WHAT IS MYRICETIN?
Myricetin is one of the many flavonols that can be found in plant based foods and is part of the phytonutrient family (a group of chemical compounds which occur naturally in plants and have numerous health benefits but are not considered essential nutrients). It is also a powerful antioxidant (a substance which protects the body’s cells from oxygen related damage) that has been linked with brain and heart health. In this article I will be looking at myricetin in more detail.
WHEN WAS MYRICETIN DISCOVERED?
Myricetin was discovered in 1938 by the Hungarian biochemist Albert Szent-Györgyi as part of the flavonoid family. He initially referred to the flavonoids as vitamin P but it was later discovered that they are not essential to human health and therefore not technically vitamins.
HOW DOES YOUR BODY USE MYRICETIN?
As discussed above, myricetin can help keep your brain and heart healthy. However, it also prevents cancer and inflammation within the human body. The list below outlines the main functions of myricetin:
– Acting as an antioxidant and protecting your body from damaging free radicals (harmful by-products of oxygen related reactions).
– Protecting against numerous types of cancer (including breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer and prostate cancer).
– Protecting the body’s deoxyribonucleic acid (a carrier of important genetic information that is often known as DNA) from damage.
– Reducing inflammation within the body.
– Reducing low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels within the body (which indirectly improves blood flow within the body and keeps the heart healthy).
– Treating diarrhea.
Myricetin may also have additional benefits to those listed above. However, further research needs to be performed to validate these potential benefits which are listed below:
– Possibly treating mental disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
– Possibly treating the negative symptoms of diabetes.
HOW MUCH MYRICETIN DO YOU NEED?
Myricetin is not considered an essential nutrient so currently has no official recommended daily allowance (RDA).
WHICH FOODS CONTAIN MYRICETIN?
Myricetin can be found in most fruits, herbs and vegetables. The table below outlines some of the best food sources of this phytonutrient:
| FOOD | MILLIGRAMS (MG) OF MYRICETIN PER 100 GRAMS (G) |
| Blueberries | 2.66 |
| Blackberries | 0.67 |
| Cranberries | 6.78 |
| Grapes | 0.3 |
| Red Onions | 2.7 |
| Red Wine | 0.94 |
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF GETTING TOO MUCH MYRICETIN?
There is very little information available on myricetin overdose. However, some sources suggest an extremely high intake can lead to the following negative symptoms:
– Allergic reactions.
– Interference with other medications and supplements.
MYRICETIN SUMMARY
Myricetin is a crucial phytonutrient that can keep your vital organs healthy whilst also protecting you from diseases and mental disorders. Fortunately, you can unlock the benefits of myricetin by eating natural fruits, herbs and vegetables or even by enjoying a glass of red wine. So if these foods are not currently part of your diet make some smart substitutes and start consuming them today.
Sources:
List Of Phytochemicals In Foods (Wikipedia)
Myricetin (Phytochemicals)
Myricetin (Wise Geek)
What Is Phytochemical? (Juicing For Health)
USDA Database for the Flavonoid Content of Selected Foods