Coenzyme Q 10 – The Cellular Energizer
Coenzyme Q10 was discovered in 1957 by Professor Fredrick L Crane at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. It was only in 1972 when Gian Paolo Littarru and Karl Folkers demonstrated that Coenzyme Q10 deficiency in human heart disease. Countless clinical trials have been conducted world-wide on the Coenzyme Q10 molecule in relation for its role in cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Coenzyme Q 10 can be found in virtually all parts of the body, and has been known to be a powerful anti-oxidant. It plays an important role in the production of energy in every cell in the body. Of late it is widely used as preventative measure against cardiovascular disease. Natural sources of Coenzyme Q10 include: Mackerel, salmon and sardines are the highest available natural sources.
Coenzyme Q10 can assist in the following
Anti-Oxidant
As a fat soluble nutrient, anti-oxidant activity of Coenzyme Q 10 is associated with the protection of lipids in the body. These include cell membranes, triglycerides, cholesterol, fatty acids, fatty tissue in the brain and the nervous system.
Sports Nutrition
Studies show that supplementing with Coenzyme Q10 improves workout capacity and oxygen transport between cells, essential for today’s modern day athletes. Being an anti-oxidant, it is also useful as exercise can cause free radical damage in the body, which Coenzyme Q10 counters.
Periodontal Health
Healing and repair of gum tissue requires energy and a string immune system to prevent infection. Sufferers of periodontal disease have been found to have low Coenzyme Q10 levels. In studies on dental surgery, post-operative healing was faster in patients using Coenzyme Q10 compared to a group using placebo.
Migraine Headaches
The use of Coenzyme Q10 has been found to assist those suffering from migraine headaches. More studies are needed on this topic, although many have reported that using Coenzyme Q10 with supplements such as Magnesium and B6, made a change in the severity of headaches.
Cardiovascular Health
Coenzyme Q10 has been shown to be effective in cases of congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, angina, cardiomyopathy, mitral valve prolapse and recovery from any heart or heart by-pass surgery. Heart muscle cells use fats as their primary energy source, Coenzyme Q10 is required for the metabolism of fatty acids within the cells mitochondria. The energy produced is used by the heart muscle for the mechanical pumping action, ensuring effective circulation of the blood through the vascular system. The anti-oxidant protection of blood lipids helps reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, which would impede circulation and put further pressure on the heart. Much prescribed beta blockers and statins can impede Coenzyme Q10 synthesis, meaning that people who need Coenzyme Q10 the most, are getting in even less. It is therefore imperative to try and supplement with Coenzyme Q10 while on these medications, always consult with your doctor, before adding any natural supplement to your diet, when using medication.
Weight Control
Coenzyme Q10 facilitates the conversion of stored fat into ATP (energy), thus allowing it to be burned as an energy source. Due to this, Coenzyme Q10 can be used as an effective slimming aid, when used in conjunction with an aerobic exercise.
Category: HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS
