CoQ10: A Super Nutrient
CoQ10 popularly referred to as coenzyme Q10, and it was discovered in the mid-20th century. CoQ10 is a fat-soluble chemical substance that plays a vital role in the transport of electrons in the mitochondria of living cells. It is ubiquitous to most bacteria cells and that of animals hence its moniker, Ubiquinone. CoQ10 is an oxidant that helps to convert the food we consume into energy. CoQ10 is very abundant in humans and guinea pigs. It is highly concentrated in the kidneys, liver, and heart. This is expected because of the plethora of functions these organs perform in the body. The body synthesizes CoQ10 and also recycles it when the stores are depleted. Research on this chemical compound has been extensively carried out in countries like Europe, Russia, and Japan.
BENEFITS OF CoQ10
Antioxidants, such as CoQ10, can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause. CoQ10 improves energy, augments the immune system, and acts as an antioxidant. The potential use of coenzyme Q10 supplements alone or in combination with other drug therapies and nutritional supplements may help prevent or treat some of the following conditions: cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, cancer, periodontal diseases, mitochondrial disorders, radiation injury, obesity, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), gastric ulcers, allergy, migraine headaches, kidney failure, muscular dystrophy, and aging.(1) CoQ10 is very useful for many purposes which include;
Maintenance of the heart
CoQ10 has been proven to be very effective in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases like congestive heart failure, hypertension, heart–rhythm irregularities. CoQ10 was the first supplement to reduce mortality due to heart failure. Reports have also proven that CoQ10 helps to reduce recurrent episodes of heart attacks in those who have suffered it. For individuals with high blood pressure, administering CoQ10 has been shown to help reduce both diastolic and systolic pressure without adverse effects.
Immune system support
CoQ10 helps to boost the immune system of the body by keeping the thymus gland which is responsible for increasing the immunity of the body in shape.
Cancer-fighting
Administering food sources rich in CoQ10 has been proven to help in the prevention and treatment of certain cancers. Since cancer patients suffer from low levels of the compound, it helps to augment and hasten the healing process.
WHAT FOOD NUTRIENTS CAN WE FIND THE NUTRIENTS IN?
As we grow older the amount of CoQ10 in our bodies begin to decline. Our body’s stores can no longer sustain us. In addition to that, the body’s ability to produce the coenzyme gets a bit compromised hence the need for some exogenous source of CoQ10.
The richest sources of CoQ10 are;
- Organ meats which include; kidney, liver, beef, heart
Fish sources include; herring, tuna mackerel, and sardines.
- Vegetarians are not left out; there are good sources of vegetables that are rich in CoQ10. They include; cauliflower, parsley, sorrel herb, broccoli, and spinach.
- Soybeans and peanuts are very good leguminous sources of CoQ10.
- Foods like egg yolk, butter, whole milk (pasteurized and unpasteurized) are rich in CoQ10 but they have high cholesterol and should be eaten with discretion.
- Fruits like black currants, avocado, strawberries, apples, and grapefruits are excellent sources of CoQ10.
- Cooking oils like soybean oil, sesame oil, extra virgin olive oil, peanut oil and rapeseed oil are good oil sources of the compound.
- Seeds and Nuts that are rich in this antioxidant compound are; pistachios, walnuts, sesame seeds, hazelnuts, and peanuts.
- Grain sources include rice bran, wheat germ, and buckwheat and corn germ.
HOW MUCH IS RECOMMENDED?
Consumption of the compound can be either through natural food sources or in supplement forms. Also, the recommended daily intake depends on the nature of what you are consuming it for. No Recommended Daily Intakes have been cast on stone; however, if you suffer from heart failure, your physician might recommend taking three doses per day that will sum up to 100mg. I have been using this brand of CoQ10 for the last 3 months and feel like I can notice a small difference in energy. Also, as I prepare to get my body for pregnancy, CoQ10 is recommended. So I am stocking up on this!
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