Co Q10...Perfect for
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Co Q10 (CoEnzyme Q10) is getting a lot of press these days. Since its discovery ingesting it through dietary supplementation has gained in popularity for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases such as…
- elevated cholesterol levels
- high blood pressure
- congestive heart failure
- cardiomyopathy
- mitral valve prolapse
- coronary artery bypass surgery
- angina
- diabetes
- periodontal disease
- immune deficiency
- cancer
- muscular dystrophy
But you may be asking yourself…
What is Co Q10?
Coenzyme Q10, as its name implies, is a coenzyme. That means it is essential to the activation of enzymes. Enzymes are produced by our bodies and are necessary for our survival and healthy living.
Co Q10 can be synthesized within the body. There are, however, circumstances where the body does not make sufficient amounts. When deficiency occurs the heart may be the most affected leading to serious problems. Why?
Because the heart has such high metabolic (energy) demands.Co Q10 deficiency can be the result of…
- poor nutrition
- genetic or acquired defects in Co Q10 synthesis
- increased tissue needs due to high cholesterol levels or high blood pressure.
We are all getting older.
And this aging process is a double edged sword. As we age our bodies produce less Co Q10. Also as we age the development of chronic conditions increases our need for higher levels of CoQ10.
Lower Co Q10 levels and higher Co Q10 needs.
How Important Is Co Q10?
CoQ10 is also known as ubiquinone. That simply means it is found everywhere (in every cell) of our bodies. This fact alone should give us a feel for how important it is to our survival and proper health.
However the importance of Co Q10 can be classified under three main headings. These are…
- Cellular energy production
- Cell membrane stabilization
- Prevention of LDL oxidation
Cellular Energy
All cellular functions depend upon the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is a high-energy phosphate which exists in all our cells. It is the primary energy source for many metabolic processes.
CoQ10 is absolutely essential to the ATP production process. When Co Q10 levels are insufficient cellular energy production suffers. This of course has many health implications. However one very pertinent application is heart function.
The high metabolic demands of the heart make sufficient CoQ10 levels a must.This is one reason that a majority of patients with congestive heart failure also have low levels of CoQ10.
Membrane Stabilization
As part of the energy production process Co Q10 must exist in the inner mitochondrial membrane as part of the electron transport chain. In short CoQ10 transports the electrons and protons through the membranes to make the energy production process possible.
But other cell membranes require Co Q10 to function as well. The lysosomal membranes that separate digestive enzymes from the rest of the cell contain relatively high concentrations of coenzyme Q. Recent research suggests that coenzyme Q plays an important role in the transport of protons across lysosomal membranes to maintain the optimal pH for cellular recycling.
Co Q10 also protects our cell membranes from oxidation damage. Which brings us to the third heading…
Prevention of LDL Oxidation
In addition to CoQ10 acting as a coenzyme it also functions as one of the strongest antioxidants available. The function of an antioxidant is to break the free radical chain that is so destructive to all of our cells.
To learn more about Free Radicals please click here.
Of course strong antioxidants have important functions in relation to many health issues. However this antioxidant has a very important role in cardiovascular health.
CoQ10 has been shown to prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol.It is no secret that high levels of LDL are associated with the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). But it is not as commonly known that it is actually the oxidation of LDL that promotes atherosclerosis.
The above figures should demonstrate that we are not getting nearly enough CoQ10 through our diets. And remember, as we age CoQ10 synthesis drops off.
For optimal heart health we really should consider supplementing with a high quality CoQ10.Be careful of your source. Independent studies have revealed that you may not be getting what you are paying for. Some companies produce products that don’t actually have any CoQ10 in them.
That’s not a great deal at any price.CoQ10 has been shown effective in the prevention of LDL oxidation. It is much more effective than vitamin-E. In fact vitamin-E can actually promote LDL oxidation under certain conditions. CoQ10 regenerates vitamin-E back into an antioxidant and prevents the pro-oxidative damage
Where Do We Get CoQ10?
CoQ10 is synthesized in most human tissues. We also ingest it through the foods we eat. The richest sources are meat, poultry and fish. Other sources include…
- soybeans
- canola oils
- nuts
- fruits
- vegetables
- eggs
- dairy products
It does not have to be expensive to get a good high potency CoQ10 supplement.
Here is a great high potency CoQ10 supplement at a very good price.
You may be concerned about particular areas of heart health and how CoQ10 might help you. For that please look at the links below. The pages at the end of these links reference numerous studies on CoQ10 research and different chronic health issues. I hope the information is helpful to you.
CoQ10 and Myocardial Damage
CoQ10 and LDL Cholesterol
CoQ10 for Lowering Blood Pressure
CoQ10 and Cardiovascular Disease
CoQ10 and Congestive Heart Failure
CoQ10 and Energy Production
CoQ10 as a Strong Antioxidant
Side Effects of CoQ10
Heart Health Main Page.
