Coenzyme Q10 is a powerful natural occurring compound, promoting chemical reactions, protecting the body from free radicals, and is also called ubiquinone. Some disagreement exists regarding its classification, where some are of the opinion that it is in reality a vitamin-like substance.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is naturally present in foods, and can be synthesized by the body from the amino acid tyrosine during a multistage (17 stages) process requiring eight vitamins and several trace elements. One of the best-known effects of this compound is it's antioxidant qualities, as well as the control it exercises on the flow of oxygen within cells, assistance with cardiovascular functioning, the production of energy, it's assistance with absorption of other nutrients and immune boosting properties.
It is the Coenzyme Q10 that is the coenzyme for at least three mitochondrial enzymes as well as other enzymes in the cell. The mitochondrial enzymes are essential for the production of high-energy adenosine phosphates (ATP).
Deficiency of Coenzyme Q10: When we are deficient of this compound in our system, our general health will start deteriorating. If levels drop 25% below the optimum levels, many diseases may start progressing, diseases like high blood pressure, heart attack, angina, immune depression, periodontal disease, lack of energy and weight gain.
Toxicity and side effects are not known, but pregnant or breast-feeding women should not take it in supplement form.
In extreme dosages, such as 600 - 1200 mg per day headaches, heartburn, fatigue, diarrhea and skin reactions have been reported.
Since the compounds are fat soluble, it is best to take it with dietary fat present.
Should the liver perform under par, it cannot manufacture Q10 from the other Q coenzymes, and this production also diminishes with age.
People suffering from angina, HIV, male infertility, diabetes, periodontal disease, high blood pressure, cancer and receiving chemotherapy could benefit from an increase in Coenzyme Q10.
Food sources of Coenzyme Q10: Good sources are found in soy, spinach, peanuts, soybeans and vegetable oil.
Co-enzyme Q10 is an antioxidant nutrient that is found in every cell. It helps the body produce energy within that cell, being a coenzyme for several mitochondrial enzymes. The mitochondria is where cellular energy production takes place. Unfortunately, like many of the things our bodies need to maintain top shape, it's made less as we grow older. For this reason, many people choose to take Coenzyme Q10 supplements, although it is also found in food.
The best food sources are found in spinach, broccoli, peanuts, and wheat germ. These foods must be unprocessed, and grown in an environment that is free from pollution. Organic would therefore be preferable.
Another reason many people choose to use supplements of Coenzyme Q10, is that it is easily affected by the heat from cooking. Thus, it is best to get it from raw foods.
Many people report feeling like they have more energy as a result of taking Q10. This could be a result of a number of factors. Coenzyme Q10 is great for the heart, improving the ability of it to pump more blood. It also lowers the viscosity of blood, making it even easier for the heart to function optimally.
Coenzyme Q10 is also very supportive of the immune system. Some studies found that it doubled the level of antibodies, as well as increasing the body's ability to cope with viruses. Given that people are often dealing with the effects of bacteria, perhaps candida, worms, and other sub-clinical manifestations of disease, it no wonder that they may feel more energized after taking Coenzyme Q10. A healthier body has more energy available to it.
For more info, download Coenzyme Q10, a free ebook.
Given the connection between gum disease and cardiovascular health, it is perhaps not surprising that Coenzyme Q10 is also beneficial here. It can stop the progression of gingivitis, and encourage healing and strengthening of the gums. If you don't like going to the dentist, and are bothered by bleeding or swelling of the gums, then coenzyme Q10 may be a good oral preventative.
There are quite a few other areas that Coenzyme Q10 is useful in. These include:
It is important to realize that Coenzyme Q10 is not a 'cure all'. Even if you have any of the above, this supplement can only be of benefit if you are actually deficient in Coenzyme Q10. This is particularly important in weight loss, as this is one area where people are often too eager to follow claims of possible benefit.
The good news is that if you are in fact deficient in Coenzyme Q10, then taking a supplement will help you lose twice as much weight compared to those who don't have a deficiency. But the key is, of course, that you must have a deficiency in the first place! Try and be objective, if you're interested in exploring whether this is for you. And don't think that it takes the place of exercise, or eating properly!
Calorie Count is a useful tool for calorie intake calculation and diet planning. Calories do count and it's also important how efficiently your body burns them. Calorie Count also contains a diet planner with professional advice on food combining, detox, suggested daily calorie intake for men and women, calorie intake from beverages consumed, as well as some useful guidelines for speeding up the metabolism and making the most of it. People make the mistake of thinking they have to make drastic changes to lose weight and get in shape, but the secret is to make small changes and incorporate them into their lives permanently.
