CoQ10 ~ a Vital Nutrient that Nearly Everybody Needs but Probably Doesn't Get Enough Of.

Would you like to discover some amazing and startling facts behind a crucial, all natural substance our bodies create yet declines dramatically as we age or by the effects of prescription drugs called "statins" which are used to lower cholesterol? This amazing substance is called Coenzyme Q10. Coenzyme Q10 may just be our most essential nutrient, but are we getting enough?

Coenzyme Q10 or Co Q10 for short is also known as ubiquinone, which comes from the word ubiquitous for 'foundeverywhere'. Co Q10 is a natural substance that is found in every cell of our bodies. Co Q10 is actually made by our body and it is used to transform food into energy and helps the body use oxygen to power the muscles, especially the heart muscle. In addition to being vital for energy production, Co Q10 is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants chase down free radicals in our bodies. Free radicals can cause all kinds of diseases, one the worst being cancer. Obviously, low levels of this vital nutrient can be dangerous. Co Q10 can be found in some food sources of such as meat and seafood. It can also be found as a dietary supplement, widely available in most health food stores and pharmacies.

Co Q10 for your over all health

Maybe you have heard that Co Q10 is vital to a having a healthy heart but did you know that Co Q-10 is considered essential for the health of all the body's cells, tissues, and organs? Scientists estimate that once levels drop below the 25% deficient levels, many disease states begin to take over including high blood pressure, heart attack, angina, immune depression, gum disease, lack of energy, weight gain and even early death. Co Q10 is a component of every living cell, and as body levels of Co Q10 drop, so does the general status of your health.

Some of the over all health benefits this nutrient offers include increasing oxygen delivery to tissues for better circulation; increased heart function, brain function, periodontal health, raised antioxidant levels, memory, increased blood flow, blood pressure, energy production, and tissue healing.

Trials have shown Co Q10 supplementation helps restore gum health by preventing the progress of gum disease and increasing the rate of gum healing. Research has shown that diseased gums tend to have lower levels of Co Q10 than healthy gums.

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Co Q10 for Heart Health

Co Q10 has been shown to support the cardiovascular system, providing powerful antioxidant support for the heart and promoting healthy circulation through myocardial tissue. Tissues that require the most energy, such as the heart, need the largest amounts of Co Q10. People with heart problems have significantly lower levels of Co Q-10 than those with normal heart function. In other words, Co Q10 plays a direct role in heart health. People with failing cardiac systems have shown to greatly benefit with increased strength and vigor when supplemented with Co Q10.

In one study 64 people with congestive heart failure were randomized to receive a Co Q10 supplement or a placebo plus standard treatment. The people who took the Co Q-10 supplement had a significant resolution in symptom severity and fewer hospitalizations.

Co Q10's ability to increase oxygen delivery and energy supply has been shown to be beneficial in clinical trials involving mitral valve prolapse, angina, cardiomyopathy, hypertension, and congestive heart failure. Double-blind research also suggests that CoQ10 may reduce symptoms related to heart failure, such as shortness of breath, difficulty sleeping, and swelling.

If the Co Q-10 levels are lower in the body then the cellular energy production is also lowered in the cells of the heart. Co Q10 has been used clinically for medical treatment of heart disease in Japan, Italy, China and as a natural health product in the USA, Canada and other countries. Japanese physicians are combining Co Q-10 with the appropriate medication in treating congestive heart failure, chest pain, and shortness of breath as well as leg cramps. Since cardiovascular health is one of the main concerns amongst people today Co Q10 should be checked and evaluated.

Antioxidant Benefits

Co Q10 acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells against free radical damage and exerting a protective effect on cell membranes. Co Q10 also enhances the antioxidant activities of Vitamin E, helping to maintain healthy arteries.

This substance is particularly popular in Japan, where it is estimated that approximately 6 million people take a supplement daily. University studies have shown that some overweight people have low levels of it and supplementation can help to control body weight.

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The effect of Statins (Cholesterol lowering drugs)

Not only do Co-Q-10 levels decline as we age, they are depleted by treatment with cholesterol-lowering drugs called Statins. Introduced in 1987, statins are now one of the most widely prescribed drugs in history.

It is estimated that as many as 60 million people will be taking a statin drug this year in the United States alone. A Columbia University study in New York found that 30 days of Statin drug therapy (80 mg/day) decreased Co q10 levels by half. Some experts believe it takes about 6 to 12 months to see this full blown effect of statins on the heart. So if you or someone you care about is taking a statin, I recommend that you start using a high quality CoQ10 supplement right away.

By supplementing with Co Q10 you can replenish this vital nutrient resulting in increased energy, immune protection, cardiovascular support, and more. Co Q-10 supplements work much better with consumption of essential fatty acids. However a word of caution before you consider taking a Co Q10 supplement; make sure it comes from a natural source and not a synthetic source.

Synthetic Co Q 10 is chemically processed using tobacco (yuck!) and, while cheaper, it is among other things difficult to absorb. Natural Co Q 10 is preferred because it is identical to our body's own Co Q 10 and is better assimilated. Scientific studies show that Co Q 10 is three times more bioavailable when delivered in an oil-based softgel capsule.

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional.

Please feel free to share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any natural product.