not apply any bromelain ointment without a physician's supervision.
17. Indigestion and heartburn — Taking bromelain has been known to assist in easing indigestion and bloating, especially when taken with other supplemental enzymes.
18. Soothing balm for insect bites and stings — Applying bromelain directly to insect bites and stings may lessen inflammation and discomfort.
19. Meat tenderiser — Pineapple has been used in cooking to soften meats. Today, bromelain is sold in powder form as a meat tenderizer and is usually combined with papain, an enzyme found in the papaya plant. In fact, bromelain is such a strong meat tenderizer that chefs and cooks claim it can turn meat into mush if left marinated for longer periods of time.
10. Reduces inflammation and swelling — Bromelain may help alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatism. It's also used to help in sprain and strain recovery by reducing swelling and promote tissue healing. For people who are currently on arthritis medications, consider switching to bromelain for a more natural alternative.
11. Improves immune function — Studies show that bromelain promotes a healthy immune system by regulating numerous inflammatory proteins during periods of cellular stress.
12. Speeds up wound healing — The use of bromelain post-surgery has been observed to promote soft-tissue healing and reduce bruising. Patients who took bromelain also had shorter wound healing time compared to patients who did not.
13. Relieves sinusitis symptoms — Sinusitis refers to the inflammation of the inner lining of the sinuses, which is usually caused by infections, nasal problems or allergies. Bromelain is a known supplement for relieving sinusitis symptoms. Together with quercetin, bromelain can help alleviate sinus inflammation, with quercetin functioning as an antihistamine.
14. Promotes blood flow — Bromelain helps in promoting healthy blood flow by reducing platelet aggregation in the arteries and lowering the chances of clots forming. This may lower your risk of developing atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases.
15. There are also claims that bromelain can help induce menstruation by softening the uterine lining. The increased blood flow also supposedly helps in the prevention of menstrual cramps.
Because of the impressive properties of bromelain, it's not surprising that it's been utilized in treating or reducing the severity of disease symptoms. While it is usually prescribed or recommended for patients who have undergone surgery or people suffering from chronic sinusitis, bromelain can also be used in other ways. These include:
16. Topical application for burns — Studies suggest that bromelain can help remove dead skin cells from third degree burns and assist in burn healing in first and second degree burns. For severe burns, do not apply any bromelain ointment without a physician's supervision.
17. Indigestion and heartburn — Taking bromelain has been known to assist in easing indigestion and bloating, especially when taken with other supplemental enzymes.
18. Soothing balm for insect bites and stings — Applying bromelain directly to insect bites and stings may lessen inflammation and discomfort.
19. Meat tenderiser — Pineapple has been used in cooking to soften meats. Today, bromelain is sold in powder form as a meat tenderizer and is usually combined with papain, an enzyme found in the papaya plant. In fact, bromelain is such a strong meat tenderizer that chefs and cooks claim it can turn meat into mush if left marinated for longer periods of time.
Disclaimer:
Do not take supplements without consulting your doctor. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of third party sites. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your health care professional before using products based on this content.
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