Coenzyme Q10 or ubiquinone, is a vitamin-like nutrient identified by scientists in 1957, reported to be vital for good health, high-energy levels, longevity and general quality of life. This substance is found naturally in the body with the higher concentration in vital organs like the heart, liver, brain, kidneys and pancreas.
Importance
In our trillion of cells lie the powerhouse known as mitochondria which contains coenzyme10 needed to create adenosine triphosphate (ATP) that is involved in the break down of food molecules to produce the fuel energy required for cell functioning.
Antioxidants fight damaging particles in the body known as free radicals, which damage cell membranes, tamper with DNA and even cause cell death. Scientists believe free radicals contribute to the aging process, as well as a number of health problems, including heart disease and cancer. CoQ10 is a potent antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals by donating its own electrons.
In our trillion of cells lie the powerhouse known as mitochondria which contains coenzyme10 needed to create adenosine triphosphate (ATP) that is involved in the break down of food molecules to produce the fuel energy required for cell functioning.
Antioxidants fight damaging particles in the body known as free radicals, which damage cell membranes, tamper with DNA and even cause cell death. Scientists believe free radicals contribute to the aging process, as well as a number of health problems, including heart disease and cancer. CoQ10 is a potent antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals by donating its own electrons.
Who needs?
The synthesis of Coenzyme10 decreases gradually at the peak of about 20 years old. Other causes include genetic makeup, stress and environment. Hence, constant replenishment is required.
Its intake helps to increase the generation of energy and enhance the efficiency of the body to utilize oxygen. People who can benefit much out of it:
The synthesis of Coenzyme10 decreases gradually at the peak of about 20 years old. Other causes include genetic makeup, stress and environment. Hence, constant replenishment is required.
Its intake helps to increase the generation of energy and enhance the efficiency of the body to utilize oxygen. People who can benefit much out of it:
-- All above 40 years old, especially the elderly to retard aging. Free radicals are destroyed, energy and vitality increased and cells are brought back to a stable, healthy condition that might have been lost during mid-life.
-- According to a published scientific study CoQ10 prevents skeletal decline by improving communication between genes and cells in the body. Hence, those above 50 years old can derive great benefits taking this vital element constantly.
-- Athletics who engage in competitive sports can improve in their performance and endurance
-- Anyone on physically and mentally demanding tasks on long working hours, driving long hours or flights (relieve jet lag), travelling to high altitudes, preparing for exams or keeping late nights
-- Patients with all kinds of health disorders like heart condition, asthma, muscular dystrophies, cancer, diabetes, HIV Aids, Parkinson's disease and prolonged uses of certain medicated drugs.
+ Heart Disease
For millions on prescription drugs designed to lower high cholesterol, note their depleting effect of CoQ10 in the heart and the various lipids in the blood to lose antioxidant protection. Thus by taking CoQ10, it prevents the oxidation of bad cholesterol which contributes to the formation of blood clots. In this way, heart patients suffer less of shortness of breath and fatigue. Other side effects include:
Patients with congestive heart failure can benefit from it when combined with conventional medications. Several clinical studies suggests that this supplement helps to reduce swelling and fluids locked in the legs and lungs and thus eases breathing.
-- Patients with all kinds of health disorders like heart condition, asthma, muscular dystrophies, cancer, diabetes, HIV Aids, Parkinson's disease and prolonged uses of certain medicated drugs.
+ Heart Disease
For millions on prescription drugs designed to lower high cholesterol, note their depleting effect of CoQ10 in the heart and the various lipids in the blood to lose antioxidant protection. Thus by taking CoQ10, it prevents the oxidation of bad cholesterol which contributes to the formation of blood clots. In this way, heart patients suffer less of shortness of breath and fatigue. Other side effects include:
- muscle pain, weakness and loss
- nausea and diarrhea
- liver and kidney damage
- increased blood sugar levels and type 2 diabetes
Patients with congestive heart failure can benefit from it when combined with conventional medications. Several clinical studies suggests that this supplement helps to reduce swelling and fluids locked in the legs and lungs and thus eases breathing.
+ Parkinson's Disease
+ Down Syndrome
Down Syndrome usually occurs in a highly oxidative state. CoQ10 can reverse this deficiency and bring back to normal oxidative levels quickly.
