15 Health Benefits of Quercetin, According to Science (+15 Best Quercetin Food Sources)

Quercetin is a kind of plant polyphenol found in grains, vegetables and fruit. Quercetin is part of the group of flavonoids (pigments which give plants their colour) and is often used to treat conditions ranging of atherosclerosis to schizophrenia.

Quercetin is a natural and powerful antioxidant working consistently to find and neutralize harmful free radicals.

Quercetin has a hand in ensuring the health of all human cells. Quercetin protects the health of the mitochondria in the cells of your heart, liver, skeletal muscles and your brain.

1. Quercetin Supports Your Respiratory Health

Quercetin has demonstrated the ability to inhibit the release of histamines (an organic nitrogenous compound made by the immune system) by the body’s immune cells. Histamines work to protect the body and push allergens out of the body by making you cough, sneeze or tear up.

Histamines are generally a good thing but some people experience histamine intolerance which is when their bodies are not able to break down these histamines properly and this can begin to irritate their lungs (1).

Asthma is a respiratory disease in which passageways within your lungs become inflamed and restricted and there is an overproduction of mucus. The cause of asthma could be environmental (allergic) or caused by things like stress and physical exertion.

Quercetin works lower inflammation in the body. Inflammation of your lung tissue can be the cause of numerous painful respiratory illnesses. Controlling inflammation of the lung tissues also controls reactions to allergies, hay fever and asthma (2).

2. Quercetin Protects The Brain

Quercetin has demonstrated the ability to activate and enhance the naturally antioxidant system of defense within the brain. This antioxidant defense system works to strengthen the cellular defenses which in turn works to prevent the death of any brain cells (3).

The brain is one of the largest energy sapping organs within your body and it requires the mitochondria within the brain cells to be providing the necessary amount of power needing for normal brain function (memory, thoughts and cognition) to continue. Low levels of quercetin in the body equals low levels of antioxidants in the brain which leads to more mitochondria being damaged.

Quercetin protects the brain cells by fighting against excitotoxicity. Excitotoxicity is the damage that is done to the brain cells by repeated electrical impulses (4). These electrical impulses are characteristic of various neurological diseases including Alzheimer’s disease.

Quercetin also reduces the often toxic effects of a buildup of amyloid-beta proteins within the tissues of your brain. A buildup of amyloid-beta proteins can lead to dementia and or memory loss. Some evidence even hints at quercetin being able to help fight against the onset of Parkinson’s disease.

3. Quercetin Protects Your Cardiovascular Health

The protection quercetin offers to cell mitochondria extends also to the health of heart cells.

Quercetin lowers blood lipid and cholesterol levels. Quercetin also protects our hearts from various environmental toxins such as heavy metals like lead. Quercetin also protects the cells within the heart from stress caused by oxidation (5). Quercetin also works to keep blood pressure from rising too high during periods of stress.

Quercetin can effectively be used to fight against atherosclerosis. The hardening and narrowing of arteries and blood vessels is a direct cause of heart attacks and strokes (6). Quercetin plays an important role in plaque regression. Quercetin triggers a process known as reverse cholesterol transport wherein cholesterol is removed from the walls of the arteries and transported instead to the liver where it will be safely disposed of.

The endothelial cells that line blood vessels also greatly benefit from quercetin intake. These endothelial cells are responsible for controlling blood pressure and flow through the blood vessels. Quercetin normalizes nitric oxide production. Nitric oxide is a relaxation-signalling molecule that works to relax the walls of major arteries, promoting healthy blood flow.

Quercetin ensures that you do not build up a resistance to various drugs prescribed to those suffering from angina. Quercetin also works to normalize the heart rythms of those suffering from ischemic heart disease.

Studies have shown that increasing your intake of quercetin can reduce your risk of experiencing a heart attack by up to 70 percent (7).

4. Quercetin Fights Allergies

It is the naturally powerful antihistamine, antiviral, gastroprotective and anti inflammatory properties of quercetin that makes it perfect to treat seasonal allergies. Quercetin is also effective at treating skin reactions and food allergies (8).

