CoQ10 Benefits
Read why your Body needs CoQ10
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CoQ10 may be the most important nutrient you have never heard of. This nutrient is an antioxidant coenzyme, which probably does not make things much more clear, but its purpose in the body is fairly straightforward.
CoQ10 Foods
CoQ10 occurs naturally in the body and can be found in food, predominantly in meat, poultry, and fish. Deficiency in CoQ10 can result from an imbalanced diet. Since it mostly comes from meat and fish, vegetarians and vegans are at risk of low levels of this nutrient. Levels of CoQ10 also decrease with age, making it more important to take in enough as you get older.
Science behind CoQ10
The body's energy comes from food, but cells cannot actually use food itself as a source of energy. It needs to be broken down by enzymes like CoQ10. Cells need CoQ10 to turn energy stored in carbohydrates into adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, which is energy in a form that cells can use to perform their functions.
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More Benefits
Adequate levels of CoQ10 in the body are crucial for a healthy:
- metabolism
- strong bones
- proper neurological and muscle function.
CoQ10 Deficiency
In contrast, low levels of the nutrient are linked to increased risk of heart disease and some cancers.
People with a CoQ10 deficiency can benefit from taking CoQ10 supplements. In particular, these supplements may be useful in:
- treatment of high blood pressure
- high levels of cholesterol
- chronic migraines.
Since they help cells process energy, these supplements can also enhance the body's immune function and improve energy levels.
Antioxidant
In addition to being necessary for cells to process energy and function properly, CoQ10 is an antioxidant, which means it can prevent damage to cells caused by free radicals.
Conclusion
Vegans, vegetarians, and the elderly are particularly at risk of CoQ10 deficiency, but anyone can be affected, since it is rare in modern society to have a perfectly balanced diet. For this reason, many people can benefit from CoQ10 supplements.