+ Immune System
CoQ10 has been proven to be a powerful cold, flu and virus preventative on account of its ability to clear bacteria from the blood, boost white cell count and prevent against cellular damage.
Research has also indicated that those suffering from more serious autoimmune conditions report decreased levels of pain and inflammation and increased levels of energy. It is believed that the ability of CoQ10 to fight free radicals, convert nutrients into energy, promote tissue repair and improve oxygen absorption all work together to help the body heal itself naturally.
+ Cancer treatment
A study done in 1961 found that patients with cancer had decreased levels of CoQ10 in their bodies. Research indicates the use of CoQ10 is an effective secondary therapy in cancer treatment as it has been known to shrink tumors, reduce pain and cause a partial or full remission of cancer.
+ Others
Preliminary clinical studies also suggest that CoQ10 may:
- Improve immune function in people with HIV or AIDS
- Increase sperm motility, improving male fertility
- Reduce severity of gum disease that causes swelling, bleeding, pain and redness
- Improve exercise ability in people with angina
- Help prevent migraines
Dietary Sources
Obtaining this element from our diets alone may not be sufficient as it is present in minute quantities mostly. Moreover, it is easily destroyed by heat during cooking.
The primary dietary sources of CoQ10 are:
+ Organ Meats
+ Oily Fish eg. trout
+ Spinach
+ Nuts
+ Poultry
To derive sufficient amount of CoQ10 in our diet, we have to take 5-10 kg of beefsteaks daily. It is important to note that most dietary sources of CoQ10 may not provide enough of the enzyme for those suffering with chronic and/or degenerative conditions and higher-dose supplement is recommended. In order for CoQ10 to synthesize properly in the body, vitamin B6 must be present.
Dietary sources include:
+ Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas)
+ Chicken Breast
+ Avocado
+ Roast Beef
+ Fish
+ Tomato
+ Sunflower Seeds
As it is fat soluble, combining with fat intake improves the uptake in the body.
Dosing/Contraindications
The average daily dosing for adults 19 years old or older is between 30mg to 150mg per day. It is important to take with food that has some fat in it, such as peanut or almond butter, for maximum absorption. If you have an active lifestyle, exercise a lot, or are under a lot of stress due to your job or "life" in general, you may want to double the dosage. Note that even at very large doses, no adverse effects or drug interactions have ever been found or reported.
Those on blood thinners, chemo drugs and prescription heart medications should talk to their healthcare provider before taking CoQ10. Pregnant and nursing women should not take CoQ10 except under the advice of a physician.
+ Fish
+ Tomato
+ Sunflower Seeds
As it is fat soluble, combining with fat intake improves the uptake in the body.
Dosing/Contraindications
The average daily dosing for adults 19 years old or older is between 30mg to 150mg per day. It is important to take with food that has some fat in it, such as peanut or almond butter, for maximum absorption. If you have an active lifestyle, exercise a lot, or are under a lot of stress due to your job or "life" in general, you may want to double the dosage. Note that even at very large doses, no adverse effects or drug interactions have ever been found or reported.
Those on blood thinners, chemo drugs and prescription heart medications should talk to their healthcare provider before taking CoQ10. Pregnant and nursing women should not take CoQ10 except under the advice of a physician.
VIVA corner
It is quite difficult to have adequate amount of the coenzyme10 derived from diet alone. Coupled with the fact that it is easily destroyed by heat, you may need to choose a suitable supplement that provides this element of the finest quality.
It is quite difficult to have adequate amount of the coenzyme10 derived from diet alone. Coupled with the fact that it is easily destroyed by heat, you may need to choose a suitable supplement that provides this element of the finest quality.
In its pure form, the pills should be in natural dark bright yellow to orange color with minimal taste.
No comments:
Post a Comment
This is a blog created to provide and share information for the benefits of everyone into physical and spiritual health. Some information are extracted from unknown sources or the internet superhighways and edited for public viewing. If you happened to be the source provider and do not like such display, please write in and I will remove the materials as soon as possible. As I reiterate this is a free sharing blog, it is only meaningful if all engaging parties have access to the information presented in the most unbiased manner. Thus, please be more accomodating and participative if you wish. Sure you have more to gain than lose. Happy reading!
Administrator
Leonard