Quercetin stabilizes releases of histamine from immune cells. This process decrease symptoms that often accompany allergic reactions and allergies such as watering eyes, coughing, a runny nose, indigestion, hives and a swollen tongue and or swollen lips. Quercetin has been shown to be almost if not just as effective in treating these symptoms as various medications.

A study carried out in the United States shows that participants who were administered quercetin were less likely to contract a viral illness and were able to continue to perform strongly mentally under pressure (9).

A study carried out on rats showed that the rats who were given quercetin demonstrated reduced inflammatory responses within their airways which reduced side effects of respiratory issues (10).

5. Quercetin Protects The Health Of Your Kidneys

Quercetin has been found to lower fibrosis of the kidneys. When the kidneys have been damaged in any way and begin to heal themselves they will produce extracellular matrix in order to begin the healing process. When an excess of extracellular matrix (extracellular molecules eg. collagen) accumulates in the kidneys, kidney fibrosis occurs and could result in the need for dialysis kidney failure or in extreme cases, the need for a kidney transplant (11).

A study found that rats who given quercetin alongside various toxic substances including drugs usually administered for chemotherapy found that they had much less damage done (by these drugs) to their kidneys than rats who did not receive the quercetin (12).

Quercetin also rids the kidneys of macrophage accumulation (a white blood cell) and inflammatory cytokines (a signalling molecule that promotes inflammation) (13).

6. Quercetin Lowers Inflammation

Inflammation is the natural response by the body to protect itself from any foreign substance. Inflammation is a natural chemical release that works to rid the body of any potentially harmful irritants and or stimuli. It also provides protection to any area of the body that has been injured and begins the body’s healing process.

The problem with inflammation begins when inflammation keeps reoccuring specifically in the same area of the body. When inflammation becomes chronic you can develop serious health problems not to mention that it can be very painful. A few causes of chronic inflammation are as follows;

• Asthma

• Arthritis

• Eating too many Omega-6 rich foods

• Eating too few Omega-3 rich foods

• Crohn's disease

• Inflammatory bowel disease

• Psychological stress (worries about bills, your job, family issues etc)

• Sleep deprivation

Often times this inflammation occurs in the gut, triggering a host of stomach issues and stomach pains.

Quercetin is a flavonoid that is anti inflammatory in nature. Quercetin is even more effective as an antiinflammatory when paired with the systemic enzyme bromelain. These two substances together can lower the intensity of both chronic and acute inflammation within the body (14).

A study conducted on a group of males in their early twenties showed that when taking just quercetin or both quercetin and vitamin C combined, they displayed noteworthy improvements in their inflammation levels (15).

7. Quercetin Can Fight Against Leaky Gut Syndrome

Leaky gut syndrome is a condition where your gastrointestinal tract begins to leak. Leaky gut syndrome can be difficult for doctors to pinpoint because not much about this syndrome is known. Causes of leaky gut syndrome are thought to range from extreme stress to intestinal permeability (the process wherein the passing of material from within the gastrointestinal tract out through cells that line the wall of your gut into the rest of your body is controlled).

Apart from the digestive problems that arise from having leaky gut syndrome, it can also affect the body in various other ways including;

• Experiencing frequent or chronic irritable bowel syndrome, constipation and or diarrhea

• Issues with the thyroid gland such as hypothyroidism, graves or hashimoto's (an autoimmune disease which gradually destroys the thyroid gland

• Chronic headaches

• Chronic fatigue

• Issues with your joints such as rheumatoid arthritis

• Acne, eczema, psoriasis and or rosacea

• Mood and behavioural changes caused by ADHD, depression and or anxiety

Intestinal permeability is thought to be caused mostly by mast cells present in the gut which have become unstabilized. Quercetin is effective in treating intestinal permeability because it actually stabilizes mast cells which in turn prevents these cells from releasing various chemicals including histamines (16).

