What is CoQ10 and what Does it Do?

Coenzyme Q10 is a tiny substance that your body uses to interact with enzymes (proteins).

Studies have shown that CoQ10 can protect people going through cancer treatment from side effects that might damage their hearts.

The best way to protect your heart is to eat healthy and exercise regularly. If you have already established a healthy lifestyle, adding CoQ10 can help you maintain it.

Studies have shown that CoQ10 reduces blood pressure, relieves migraines, reduces blood sugar, improves Parkinson’s disease, memory, and helps reduce fatigue in fibromyalgia patients. These are only a few of the non-cardiac benefits of this substance.

Additionally, CoQ10 has been shown to help improve vascular function and lessen narrowing of the arteries in your heart. Additionally, it has been shown to help lower blood pressure.

Furthermore, a recent study demonstrated that CoQ10 can help improve heart function after a heart attack, as well as improve cardiac function in patients with known heart failure.

Where can I get CoQ10?

Consider a Mediterranean diet and low-glycemic options – the fewer carbohydrates, the better. Eat fish, olive oil, nuts, seeds, herbs, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables in your diet. CoQ10 and other nutrients are naturally supplied by these foods, which are staples of a Mediterranean diet.

CoQ10 is mainly found in oily fish like salmon and mackerel, organ meat like liver and kidney, and peanuts. Unfortunately, these foods only provide small amounts of CoQ10.

Supplements are the best way to obtain CoQ10. There are two forms of ubiquinol: ubiquinone and ubiquinol. Research has mostly focused on the antioxidant in this form. It is best to start with Ubiquinone because it is generally less expensive than Ubiquinol.

A doctor can always check your CoQ10 levels and switch to the more expensive Ubiquinol if they are low despite taking adequate amounts of Ubiquinone.

You should always buy your supplements from a reputable source. Those with certain seals on their labels indicate that they have been tested for purity.

Make sure your doctor knows you are taking CoQ10. CoQ10 may interfere with certain medications, especially blood thinners.

A healthy diet and regular exercise are necessary for living an optimally healthy lifestyle; however, supplements can be helpful in certain cases.

What is the Process?

Every cell in your body produces CoQ10. CoQ10 is essential for the production of energy within your cells. Since these organs require a great deal of energy to function, the liver, kidneys, and heart contain the highest concentrations.

CoQ10 has antioxidant properties. In actuality, an antioxidant is any substance that reduces oxidation, or cell damage. Atoms break down when oxygen is present. Oxidants compensate for the breakdown by donating electrons to the resulting off-balance atoms, known as free radicals.

Therefore, antioxidants, such as CoQ10, help to reestablish a delicate balance within our cells. Our body’s levels of CoQ10 decrease with age, diabetes, statin drugs, diabetes medication, and some psychiatric medications. You can benefit from taking a CoQ10 supplement if your doctor recommends it.