Coenzyme Q10 for a Healthy Heart

Enzymes are substances produced by our bodies that are necessary for our general health and survival. Coenzyme (CoQ10) is essential to the activation of enzymes.

A deficiency of CoQ10 can result from poor nutrition, genetics, high cholesterol or elevated blood pressure. The most profound cause of the loss of CoQ10 is the aging process.

In 1986, the American Chemical Society awarded Karl Folkers, Ph.D. the Priestly Medal for his research that proved the benefits and the most important need for Coenzyme Q10 in the fight against heart disease. Several studies have shown that CoQ10 may lower blood pressure in a few weeks and may prevent heart damage that could result from chemotherapy.

CoQ10 can reduce damage from free radicals and helps the circulatory system. Diabetics can benefit from the use of CoQ10 for the control of blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.

A combination of CoQ10 and vitamin E is being researched as a resource for combating free radical damage associated with Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease and other degenerative brain diseases.

CoQ10 can help you combat fatigue, as well as obesity and a weak immune system such as those with HIV, other viruses, and yeast infections. It prevents toxin overload and swollen gums due to periodontal disease. Early studies show it may also increase sperm motility, leading to enhanced fertility.

It helps boost athletic performance, CoQ10 levels may low in people who exercise excessively, and it improves exercise tolerance in people with muscular dystrophy.

Coenzyme Q10 is also helpful in treatment, immune deficiency, migraine headache, kidney failure, weight loss and cancer.

This vitamin-like nutrient occurs widely in the food supply, each cell in the body manufactures CoQ10, though not always efficiently, therefore, you may not be getting enough to maintain good health.

Proper diet is the best way to assure you are receiving enough of this naturally-occurring compound. Meat, fish, salmon and sardines are the richest sources followed by vegetable oils such as soybean oil, corn oil, and olive oil.

Parsley, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, avocado along with most fruits and berries are good sources. Almonds, peanuts, sesame seeds and pistachio nuts are also rich in CoQ10.

CoQ10 acts as an antioxidant and is used as a dietary supplement. It is available capsules and soft gels that can be purchased at vitamin shops and online. As with any dietary supplement, you should consult with your doctor before taking CoQ10, it is to be used in combination with other treatment, not to replace it. CoQ10 has no known side effects and can be readily bought over the counter. Thus, many physicians are not even aware of its many benefits.

Sources: www.vitamins-nutrition.org/vitamins/coq10.html, altmedicine.about.com/cs/supplements/a/CoenzymeQ10.htm,

www.preventive-health-guide.com/coq10.html