Q: I was reading the label of a popular energy drink and noticed it contained quercetin. What can you tell me about this compound?
A: Even without downing several energy drinks, you probably consume quercetin every day. That’s because it’s present in common foods such as apples, red onions and tomatoes, as well as green tea.
Quercetin is classified as a bioflavonoid, a compound found in fruits, vegetables and other plants. Bioflavonoids are revered for their antioxidant properties, meaning they offer protection for the body’s cells against villainous free radicals.
Although your body cannot make quercetin, it’s readily available in supplement form, often combined with other antioxidants such as vitamin C. Quercetin is also added to energy drinks to increase antioxidant and nutrient content.
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