Nutraceuticals and nootropics for anti-aging

Quercetin suggested as preventative for neuro-degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s

Quercetin’s potential as an anti-cancer supplement has made it a popular item for research as well as a popular nutritional supplement. But its apparent benefits go far beyond its anti-cancer activity and include protection against the type of damage done to nerve cells by neuro-degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. These neuro-protective effects have been known about for several years.

Cornell University recently issued a press release announcing that its scientists have shown that the quercetin found in some kinds of apples have neuro-protective effects. Of course, we already knew that quercetin has these effects, so why is this news? Apparently it’s the apple connection: the scientists in question work at Cornell’s New York State Agricultural Experiment Station. Presumably this research is an effort to promote apples grown in the state of New York — which happen to contain higher-than-average levels of quercetin.

Savvy supplement users, however, are aware that quercetin is quercetin, whether you get it from eating apples or by taking a pill. And when you take a pill, you know how much quercetin you’re getting, whereas if you eat an apple it’s anyone’s guess how much quercetin is in it.

Link to Cornell University press release:

An apple a day could help protect against brain-cell damage

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LifeLink carries quercetin in 500 mg capsules.