Myricetin – A Brain Boosting, Heart Healthy Phytonutrient
Myricetin is a flavonol and phytonutrient (a group of chemical compounds that can be found in plants and have numerous health benefits but are not considered essential to human health) which supports brain and heart health. In this article I will be discussing myricetin in greater detail and providing you with a summary of its main functions, the best food sources, the recommended daily allowances (RDAs) and the potentially adverse effects of consuming too much or too little.
1) DISCOVERY:
Myricetin was discovered by the Hungarian biochemist Albert Szent-Gyorgyi in 1938 as part of the flavonoid family. Gyorgyi initially believed that he had discovered a new vitamin and so named the flavonoids vitamin P. However, it was later discovered that unlike vitamins, the flavonoids are not essential to human health.
2) FUNCTION:
Like many of the flavonols, myricetin is a powerful antioxidant which protects your body’s cells from damaging free radicals (harmful by-products that are released during oxygen related reactions). It can also protect against many different cancers (including breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer and prostate cancer) and keep the body’s deoxyribonucleic acid (a carrier of important genetic information which is often referred to as DNA) safe from damage. Additionally, myricetin can reduce inflammation within the body, reduce blood levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (which keeps the heart healthy) and treat diarrhea.
A small number of studies suggest that myricetin may also be a key nutrient for brain health and assist in the treatment of mental disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. However, more research needs to be done before these health benefits can be linked concretely with myricetin consumption.
3) RDA:
Myricetin is not believed to be essential in humans so no RDA has been established for this flavonol.
4) FOOD SOURCES:
Most fruits and vegetables contain some myricetin. However, blueberries (2.66 milligrams (mg) per 100 grams (g)), cranberries (6.78mg per 100g) and red onions (2.7mg per 100g) are amongst the best food sources.
5) OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS:
Some studies suggest that consuming high levels of myricetin can lead to a variety of allergic reactions and also interfere with other medications and supplements. However, there are no other reported overdose symptoms associated with consuming high levels of this flavonol.
6) DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
At the time of writing no deficiency symptoms have been associated with myricetin consumption.
7) SUMMARY:
Whilst myricetin is not believed to be essential to human health, it still makes sense to add this flavonol to your diet. It can protect you from damaging free radicals, fight of cancer and keep your vital organs healthy. So snack on blueberries, cook with red onions and enjoy all the health benefits that myricetin can supply.
Myricetin has amazing antioxidant properties and is found naturally in certain foods Vegetables, Berries, certain teas, wine and herbs all contain this flavonoid. Because of its powerful antioxidant properties, myricetin benefits the body by eliminating free radical toxins, which are a cause of life threatening diseases, such as heart disease and cancer.
First discovered in 1938, myricetin was first labelled as a vitamin and named as vitamin P, however, it was discovered that it is not essential to human health, unlike vitamins.
Myricetin has also been used in the past to help smokers give up the habit as it blocks certain enzymes within the body, and therefore prevents the urge to smoke.
7 Amazing Myricetin Benefits
So here we are! What does this amazing antioxidant do for your health? Below I have listed the main 7 benefits of myricetin:
Reduces inflammation Reduces bad cholesterol in the body Protects your body against harmful free radicals Helps treat and prevent fevers Helps keep vital organs healthy Boosts brain health Helps protect against cancer
A small number of studies have also concluded that myricetin benefits mental health problems such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, however, further studies need to be done to prove this.
What About Possible Side Effects?
As with any type of supplementation, moderation is the key. Whilst there have been no reports of any major side effects, some mild cases have been reported such as, allergic reactions, headaches and nausea. These side effects are rare and mild, and will usually subside on their own.
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