Research has shown the eliminating all mast cells in rats completely cut out any intestinal permeability.

Quercetin also plays a role in the expression and assembly of tight junction proteins which creates what can be best described as a sealing effect on the gut lining as tight junction proteins work to regulate intestinal permeability through connecting intestinal cells (17).

8. Quercetin Is Anti Cancer

Quercetin functions in relation to cancer cells in a multi-targeted way. Quercetin is what is a natural chemoprotective compound. Quercetin trial participants saw a reduction in the risk of developing in colon cancer by 32 percent, in developing lung cancer by 51 percent and in developing stomach cancer by 43 percent (18).

Quercetin halts the process by which healthy cells are corrupted into malignant cells as it actually freezes cancer cells and works to revert these cells to an earlier stage of their development. This protects cellular DNA from any possible harmful mutations that may cause cancer. This entire process is called apoptosis which is the death of cancerous cells.

Quercetin also fights cancer by reducing inflammation and preventing oxidative stress (19).

9. Quercetin Protects Flatulence

While flatulence is normal, excess flatulence can be an embarrassing social problem and can even be physically painful. Excess flatulence is caused by metabolizing certain carbohydrates, excess air in the digestive tract or the growth of bacteria within the small intestine.

Because of its antioxidant properties quercetin eradicates inflammatory enzymes and reduces levels of inflammation within the digestive tract, helping to eliminate flatulence (20).

Antihistamine medications have also demonstrated the ability to limit flatulence and quercetin is naturally histamine lowering (21).

10. Quercetin Can Enhance Physical Endurance

Trials carried out on both humans and animals found that quercetin supplementations stimulated mitochondrial biogenesis which is when the cells within the body work to increase their own mitochondrial mass (22).

More mitochondria (the “powerhouse” of the cell) results in more energy production. Quercetin is thought to increase levels of mitochondria in both muscle and brain cells. Quercetin also works to relieve fatigue during physical exertion.

Participants in a quercetin supplementation trial showed an increase in physical endurance by over 13 percent after taking quercetin supplementations for only one week (23).

11. Quercetin Can Help Manage Diabetes

Diabetes is developed when your immune system destroys the pancreatic cells that produce insulin. Diabetes can cause kidney failure, nerve damage, thickening of blood vessels, pain and blindness if not treated correctly.

Quercetin reduces sorbitol levels within the body. Sorbitol is a kind of sugar that builds up in kidney cells, your nerve cells and your eye cells when you have type II diabetes (24). An accumulation of sorbitol has been shown to cause severe damage to these cells and organs.

Quercetin can also control the elevated blood pressure that often accompanies diabetes (25).

12. Quercetin Can Fight Against Pain

Quercetin is actually able to help your nerves become less sensitive to pain as it has an analgesic (pain relieving) effect on your nerves. Quercetin boosts nitric-acid, which is a nerve relaxant, production in your nerves. Quercetin also modulates the GABA system (a system of receptors responding to neurotransmitters) and serotonin within your brain which also has a hand in managing how we feel pain (26).

Because it is such a strong natural anti inflammatory, quercetin supplementations can be used to treat symptoms of prostatitis (when the prostate becomes inflamed), symptoms of a bladder infection and pain felt as a result of infections, and autoimmune conditions like arthritis (27).

13. Quercetin Can Reduce Irritation Of The Skin

When our bodies become stressed, they begin to release excess mast cells which will then release inflammatory chemicals which play a pat in the flaring up of acne. Various other irritants (apart from stress) are also able to stimulate our immune cells which can cause skin issues (28). Quercetin works to stabilize our immune system and the function of mast cells within our bodies.

