In partnership with

Hello there, 

Can certain foods do more than just fuel the body—and actually help protect the heart?

This month’s featured bioactive, quercetin, is showing promise in early-stage research. A recent study explored how this compound may support vascular and cardiac health by protecting the body’s smallest blood vessels.

What is Quercetin?

Quercetin is a flavonoid—a type of bioactive compound found in many colorful plant foods like apples, onions, berries, and tea. In nature, it helps plants respond to stress. In the body, it may offer similar protective benefits.

Researchers are exploring quercetin’s potential to:

• Support cellular defenses

• Influence inflammation and oxidative balance

• Promote vascular and immune health

It’s one of the most abundant flavonoids in the human diet, and its wide-ranging activity has made it a focus of ongoing studies in heart, metabolic, and aging-related health.

What the Research Shows

A 2021 study published in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity explored quercetin’s potential to protect the cardiovascular system, using both human vascular cells and a mouse-model fed a high-fat diet.

Here’s what researchers found:

• In human vascular cells, quercetin helped restore angiogenesis—the growth of new blood vessels—after damage from oxidative stress. This could support healthy blood flow and microcirculation.

• In mice, quercetin improved several key markers of cardiovascular health, even without changing the high-fat diet. It boosted heart function and ejection fraction, reduced fat accumulation and fibrosis in the heart, restored microvascular density for better blood flow, and lowered inflammation and oxidative stress.

Taken together, these findings suggest that quercetin may help promote the cardiovascular resilience under challenging conditions.

Note: The mouse findings are considered preclinical. More studies in humans are needed to confirm these effects.

Boost Your Quercetin Intake

Quercetin is naturally found in many colorful plant foods, but some sources pack more punch than others. Here are three top picks, based on their quercetin content and nutritional value:

• Capers (~234 mg per 100g)
  These tangy flower buds top the chart as one of the richest sources of quercetin. A small amount goes a long way in flavor and antioxidant support.

• Red Onions (~39 mg per 100g)
  A kitchen staple with cardiovascular perks, red onions contain significantly more quercetin than yellow or white varieties, especially in the outer layers.

• Apples, with peel (~4 mg per 100g)
  The skin is where it shines. Apples offer modest quercetin levels plus fiber and vitamin C, making them a convenient everyday option.

Making these foods a regular part of your meals can help increase your intake of this powerful bioactive naturally.

Note: mg stands for milligrams, a unit equal to one-thousandth of a gram. While there’s no official daily target for quercetin, emerging research suggests that even moderate intake from food may support cardiovascular and cellular health.

Want to add more quercetin to your day?

Download our free Bioactive Spotlight guide featuring food sources and simple tips for including more of this heart-smart compound in your meals.

Superior Quality, Timeless Tradition

A global matcha shortage means authentic, organic Japanese matcha has become increasingly rare. Yu Tea protects the tradition, crafted exclusively from organic Japanese tea leaves grown on farms that prioritize quality over quantity.

Experience the serenity and vitality that only true ceremonial-grade matcha (Grade A) offers:

• Certified 100% Organic, non-GMO, non-toxic & ISO 22000 verified

• Calming yet energizing - no jitters, just clarity

• Powerful antioxidants for cellular health

• Naturally detoxifying and cleansing

• Decaf matcha available for the caffeine sensitive

Supplies are limited, so don't wait to secure your premium matcha supply today.

Exclusive Offer: Enjoy 20% off your first order.

[Shop Now & Save 20%]

Stay connected with us to receive the latest on evidence-based research, advancements in healthcare, and practical tips.

Best wishes,
- The Angiogenesis Foundation