It is undoubtedly among the most widely consumed oral supplement, yet lots of doubts remain about its use and benefits.
It is a fat-soluble vitamin-like substance that is essential for cellular energy metabolism. In our cells, mitochondria can be called the powerhouse. Without Coq10 this energy reactor cannot function properly. Thus the organs with highest energy needs are also those that are rich in Coq10, and at the same time demand it a lot.
Coq10 is also known by other names like coenzyme Q, ubiquinone, and ubidecarenone.
Uses of Coq10
It is undoubtedly one of the most extensively studied health supplements. It is beneficial in conditions mentioned below:
- Heart health– It is perhaps the favorite supplement of cardiologists, as it is known the help in congestive heart failure. It would help to keep the heart muscles healthy, recover quickly from ischemic trauma. Some research has shown that it may accelerate the recovery after heart surgery.
- Neurodegenerative diseases– Brain is one of the biggest consumers of energy, that is why it gets almost one-fourth of blood supply. It is thought that Coq10 may slow down the progression of Parkinson’s, dementia, and other effects of aging on the brain.
- Statin-induced muscular pains– statins are the drugs that are widely used to lower the blood cholesterol level, however, apart from cholesterol, they are also known to reduce the Coq10 level. They often cause muscular and joint pain. Coq10 supplementation can significantly help to counter this side effect of statins.
- Migraines– specific clinical trials indicate that Coq10 supplementation may help to counter chronic headaches, including migraines.
- Physical performance– if Coq10 can boost the performance of cellular furnace called mitochondria, why would it not boost the energy levels, physical performance. For overcoming chronic fatigue and raising energy, it has to be taken over an extended period.
Though the body can produce Coq10 in enough quantity, however, such capabilities decrease sharply with aging. That is why it has been branded as an antiaging product. It is especially recommended for those in the 40s or later, in that age group it may make a huge difference in physical performance.
Wouldn’t eating food rich in CoQ10 make more sense? Well, sure enough. Best way to boost your CoQ10 levels is through increased consumption of food items that are rich in it. Because food items are not just about CoQ10, they contain a whole range of beneficial elements that are necessary for complete well-being at the cellular level. Quite often supplements do not produce the expected results because substances like CoQ10 need other nutritive materials for optimal benefit.
What food products are rich in CoQ10? Perhaps the leader is organ meat, that is consuming kidney, liver and so on. But if you are vegetarian or do not like to consume organ meat, then strawberries, sesame seeds, pistachio nuts, broccoli, cauliflower, and oranges are some of the excellent sources of it.
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