Quercetin is anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. Quercetin is able to suppress the replication of certain viruses one of which being herpes simplex, a symptom of which is painful cold sores that develop around the mouth. Quercetin is also an antihistamine which means that it can reduce itching, and the redness that accompanies it, of the skin (29)

14. Quercetin May Inhibit Obesity

Obesity is a state of being grossly overweight. Obesity causes a myriad of health problems that can be life threatening. Currently nearly 70 percent of adults worldwide are overweight or obese with childhood obesity rising alarmingly each year. A few health complications that could potentially arise from being obese include;

• Cancer

• Having a heart attack

• Having a stroke

• Developing Coronary Vascular Disease

• Developing diabetes

• Rising blood pressure

There are many lifestyle and medical conditions that cause obesity like oxidative stress (when there are too many free radicals for the body to detoxify). Oxidative stress is involved in both the onset and progression of obesity as it can lead to insulin resistance and hypertension (30).

Studies on rats showed that quercetin lowered weight by almost 40 percent. It also suppresses fat cell metabolism expression (31). Quercetin has been proven to inhibit fat accumulation in mice.

15. Quercetin Stimulates Blood Circulation

Improved blood circulation is healthy for arteries, muscles and the heart. When your blood circulation is healthy your organs and tissues get more oxygen and operate better.

Quercetin stimulates the production of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a natural vasodilator which relaxes artery muscles and works to stop platelet aggregation (when blood vessels begin to stick together and potentially cause a blockage in the arteries) which together optimizes blood flow (32).

15 Best Quercetin Foods

Red Wine

The phenols present in red wine prevent the process of platelet aggregation (when blood cells begin to stick together in order to assist in the formation of blood clots) which protects against thromboses in the blood vessels and arteries.

Drinking red wine regularly can protect you from getting sick. The antioxidants found in red wine protect the cells in our bodies from damage done by free radicals and fight against infections. A study carried out on Spanish university students found that students who consumed an average of 14 glasses of red wine each week had up to 40 percent less chance of being infected with the common cold.

Consuming healthy amount of red wine can lower levels of LDL cholesterol in the body.

Including red wine in your diet may help to protect against Alzheimer’s disease. People living in the Mediterranean region (people living here typically consume a good amount of red wine) reportedly have nearly 50 percent less chance of suffering from cognitive impairment.

When red wine is consumed in moderation it can prevent the development of kidney stones.

Apples

Apples are very high in fiber. High fiber foods like apples work to improve digestion. Fiber ensures bulkier stool which passes through the digestive tract easier ensuring prevention from constipation, easy bowel movement and irritable bowel syndrome, among other stomach issues. The fiber in apples also boosts peristaltic motion (relaxation and contraction of muscles in the intestines) which moves food around.

The fiber in apples can also prevent hemorrhoids in the anal canal.

Apples contain good amounts of iron. When you are iron deficient you make become anemic. A few symptoms of anemia include;

• Feeling constantly fatigued

• Feeling often dizzy

• Soreness or swelling in the tongue

• Paleness in the skin

• Feeling weak

• A tingling sensation in the legs

• Feeling short of breath

• Craving strange things like dirt or clay

Anemia happens when you do not have enough red blood cells in your blood and can be treated with iron supplements or changing your diet to include more iron rich foods like apples.

When you eat apples you are actually cleaning your gums and teeth. Biting into apples and chewing apples boost saliva production in the mouth which reduces the chances of bacteria growing on the teteh. The fiber in the apples also clean your teeth.

Eating a healthy amount of apples can help to detoxify your liver.

Bell Peppers

Bell peppers contain lutein, an enzyme that protects your eyes from developing cataracts and various other deformities in the eyes.

Bell peppers are incredibly high in vitamin C. Vitamin C works to regenerate and repair damaged tissues within the body. Vitamin C lowers your blood pressure and strengthens your immune system. It also helps to keep skin cells from losing their elasticity. A few symptoms of a vitamin C deficiency includes but are not limited to;

• Developing scurvy

• Dry, scaly and rough skin

• The development of reddish spots on the skin

• Swelling of the gums

• Wounds healing very slowly

• Bruising easily

• Hair becoming brittle, dry and splitting

• Gingivitis

Vitamin C is also essential for the body to absorb iron and protects against the risk of a stroke.

