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.
limousine airport Glendale Heights .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareIf you suffer from arthritis pain, chances are you've heard... Read More
Can you treat a headache or stomach ache externally, without... Read More
Once again the "wisdom" of the FDA and the supplement... Read More
After nearly 4 years of research and development, Flavonoid Sciences... Read More
It's never too late to change your habits, and if... Read More
Is there an alternative to statin drugs such as Lipitor... Read More
Most healthy eaters are familiar with the three macronutrients that... Read More
No Money in PreventionI have been recommending a wide variety... Read More
Vitamins are organic compounds that the human body cannot produce... Read More
Both types of unsaturated fatty acids are contained within neuronal... Read More
The more I study health and fitness, the more convinced... Read More
Are you concerned about taking care of your body before... Read More
There is a secret vitamin in the neighborhood, wandering around... Read More
Did you know that vitamin B-1 has two other widely... Read More
Supplement ? what is it?Supplement is a term that means... Read More
HMB stands for beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate. It is a metabolite of... Read More
According to Dr John Scurr leading Consultant Vascular Surgeon and... Read More
Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that the body cannot... Read More
GlutImmune? is a very convenient high absorption source of glutamine.... Read More
Many millions of people are affected by pain and suffering... Read More
Numerous studies and surveys have consistently shown that a majority... Read More
Don't be overwhelmed by this big word, ... Read More
AMLA ( EMBLICA OFFICINALIS ) FOR HEALTH AND BEAUTYAMLA, proudly... Read More
Sports Supplement ? what is it?We are all aware of... Read More
Researchers working at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center state that... Read More
Lincoln Stretch rentals Willowbrook ..Body Building Supplement ? what is it?The term "body building... Read More
Sometimes I ask myself why this wonderful antioxidant supplement was... Read More
A source suggests that there may be a new way... Read More
In a 2002 study, a group of researchers used oral... Read More
Extensive research studies show that taking vitamin and mineral supplements... Read More
Vitamins are an important part of a health diet. Unlike... Read More
This article provides three easy tips for selecting a quality... Read More
Most people believe that they are reasonably healthy. Exercise, having... Read More
The benefits of whey protein are so numerous and apply... Read More
Simply stated, the Greek word glyco refers to "sweet." Hence,... Read More
"High-dose pharmaceutical-grade fish oil is as close to a medical... Read More
Best liquid calcium with boronNo longer is the search for... Read More
We all want healthy skin. While the main reasons for... Read More
As much as we would like to deny it, the... Read More
Imagine this scenario by the end of next August...You contact... Read More
Aging, a steady declineThe History of the world is filled... Read More
Fish oil is oil derived from the tissues of fatty... Read More
Before you read the rest of this article I want... Read More
Most people are becoming more health conscious. Many of the... Read More
Beta-Glucan is an extremely potent, immune activating substance taken from... Read More
MSM (methyl-sulfonyl-methane) is a nutritional supplement derived from natural organic... Read More
No Money in PreventionI have been recommending a wide variety... Read More
Since the 1960???s there have been numerous controlled clinical trials... Read More
What if there was a solution to protecting and restoring... Read More
If you read my last article about bitter orange, it... Read More
Nutritional Supplements |