Energy & Heart Boosting Supplement Co-q-10

One supplement that has started to find itself onto the shelves the past few years where you go for vitamins and minerals is Co-Enzyme Q10 (Co-Q-10).

This supplement is pretty much amazing in the health benefits it has to offer. Similar to Omega-3 and the benefits to human health, much research has been invested into Co-Enzyme Q10 and still continues.

But what is this mysterious supplement that is so beneficial for so many different reasons when it comes to health problems?

It helps to understand what it is and what function it has.

It is similar to Vitamin K which many of us may know helps protect our bodies against free radicals that can damage us. It also has a protective effect on our cell membranes.

Co-Enzyme Q10 is a naturally occurring and fat-soluble antioxidant. It is necessary in the function of very cell found in our bodies. Our bodies naturally produce it and it is found in plants and animals. What is important to know about Co-Enzyme Q10 is that our bodies cannot survive without it.

If the levels of Co-Enzyme Q10 drop then so our general health starts to suffer. With low levels in our system, high blood pressure, heart attack, angina, immune system depression can be potential risks. Others are periodontal disease, obesity and also lack of energy. Our bodies naturally need energy to function and as more energy is required, the more Co-Enzyme Q10 is called for in our diets. This is especially true for the heart and other tissues that demand lost of energy.

The tissues that need and demand the most energy need the largest amounts of Co-Q-10. The heart needs the largest amounts. Conditions such as Angina where inadequate amounts of oxygen is available to the heart muscle and those with high blood pressure can benefit from adding Co-Q-10 to their diet through supplementation. People with failing cardiac systems also benefit and Co-Q-10 supplementation is sometimes encouraged for those suffering heart failure.

Other benefits of Co-Enzyme Q10 are found when treating the immune system.

What is Co-Enzyme Q10?

Co-Enzyme Q10 (Co-Q-10) is a quinone derivative with a tail, the number 10 referring to the length of the tail and it is also known as ubiquinone. This is because it is ubiquitous in biological systems. 

It is made naturally within the body but as we get older the productions falls. It is also found in many foods including raw meat. However cooking and other processing cam destroy it.

Co-Enzyme Q10 is a substance that is popular amongst people in Japan where an estimated 6 millions people take a daily supplement.

The Benefits of Co-Q-10

• Cardiovascular disease – A 75% reduction in the body’s Co-Q-10 level leads to the heart ceasing to function properly.

• Blood pressure – It helps complement the action of blood pressure reducing drugs.

• Gum disease – Co-Q-10 has been shown to help restore gum health. It does this by preventing the progress of gum diseases such as Pyorrhea and gingivitis. It also increases the rate of gum healing. So far research has shown that diseased gums tend to have lower levels of Co-Q-10 than healthy gums.

• Weight loss & Obesity – There has been research conducted that shows that some overweight people have low Co-Q-10 levels.

• Tissue Hypoxia – This is a condition that can lead to conditions such as stomach ulcers.  Co-Q-10 has been shown to be effective against this condition.

• Ageing and the Immune System – There have been studies with mice that were able to increase their lifespan by 50% with Co-Q-10 supplementation. Supplementing the body with Co-Q-10 is said to be able to extend youthfulness and helps in the ability to ward off infections. It is also popular in anti-aging skin creams.

• Energy – Co-Q-10 has been shown to help stimulate the body’s energy production in people that are feeling tired or run down.

Properties

 Co-Enzyme Q10 plays a very important role at a very fundamental biochemical level. It acts as a carrier in a process known as the ‘electron transport’ chain.  This special process occurs with each cell and is the main method in which the body is able to produce energy.

Research

Since the 1960s there has been extensive research and study of Co-Q-10. This was particularly in Japan during the 70s. However, much research has been conducted in many other countries. Co-Q-10 has always been recognised early on as an important supplement. It wasn’t until the 1970s that the supplement could be manufactured economically. 

The best natural food source for Co-Enzyme Q10 is found in beef, sardines, spinach, albacore tuna and peanuts.  

Contra-indications/Precautions

There are no known drug interactions or other contra-indications.

NOTE:

Latest research has found that people who are prescribed statins as part of lowering cholesterol may benefit from taking extra supplements of Co-Q-10 as some tests have shown that statins can reduce the natural ability of the body to produce it.