Bell peppers are full of vitamin B6. This vitamin helps the body by renewing cells and keeping the immune system working.

Bell peppers contain a healthy amount of sulfur which help protect the body from cancer.

Cranberries

Cranberries are useful in treating urinary tract infections, especially in those who experience them frequently. Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins which prevent bacteria from attaching itself to the walls of the urinary tract.

These same proanthocyanidins keep our teeth healthy as they prevent bacteria growth on the teeth the same way they do in the urinary tract. Cranberries also help stave off gum disease and the development of stomach ulcers in this way.

Cranberries are a natural anti inflammatory as well as a natural antioxidant. Cranberries also work to balance unhealthy cholesterol levels. These factors combined make cranberries good for your cardiovascular health.

Cacao

Consuming cacao can improve your mood. Cacao contains anandamide which is a neurotransmitter that is commonly referred to as the “bliss molecule”. Anandamide also relieves feelings of anxiety.

Along with the anandamide, cacao also spurs on the production of seratonin which is a calming chemical that makes you feel good. When women deal with PMS their levels of serotonin drop and they can become moody.

Cacao contains polyphenol antioxidants which can keep you looking young. These catechins and anthocyanins keep cells in our skin from being damaged by free radicals.

Cacao is an antioxidant power bomb. Cacao’s antioxidant properties is over 40 times more powerful than blueberries.

Cacao helps to thin out your blood which can help prevent blood clotting and blockages in the arteries and blood vessels.

The sulfur found in cacao keeps your hair strong and healthy. Sulfur also keeps your pancreas and liver healthy as it works as a detoxifier for those organs.

The magnesium in cacao keeps energy levels up. Magnesium has numerous health benefits including;

• Calming anxiety and nervousness

• Working to prevent osteoporosis

• Regulating calcium, potassium and sodium in the body

• Preventing migraines

• Aiding digestion

• Relieving spasms and aches in the muscles

• Keeps your heart healthy

Cacao is ones of the foods containing the highest amounts of magnesium.

Asparagus

Asparagus maintains the optimum levels of homocysteine within the body because of the (vitamin B it contains. Keeping homocysteine levels in check can protect you from serious medical conditions such as atherosclerosis, blood vessel damage and venous thrombosis.

Asparagus has various properties that make it a good food for fertility. Firstly, asparagus boosts sperm production and the overall health and motility of a man’s sperm. Secondly it calms anxiety that is tied to men having performance issues during sexual intercourse. Thirdly it acts as an aphrodisiac and can increase sexual desire.

One cup of asparagus is only just over 30 calories which makes it a great food for those trying to lose weight.

Asparagus is high in levels of asparagine. Asparagine makes asparagus an effective diuretic (something that increases urine production). Eating more asparagus flushes all the extra salt and fluid out of your body.When a woman does not urinate regularly enough, she could be more susceptible to developing urinary tract infections.

The anthocyanins in asparagus makes it a powerful antioxidant. Be careful not to overcook asparagus as the anthocyanins will be destroyed.

Asparagus is full of vitamin E. A few health properties of vitamin E include;

• Keeping the skin and hair healthy

• Being a natural antioxidant

• Can be used to treat wrinkles, acne and scars

• Keeps cholesterol levels balanced

• Keeps hormones within the body balanced

• Eases symptoms of PMS

• Slowing down worsening symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease

• Improves muscle strength and levels of physical endurance

• Ensures healthy development and growth of a foetus during pregnancy

Asparagus contains amino acids and minerals that protect your liver from damage from toxins and may keep you from feeling too hungover.

Asparagus is rich in folate which can combat symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (a condition caused by a spike of inflammation in your joints).

Capers

Capers are chock full of minerals and vitamins. Calcium, iron, vitamins K and A, riboflavin, sodium, copper and niacin are all found in capers.

Capers are a good choice for people who eat a lot of meat as they work to eliminate harmful byproducts found in fatty cuts of meat.

Capers can relieve excessive flatulence that can be both painful and embarrassing.

