Co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10), the most vital nutrient of all perhaps does not get as much publicity as the vitamins but without which the body will cease to function. CoQ10 is universally present in our body so much so that in scientific terminology it is called “ubiquinone” meaning present everywhere! CoQ10 is neither a vitamin, nor a mineral nor an amino acid (protein building block), yet it is absolutely essential for the production of energy in every cell of our body. 95% of the body’s energy is generated using CoQ10. CoQ10 is a fat-soluble antioxidant. Far beyond its energy producing abilities CoQ10 slows down aging process, enhances immune function, protects the body from destructive free radicals, extremely important to preventing and treating heart disease, diabetes, periodontal gum disease, high blood pressure, obesity and cancer.
Heart is an organ with high-energy demand, as a result it contains twice as much of CoQ10 as any other organ in the body. CoQ10 is thus very important for the proper functioning of the heart. People with heart disease have about 25% less CoQ10 compared to a healthy individual. If the deficiency reaches a 75%, it is postulated that the heart can stop beating altogether. Many cardiovascular aliments benefit with CoQ10 supplementation. When administered following a coronary bypass surgery, CoQ10 reduces recovery time. CoQ10 given to people suffering from heart failure improves pulmonary function, edema, and heart palpitations. Cardiomyopathy is the most life threatening of all heart conditions and one of the reasons people undergo heart transplant. A generous dose of CoQ10 is extremely helpful in treating cardiomyopathies.
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease. Clinical studies have shown that CoQ10 can significantly lower blood pressure. Thus people with low blood pressure should exercise caution while taking CoQ10. Further, CoQ10 is an antioxidant that helps prevent the oxidation of LDL. Oxidation of LDL is responsible for clogging arteries leading to atherosclerosis. Moreover, hardening of the arteries due to diabetes complication is also prevented with CoQ10. One of the major side effects of cholesterol lowering drugs and beta blockers (blood pressure lowering drugs) is that it inhibits the body’s natural ability to make CoQ10. CoQ10 is also an excellent fatigue fighter. It is valuable for athletes such as marathon runners and triathlon participants. Because CoQ10 strengthens the immune system, it help fights the chronic fatigue syndrome. CoQ10 is one of the complementary medicinal approaches for cancer therapy. CoQ10 does not work by directly attacking a tumor but rather by revitalizing the immune system.
Our body does have the ability to manufacture CoQ10 but as we age it may not be produced in adequate quantities for treating variety of aliments mentioned. The body’s peak production of CoQ10 peaks at age twenty and starts to decline by 60% by the time one is eighty years old. The body produces very little quantity of CoQ10 especially after the age of forty. Further, a diet low in fat hinders the absorption of CoQ10. Consuming a diet in good fats (omega 3) improves the body’s absorption of CoQ10 while the body own production depends on the presence of optimal amounts of vitamin B complex. Thus deficiencies of CoQ10 are quite common. One of the best sources of natural CoQ10 are organ meats such as heart, kidney and other red meats, nuts and unprocessed vegetable oils. An optimal amount can be given to the body as it ages by taking CoQ10 as a nutritional supplement on a daily basis. Finally, very few side effects have been reported on taking oral CoQ10 and when they occur they are usually mild and last for a short time. Possible side effects include headaches, nausea, upset stomach, decreased appetite and rashes.
No comments:
Post a Comment