Coq10 Benefits: Coq10 Supplements and Foods
Coq10 (coenzyme q10)
Coq10 is a compound that occurs naturally in the center of every cell in the body known as the mitochondrial. Scientists have been studying its effects since it was first isolated in 1957. Coq10 is involved in the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), an important molecule that carries energy for all cells, and also acts as an antioxidant.
Coq10 from dietary sources provide sufficient amounts in most people. Oily fish, such as tuna and salmon, organ meats, like liver, and whole grains are high in coq10. People with a particular health condition or on a certain medication may benefit from taking a coq10 supplement. Talk to your doctor.
Coq10 Benefits
Congestive heart failure (CHF). CHF is a debilitating condition that occurs when the heart can’t pump blood effectively to the body’s other organs, thus causing blood to pool in some parts of the body, such as the legs and lungs. Not all studies agree, but some suggest coq10 supplements can help decrease swelling, enhance breathing, and increase activity in people with CHF.
High blood pressure. Coq10 may lower blood pressure according to some clinical studies. However, it may take 1-3 months to see positive effects.
High cholesterol. People with high cholesterol tend to have low levels of coq10 compared to healthy people of the same age. In addition, taking a coq10 supplement when on cholesterol-lowering drugs that deplete natural coq10 levels in the body, can correct the deficiency without affecting the positive effects of the medication.
Other possible coq10 benefits include:
- decreasing the likelihood of one dying from a heart attack
- preventing heart damage from certain chemotherapy medications
- decreasing complications after having heart bypass surgery or heart transplantation
- reducing damage from stroke
- enhancing the immune system in people with immune deficiencies, like HIV
- improving blood sugar in individuals with diabetes
- increasing energy in people with fatigue syndrome
- helping in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease
- increasing sperm motility
- delaying the aging process.
People under the age of 18 or those on medications should not take a coq10 supplement without consulting a doctor first. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid getting the benefits of coq10 from supplements.
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