Eating capers can reduce levels of phlegm in the chest when you are sick.

Green Tea

Green tea is a good source of catechin polyphenols. Catechin polyphenols act as antioxidants which protect our cells from oxidative damage. This action can prolong signs of aging and keep you looking younger for longer.

Tannins and caffeine is green tea make it a powerful stimulant. The stimulating effects of green tea can fight against feelings of sleepiness, laziness and a general lack of energy.

Drinking green tea regularly can boost the function of your immune system. Green tea contain catechins that prevent viruses and bacteria (as well as countering toxins) from becoming attached to cells and infecting them.

Drinking green tea can prevent you from losing your teeth. Green tea contains astringent substances which spurs the muscles in the gums on to contract and tighten.

Studies have shown that green tea can boost your metabolism.

The alkaline in green tea keeps blood glucose levels from rising and falling dramatically making it a good choice for diabetics, but only when drank without sugar.

Green tea is a natural anti-carcinogenic and helps to protect your body from various types of cancer.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes protects your heart health. Tomatoes are full of lycopene which prevents the process of serum lipid oxidation, and lowers levels of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol in the blood.

Tomatoes are a rich source of vitamin A. Vitamin A offers a host of health benefits including but not limited to;

• Ensures the health of the eyes

• Strengthens your immune system

• Keeps your skin supple and soft

• Fights against muscular dystrophy

• Replaces and repairs old and damaged tissue

• Can prevent measles

• Protects your skin from psoriasis

• Keeps teeth and bones healthy

Tomatoes can help with the fight against type II diabetes as it lowers the amount of oxidative stress type II diabetes causes the body.

Tomatoes contain both chlorogenic acid and coumaric acid which protect your body from nitrosamines, a carcinogen that is present in cigarettes.

Studies show that to get the most out of your tomatoes it is much better to eat organic.

Dark Cherries

Dark cherries contain anthocyanins which are antioxidant flavonoids. These flavonoids are responsible for the coloration of the cherries and and protects the cells in your body from potential damage that could be caused by toxins in the environment. The flavonoids also keep the rate of oxidative damage done by free radicals down.

Cherries are very high in vitamin C. Vitamin C is one of the most powerful vitamins and include health benefits such as;

• Can be used to treat vasodilation

• Can be used to treat lead poisoning

• Can be used to treat cataracts

• Can be a mood booster

• Helps wounds to heal faster

• Can be used to treat diabetes

• May help to prevent heart disease

• Can be used to treat coughs and a cold

Studies done on rats have confirmed that cherries can actually decrease belly fat.

Eating cherries can ensure a good night's sleep. Drinking cherry juice half an hour before your dinner can help regulate your sleep cycle due to levels of melatonin. Drinking cherry juice can also be used to treat the fatigue effects of jet lag.

Consuming a healthy amount of cherries can lower your risk of having a stroke. The anthocyanins in cherries activate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors which aid in the process of regulating genes that are involved in the metabolism of glucose and fat. When this happens, your risk of developing diabetes, high cholesterol and blood pressure can all help to stave off any risk of a possible stroke.

A study carried out on over 60 patients suffering from gout (a type of inflammatory arthritis) showed that patients that regularly ate cherries had a lowered incidence rate of gout attacks of up to 35 percent.

Eating one and a half cups of cherries can reduce pain in the muscles.

Spring Onions

Spring onions have various antiviral and antibacterial health properties. Due to these properties, spring onions can be used to treat the cold, the flu and various other viral infections. This same reason makes spring onions good for stimulating the respiratory system and expelling excess mucus and saliva.

Spring onions can help to maintain the health of your eyes because of the carotenoids found in it.

Spring onions contain sulfur contents which keep high blood pressure under control. These sulfur compounds also manage the levels of sugar in the blood. Sulfur also inhibits the growth of any fungus within the body.

Spring onions keep macronutrients within the body and regulates your metabolism.

