Today we will start with a biology lesson about a vital compound found in our bodies. Coenzyme Q10 goes by many different names, such as ubiquinone, ubidecarenone, coenzyme Q, abbreviated at times to CoQ10. Regardless of which character it is called by, it has some fantastic properties. This is a coenzyme found naturally occurring all over human and animal bodies. It has a similar molecular structure to vitamins. Your body makes Coenzyme Q10, and it is used by your cells to produce the energy that your body needs for cell generation and helps maintain those cells. Coenzyme Q10 also acts as an antioxidant, a substance that protects the body from damages caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. Coenzyme helps other enzymes to digest food and perform other body processes, and it helps to protect the heart and skeletal muscles. Our bodies are unique and have many natural healing properties!
Why do we need Coenzyme Q10?
Coenzyme Q10 is necessary for normal cell functioning and a healthy immune system. It is also beneficial for heart health in many ways. It assists in maintaining normal cholesterol levels, helps assure that our blood is circulating effectively, maintains circulatory health, and supports optimal heart muscle functioning. CoQ10 may also help keep vessel walls healthy and functioning optimally to ensure proper blood flow. In addition, Coenzyme Q10 may reduce the number and severity of migraine headaches and improve sperm motility in men. Some research has indicated therapeutic value in high doses to slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease. A few small clinical trials have demonstrated that CoQ10 supplementation may help prevent and treat gingivitis inflamed gums.
Signs of a Coenzyme Q10 Deficiency
Studies in both animals and humans have associated significantly decreased levels of CoQ10 with a wide variety of diseases. This enzyme is naturally found in high concentrations in heart muscle cells. However, a deficiency has been associated with cardiovascular problems, including angina, arrhythmia, heart failure, and high blood pressure. Other issues related to CoQ10 lack include problems blood sugar regulation, gingival (gum) health, and the occurrence of stomach ulcers. Those taking drugs that include statins to lower cholesterol are at particular risk for deficiency. Because statins reduce cholesterol levels, they also block CoQ10 synthesis in the body. As a result, low CoQ10 levels in patients on statins can contribute to common side effects such as fatigue and aching joints and muscles.
Coenzyme Q10 Food Sources
Other than our own bodies, Coenzyme Q10 is naturally present in a wide variety of foods. It is found in exceptionally high levels in organ meats such as heart, liver and kidney and beef, soy oil, peanuts, mackerels and sardines. However, a typical North American diet will only include approximately 10 mg of Coenzyme Q10, which is insufficient to make up for a deficiency. This is why supplementation is usually necessary to reach amounts that are considered optimal.
Coenzyme Q10 Supplements
If we already have Coenzyme Q10 present in all our cells, why do we have it available in supplement form? And why should we take it? These are valid questions that I also asked before I did my research and found out how beneficial Coenzyme Q10 is and why supplementing might be necessary sometimes.
As mentioned above, CoQ10 is needed for essential cell function, so we all need it for healthy and working cells in our bodies. But did you know that CoQ10 levels decrease with age and maybe low in people with cancer, certain genetic disorders, diabetes, heart conditions, HIV/AIDS, muscular dystrophies, and Parkinson’s disease? On top of that, some prescription drugs may also lower CoQ10 levels. So if CoQ10 levels are decreased in the body, that could have a very adverse effect on our cell functioning and immune system.
Preliminary evidence indicates that supplemental doses of up to 1,200 mg a day may benefit those with certain health conditions, especially Parkinson’s disease, with no known side effects. It is also beneficial for those on statin therapy or who have a family history of heart disease. It is also appropriate for healthy men and women to take preventative measures and help maintain a healthy cardiovascular system.
You can increase body Coenzyme Q10 levels by taking CoQ10 supplements. In addition, the evidence suggests that idebenone, a man-made compound similar to CoQ10, may help treat Alzheimer’s disease. Exemplary uses of CoQ10 include eye disease, chest pain caused by exercise, asthma, chronic fatigue, high cholesterol, and the treatment of chemotherapy side effects in children.
Healthy Origins COQ10
Customers can purchase our favourite Healthy Origins Co-Q-10 Gels (Ubiquinone). This 100% natural (trans-isomer) CoEnzyme Q 10 is produced exclusively through yeast fermentation and is pharmaceutical grade, the highest quality available. All Healthy Origins CoQ10 gels are encapsulated in the USA using only Kaneka Q10 had solely in Pasadena, TX, USA.
For more products that contain the fantastic Coenzyme Q10, please visit Here!
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