Rutin: Another obscure health help [part 1]

Rutin is a plant compound with hugely strong antioxidant properties. These properties protect cell damage from free radicals (some of which can cause cancer).

Research has shown that rutin helps in treating high blood pressure, diabetes and elevated cholesterol. It is a super anti-inflammatory supplement, also. This helps in treating both types of arthritis as well as general chronic pain.

Rutin naturally occurs in apples, onions and buckwheat. (I had buckwheat pancakes at The Pancake House in Hot Springs and they were delicious!) If you would rather consume rutin as a supplement instead of deriving it from a food source, make sure the label states that the products have been independently tested and, as well, consult a dietician or nutritionist. Make sure if you are on prescriptions that rutin would be synergistic and not undo the prescription benefit.

There have been a few studies that are linking rutin to a better whole body circulation, too. Another study conducted in 2017 showed rutin to benefit heart patients; however, this study was done on pigs and with only an eight-week duration, so they aren’t certain if the positive results would cross over to the human side.

One of the high risk factors for heart disease is high blood pressure. In a study of 50 persons with Type 2 Diabetes, participants were given one gram of rutin or a placebo for three months. Researchers showed the rutin recipients had a significant reduction in blood pressure, increased levels of antioxidant enzymes, and a general improved quality of life compared to the placebo group.

In a 2020 study, 50 participants were randomized and given 500 msg of rutin or a placebo for three months, and results showed that participants taking rutin had a significant decrease in total cholesterol, bad (LDL) cholesterol, and ratio of bad to good cholesterol.

Also, a small study showed that compared to placebo supplementing with 500 msg of rutin for three months resulted in a huge decrease in fasting blood sugar, insulin and hemoglobin A1C as well as improvement in markers for inflammation and oxidative stress.

Next week, Part 2 will wind up our education on rutin.