I went to the park the other day and was perplexed by what I saw. The park was full of people enjoying summer: couples sprawled against each other; boys riding bikes; girls out jogging; a serious-looking man reading a novel under the shade of a tree; and grandparents watching young ones run and play.

It’s a sight we’ve all seen many times: a simple sunny day in the park. It’s a scene we all accept as natural and normal.

But that day it struck me as odd.

There was something wrong with the picture. There was a pattern to it… young people being active, older people being sedentary. And I realized that a theme straight out of conventional wisdom was playing out in front of me… the acceptance that, as we get older, we slow down.

This struck me as particularly strange because of what I do each day. I spend my time researching scientific studies and talking to leading experts in the medical field. And from all that digging, I’ve found no reason that “old” should mean “tired” or “slow.”

In fact, I’ve uncovered multiple studies that show solid, scientific proof that antioxidants boost your energy. And one antioxidant in particular can give you child-like energy well into your 60s and beyond.

This compound adds a spring to your step and even enhances sports performance. In fact, it’s so reliable, world-class sports gurus use it. I’m talking about an antioxidant called quercetin.

Claim the Power of the Olympians

Quercetin is a safe and effective anti-inflammatory agent that boosts energy and the immune system. In fact, it even fuels the cells that power your muscles and brain.

“It’s so reliable; Olympians and serious exercisers are flocking to it for help during strenuous workouts,” says THB panel expert Dr. Al Sears. “It’s only recently that researchers discovered its power to boost energy.”

There’s plenty of research to support quercetin. One study showed that it boosted the timed trial performance of a famous cyclist team by 3.1 percent. No wonder quercetin is a favorite of world-famous cyclist Lance Armstrong!

But it doesn’t just make cyclists pedal faster… And it isn’t just good at enhancing sports performance. Studies show that it can work for regular people living everyday lives.

Quercetin has good applications for everyday usage, too. For instance, it can make the difference between springing through your day and slouching through it.

A study by the Arnold School of Health at the University of South Carolina showed that quercetin can really make a difference to all of us. The study showed that it increases energy and endurance in all active, healthy adults.

That’s because it’s a powerhouse antioxidant that effectively fights oxidative stress. It fights flu and boosts brain power and “tops up” all-around good health. That makes it a powerful antioxidant that you’ll want to incorporate into your diet.

An Apple a Day…

So where can you get quercetin and how much should you take? Dr. Sears offers advice and guidance on dosage and servings.

“For general health purposes, I recommend 15 to 40 mg per day,” he says. “And you can get it simply by eating a few servings a day of fruits and vegetables that are rich in quercetin.”

Quercetin occurs naturally in many foods. You can find it in good amounts in simple, everyday apples. But it’s also found in:

• Black Tea
• Broccoli
• Capers
• Cherries
• Citrus fruit
• Cranberries
• Leafy green vegetables
• Onions
• Raspberries
• Red grapes
• Red onions
• Tomatoes

You can also get quercetin from easy dietary supplements. Your local health food store should stock all-in-one supplements loaded with vitamins, minerals, and quercetin. But it’s important that you take the right amount.

“For peak performance, I suggest 500 mg twice a day,” says Dr. Sears. “For therapeutic purposes, you’ll need to take higher dosages, and only under professional supervision.”

Combine Antioxidants to Boost Benefits

You can maximize your energy levels by combining apples and raspberries with green tea. That’s because green tea also contains a powerful energy-boosting antioxidant.

People have known about the wide benefits of drinking green tea for years. It can support your immune system, fight aging, and promote healthy brain and liver function. But recent studies also show that it can boost energy and athletic performance.

A meta-analysis by Maastricht University in the Netherlands looked at the connection between green tea and weight loss. It revealed that catechins in green tea not only helped people lose weight, but also helped them maintain a healthy weight.

A second study from this year – conducted by the Waseda University in Japan – showed similar results. The study authors found that green tea does more than just enhance fat metabolism. They showed that it increases energy during exercise. And they came to one final simple conclusion: Exercise and green tea increase energy and fat burning levels.

The most up-to-date studies speak very clearly. Antioxidants can put that spring back in your step – no matter what your age is. Even better, they’ll deliver a whole host of other health benefits too. And you can claim all of these benefits by simply enjoying a bowl of cherries and a mug of green tea!

To your best health,

Ian Robinson,

Editorial Director, NHD “Health Watch”