Coenzyme Q10 (also known as ubiquinone, but most widely referred to as CoQ10) is a substance that can be found in every cell of the body, where it is used to produce the large amounts of energy needed for healthy cell growth, repair after damage, and maintenance.
CoQ10 also functions as a powerful antioxidant, which protects the cells and the entire body from damage caused by harmful molecules.
Not only does it help keep the cells of the body healthy and in good condition, CoQ10 helps to keep the entire body functioning by helping to supply necessary energy to hard working organs. CoQ10 functions as a sort of catalyst, jump starting energy production within cells. The body then uses the generated energy for a host of vital processes, including smooth and striated muscle contraction and digestion.
Scientists have also discovered that CoQ10 is found in especially high concentrations in organs that require a lot of energy, such as the heart. Without CoQ10, energy production and therefore organ function would screech to a halt.
Researchers first discovered and named Coenzyme Q10 in 1957 while they were examining how the cell produces energy. Almost fifty years later, scientists are still finding new and better uses for the important substance, and have begun to discover evidence that treating patients with CoQ10 supplements may actually assist in the prevention and treatment of such devastating illnesses as heart disease and cancer.
CoQ10 can help prevent heart disease by first using its antioxidant power to prevent cholesterol from being attacked by free radicals in the body, freeing up precious reserves of vitamin E for other uses by the body. In this way, the coenzyme has also been found to work in conjunction with vitamin E to prevent the damage to arteries caused by cholesterol that leads to heart disease.
Also, because of its original purpose of generating energy for the heart, some researchers are beginning to believe that CoQ10 can be used as a drug to boost failing organs, especially the heart.
As important as CoQ10 is to the proper function of virtually every part of the body - skin, muscles, organs, etc. - you might be surprised to find out that some of the most popular prescription drugs for the reduction of cholesterol in the body are actually responsible for depleting the body's reserves of CoQ10 on an alarming level.
Statin drugs, such as Lipitor, Zetia and Crestor, widely prescribed to assist patients with high cholesterol bring their levels back to a normal range, have been found in several studies to decrease the level of naturally produced CoQ10 and even deplete the amount held in reserve by the cells in case of emergencies.
Thankfully, a CoQ10 deficiency caused by statin drugs is completely preventable and ultimately reversible by supplementing the patient with CoQ10 from outside sources. Clinical trials have shown that supplementation of CoQ10 also seems to have no adverse impact on the cholesterol lowering or anti-inflammatory properties of the statin drugs.
So, if it is a naturally occurring compound in the body, you may be wondering how a person would go about supplementing it in their system. Aside from taking commercially prepared supplements, CoQ10 is naturally present in small amounts in a wide variety of foods that many people enjoy every day, such as beef, peanuts, mackerel and sardines. It is also found in high concentrations in organ meats such as heart, liver, and kidney, but many people prefer to take a pill or gelcap supplement rather than eat these items.
Just like with any other type of medication or supplement, different people respond differently to treatment and supplementation and the body's response to additional CoQ10 in the system can take time. Don't be surprised if you don't see results right away, as it may take more than eight weeks to see some benefit from therapy. Most people take about 150 to 300 mg per day for supplementation of organ function, but only about 10-30 mg per day is required for anti-aging benefits.
Another option is a comprehensive supplement that helps the body naturally produce more CoQ10. This is perhaps the best way to ensure that your body has the CoQ10 it needs to function properly, as many individual Coenzyme Q10 supplements are subpar.
Learn more about the benefits of CoQ10 and other important nutrients and discover how you can improve your health today.
David Bloom is an avid health enthusiast and editor of several health sites, including healthy heart guide and healthy heart guide. He also contributes to healthy heart guide, a site dedicated to exercise and physical fitness.
efficient cleaning crew Northbrook ..We have all heard that it is important to eat... Read More
The real benefits of Vitamin E may surprise you. First... Read More
Coral Calcium is an excellent source of readily accessible and... Read More
ImmunPlex? is an undenatured whey protein isolate that contains many... Read More
There is a lot of confusion about weight loss supplementation,... Read More
Whey proteins drinks, especially shakes, are available in a variety... Read More
You've probably been eating blueberries since you were a little... Read More
It's unfortunate but many people have digestive systems that find... Read More
Colloidal Silver might just be a wonderful thing and here's... Read More
When I first started down this path I was looking... Read More
Nutrition Supplement ? nutrition.Nutrition supplement is a term familiar to... Read More
VITAMINS:Vitamins are major for Healthy life. Vitamin D may reduce... Read More
Glyconutrients- the latest development in the health industry. What are... Read More
L-carnitine is synthesized in the body from the amino acids... Read More
There is a secret vitamin in the neighborhood, wandering around... Read More
The malabsorptive nature of the gastric bypass system prohibits adequate... Read More
Antioxidant vitamins perform many important tasks that our bodies benefits... Read More
Bodybuilding supplements generally fall under the classification of dietary supplements,... Read More
Most people believe that they are reasonably healthy. Exercise, having... Read More
Minerals are essential to maintain our bodies in top condition... Read More
Nutritional vitamin fiber supplements come in a variety of types,... Read More
I often hear people say that they have smoked for... Read More
Nitric oxide is a free form gas produced by the... Read More
It is clearly evident that hyaluronic acid in its oral... Read More
MSM (methyl-sulfonyl-methane) is a nutritional supplement derived from natural organic... Read More
cleaning lady near Wilmette ..Diet Supplement ? when are they used?Why diet supplement is... Read More
One of the most apparent influences modern times has brought... Read More
GlutImmune? is a very convenient high absorption source of glutamine.... Read More
Have you heard of the herbal supplement with the very... Read More
Over the past few years, Coral Calcium has received a... Read More
L-tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid that plays a role... Read More
Taurine is the second most abundant amino acid in the... Read More
Most people understand the concept of vitamin and mineral supplementation,... Read More
Myocardial infarction is a technical term used to describe an... Read More
Supplementing with relatively small amounts of riboflavin (vitamin B2) may... Read More
The mankind has never stopped searching for the scerets of... Read More
Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that the body cannot... Read More
Calcium Supplement ? why calcium.Why is calcium supplement so important?... Read More
If you read my last article about bitter orange, it... Read More
L-carnitine is synthesized in the body from the amino acids... Read More
Researchers working at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center state that... Read More
At the moment we are in the grip of an... Read More
There are so many different whey protein powder products on... Read More
Over the years, amino acid usage has become more and... Read More
Unfortunately nobody can tell that question over the internet, but... Read More
Glyconutrients- the latest development in the health industry. What are... Read More
As I mentioned in Part 4 of my Real Health... Read More
Nutrients form the basis for your body, emotional and spiritual... Read More
Ever wondered whether amino acid supplements really work? We reveal... Read More
A healthier diet is very much in the news these... Read More
Nutritional Supplements |