Spring onions are a good source of pectin. Pectin is is found in the cells of plant based foods and can reduce your chances of being diagnosed with cancer, more specifically colon cancer.

Spring onions contain allicin which prevents wrinkling of the skin.

Blueberries

Blueberries are best known for their powerful antioxidant properties. These properties keep your skin looking young and healthy.

Blueberries are incredibly high in nutrients whilst being very low in calories which make them a healthy choice for people trying to lose weight or trying to maintain their weight.

Eating blueberries can improve both your memory and focus. A study showed that participants who consumed blueberries showed an improvement in motor function and a slowing of cognitive decline.

Blueberries are becoming a very common ingredient in skin care products as they are chock full of minerals and vitamins with protect against acne and keep your hormones balanced. Blueberries are also a good source of resveratrol which works to minimize sun exposure induced damage.

The antioxidant properties of blueberries protects cellular DNA from oxidative damage. Blueberries also lower levels of oxidative LDL cholesterol.

Blueberries contain anthocyanins which work to glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity.

Red Onions

Esting red onions can help the body fight against infections and inflammation. The vitamin C present in red onions also strengthens the body’s immunity which also helps to fight against any infection.

Red onions are very good for the health of your heart. Red onions encourage LDL production which lowers the risk of a stroke and heart attack.

Red onions can help to reduce the burning painful sensation caused by being stung by a stinging insect. Applying red onion juice topically to the strung area can result in almost immediate relief from pain.

Eating red onions regularly can prevent the development of uncomfortable and painful gastric ulcers. Red onions work to eliminate free radicals that collect in your gastric tract. This action prevents the gastric ulcers from forming.

Grapes

Grapes are good for the lungs. Grapes are incredibly hydrating and increases levels of moisture in the lungs which can ease the effects of asthma and other respiratory problems.

Grapes can help to ease the occurrence of a migraine. Drinking ripe grape juice in the early morning can stave off migraines.

Grapes are known to be somewhat of a natural laxative due to the fact that they contain cellulose, organic acids and sugar. Grapes are also high in fiber which help move food along the digestive tract easily and they work to help tone your intestinal muscles which can relieve symptoms of chronic constipation. Grapes can also relieve irritation within your stomach.

Grapes balance the levels of minerals and iron within your body keeping you safe from developing anemia.

The extract of grape seeds can protect your teeth from cavities.

Red grapes in particular have antiviral and antibacterial properties which work to protect your body from any infections. The antiviral and antibacterial properties of red grapes are particularly known for being protective against polio and the herpes virus.

Eating grapes can protect protect your eyes from macular degeneration. Studies show us that eating just three servings of grapes daily can lower your chances of developing macular degeneration by over 35 percent. The antioxidant flavonoids present in grapes also protect the eyes from the development of cataracts.

Celery

Celery is one of the best possible foods to eat if you are trying to lose weight or maintain weight. Eating celery burns a larger amount of calories than you get out of the actual food.

Celery is a great source of vitamin K. Vitamin K is crucial to the process of blood clotting, ensuring that calcium ends up in your bones and not in your arteries and heart, maintaining healthy brain function, preventing the development of osteoporosis, relieving the pain that accompanies the menstrual cycle and much more.

A deficiency of vitamin K can cause uncontrollable internal bleeding, especially in newborns. A vitamin K deficiency can also result in bone loss. A few symptoms of a vitamin K deficiency are;

• Swelling and or bleeding of the gums

• Wounds (large or small) bleeding excessively

• Blood in the stool and or in the urine

• Bruising easily

• Recurring nosebleeds

Celery protects the health of your liver. Rats given celery to eat showed a reduction in fatty build up in the liver as well as an improvement in the lipid levels of the blood and an improving function of liver enzymes.

Celery reduces high blood pressure. The organic chemical compound phthalides is found in celery. Phthalides lower the levels of stress hormones present in your blood which in turn lowers high blood pressure.

Celery is a natural diuretic and antiseptic.

The high levels of calcium in celery make it a useful food to calm nerves and anxious feelings.