Keep Your Energy up with This Antioxidant
Not feeling like much of an athlete these days? Eat an onion.
New research suggests that quercetin -- an antioxidant found in onions (and tea, and broccoli, and apples) -- may help your body work harder longer.
Taking a Cue from Quercetin
The small study in question compared healthy college students on stationary bikes. Those taking quercetin supplements pedaled 14 percent longer than the placebo group. Still, it's not yet clear how this information translates into real-world use, because the supplement takers were getting really large doses -- about 500 milligrams twice a day. That is far more than a person gets in a regular diet. Still, the results are pretty impressive, especially considering how much fitter the students were able to get with little effort. Feeling lazy? Try this no-workout workout.
Secret Energy Source
Besides possibly giving your workout a boost, quercetin has countless other health benefits. A growing body of research shows quercetin may help prevent everything from asthma and allergies to cancer and heart disease. And the latest research has scientists speculating as to whether quercetin may also help the body build mitochondria -- those all-important energy centers found inside each of your cells. So sip some tea and get invigorated!
Try these other body-boosters as well:
- Choose the right energy bar. Here are the best buys.
- Aim for plate balance. Find out which carb-fat-protein mix will maximize your energy.
- Start your day right. Here are nine high-energy ways to do it.
Feel like you're dragging? Try this quick energy test.
The dietary flavonoid quercetin increases VO2max and endurance capacity. Davis, J. M. et al., International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism 2009 Jun 24;20:1-13.
