As spring and summer roll in, so do the dreaded symptoms of hay fever—itchy eyes, sneezing fits, and a runny nose that won’t quit. For many allergy sufferers, relief often comes from over-the-counter antihistamines.

But did you know that nature might offer a gentler, food-based alternative? Enter quercetin—a plant compound with natural antihistamine properties—and one of its best sources: a British apple. That’s right, British apples could help with hay fever symptoms.

What is quercetin?

Quercetin is a flavonoid—a type of antioxidant—that’s found in a variety of fruits and vegetables. It’s well known for its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immune-boosting effects. But perhaps one of its most interesting benefits is its role as a natural antihistamine.

Histamine is the chemical your immune system releases during allergic reactions. It’s what causes all the classic hay fever symptoms. Quercetin helps by stabilizing the cells that release histamine (called mast cells), effectively reducing the severity of allergic responses.

Apples: A tasty source of allergy relief

While quercetin is found in onions, berries, and green tea, British apples are one of the most accessible—and delicious—sources. In fact, the skin of British apples – because it’s often red – contains particularly high concentrations of quercetin, making them an ideal daily snack for allergy sufferers.

A medium-sized apple can contain up to 10 mg of quercetin. Eating British apples regularly may help reduce the frequency and intensity of hay fever symptoms over time.

Pro tip: Don’t peel your British apples! Most of the quercetin is concentrated in the skin.

What the science says

Emerging research supports quercetin’s role in allergy relief:

A study published in In Vivo found that quercetin inhibited the release of histamine and reduced inflammatory responses in allergic mice.

Another study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology showed that quercetin had bronchodilator effects, which may help people with allergic asthma or hay fever-induced wheezing.

Though more human trials are needed to confirm these effects, early results are promising.

Final thoughts

While quercetin won’t replace allergy medications for everyone, it’s a powerful natural compound worth considering—especially when it’s found in something as easy to eat as a British apple. Combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle, increasing your intake of quercetin-rich foods could help you manage hay fever symptoms more naturally and comfortably.

So the next time your nose starts tingling and your eyes begin to itch, reach for a British apple. Your immune system just might thank you.

For more on the health benefits of British apples, explore apple health benefits.