Coenzyme Q10 – An Essential Enzyme for Good Health

Ever since its discovery in 1957, the benefits of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10 or ubiquinone) have been well known. It has been extensively researched and till date more than 5000 studies have been conducted. What is coenzyme Q10? It is a fat soluble compound which is both synthesized by our body as well as absorbed from the food we eat.

Coenzyme Q10 is present in every cell of our body and is essential for mitochondrial synthesis. This is the structure within our cells which convert the nutrients the body receives into energy. This is a critical function of the cells in our body especially for the heart. Since coenzyme Q10 can be synthesized by our body, scientists do not consider it to be a vitamin. We require an adequate intake of vitamin B6 for the body to synthesize coenzyme Q10.

What are the benefits of coenzyme Q10? There are numerous benefits and many of them are crucial for life. As stated above, its function of converting nutrients into energy is one of its life giving benefits, but the list does not end there. It has very good antioxidant properties and this prevents the damage free radicals do to our body. This coenzyme Q10 helps in increasing the oxygen utilization in our bodies. This is akin to turbo charging our bodies.

Research has shown that for adequate functioning our body requires between 3 to 5 milligrams per day of coenzyme Q10. On an average people get approximately 10 milligrams of coenzyme Q10 per day from their diet.

Coenzyme Q10 is mainly found in meat, poultry and fish in non vegetarian food and from vegetarian food such as spinach, soybean oils and nuts. Since vitamin B6 is essential for the body to be able to synthesize coenzyme Q10, foods rich in B6 such as potato in its jacket, bananas, garbanzo beans, chicken, pork, beef, fish etc. should be a part of our daily diet.

The benefits of coenzyme Q10 far outweigh any potential risks. As we get older, the production of coenzyme Q10 in our body decreases and in the heart it can be as much as 72%. This can seriously affect the body. Because of its antioxidant properties it is increasingly being used by doctors in a variety of heart problems including arrhythmia, angina, heart attacks, high BP, congestive heart failure etc. The Medical fraternity has found a useful tool in coenzyme Q10, in their battle against heart problems.

Research has shown that those who suffer from cancer had low levels of coenzyme Q10 in their body. It has also been found that a regimen of coenzyme Q10 supplements helped in strengthening the immune system. In one study, 41 women who had breast cancer were treated with coenzyme Q10. The condition of all 41 women improved. CoQ10 also helps in keeping our gums in good condition. It was also found to have anti-bacterial properties.
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The thymus gland, one of the guardians of our immune system, starts deteriorating with age and this can be dramatically reduced using a coenzyme Q10 supplement. Coenzyme Q10 can be used to reduce the insulin requirement is diabetics.
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Since it is fat soluble, we must eat some fat for it to be absorbed. If you are on a fat free diet, taking a little peanut butter will be enough. Since the cholesterol lowering statin drugs have the effect of reducing levels of CoQ10, Doctors give a supplement of CoQ10 to counteract this. With so many benefits of coenzyme Q10, taking a supplement of Q10 is well worth the money.

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