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What is CoQ10? It is the latest substance rotating in the health market. Coenzyme Q10 or CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant similar to a vitamin and is a natural substance that is present in every cell of our body.
It helps to convert our food into energy. Basically, antioxidants help to fight free radicals which eventually damage our cell membrane and even lead to cell death.
These free radicals lead to many illnesses like heart disease, cancer and even contribute to aging.
Antioxidants like CoQ10 not only reduce the damage caused by free radicals but also prevent it by neutralizing them.
The coenzyme is found in a lot of foods but especially in organ meats.
Organ Meats That contain CoQ10:
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Heart
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Liver
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Kidney
Other foods where you can find CoQ10 in high amounts are:
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Beef
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Sardines
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Mackerel
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Peanuts
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Soy oil
CoQ10’s benefits:
CoQ10 is the next generation supplement and some of the main benefits include:
Cardiovascular Disease
This supplement helps patients who are taking statins like Lipitor, Zocor, etc. to counteract the muscle damage caused by these drugs.
Studies prove that this nutrient also benefits those who have hypertension and have suffered congestive heart failure.
Neurodegenerative Condition
As people grow older, their cell conversion ability diminishes. So if they take a supplement like CoQ10, it will not only compensate for the age-related conversion disability but will also improve their overall mental health and improve their concentration and focus.
It also promotes brain health and benefits the neurological system of the body. It also benefits patients who have Parkinson’s disease.
Antioxidant
It works as an antioxidant and protects the body from all harmful molecules. Coenzyme Q10 is a great ally of our defenses.
When levels drop, the immune system weakens. It can be said that the strength of our defenses is directly proportional to the amount of Coenzyme Q10 in our body.
On the one hand, as an antioxidant, it protects us from the attack of free radicals and on the other, it activates the function of macrophages, acting as an immune stimulating agent giving the cells more energy and activity, stimulating the autoimmune system.
Digestion
CoQ10 helps the enzymes to digest food and facilitates all other processes. It also helps to protect the heart and skeletal muscles.
Recovery
Many people take it as a dietary supplement as it boosts energy levels and speeds recovery from exercise.
It has been proven that these enzymes benefit exercise performance, help to tolerate physical exertion and make mobility more comfortable especially in individuals with muscular dystrophy.
This has not been tested with healthy people with normal joint pain.
Other promising usages of CoQ10 include eye disease, chronic fatigue, asthma, high cholesterol, etc. it also reduces the side effects of chemotherapy in children.
What are CoQ10’s side effects?
Coq10 appears to be generally safe with no major side effects, except occasional stomach upset, nausea, headache, etc. CoQ10 may lower blood sugar; hence people with diabetes should consult with their health care provider before taking it to avoid the risk of low blood sugar.
There is some negative evidence of usage of CoQ10 in the treatment of hepatitis C and Huntington’s disease so prior consultation must be sorted.
No research has been done about the safety of this supplement during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Nonetheless, Coenzyme Q10 is a safe supplement with no adverse effects, but best is to take this drug under the supervision of a medical practitioner.
Dosage of coq10
The dosage of coq10 must be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider before starting this therapy.
However, the general recommended dosage of coq10 ranges between 22-400 milligrams.
Different dosages are given for different treatments for example for Alzheimer’s disease the dosage ranges from 90-360 milligrams, for chest pain, it ranges from 60-600 milligrams, etc.
The daily dosage and the duration also vary with the disease.
Undoubtedly, CoQ10 is a fat-soluble standalone supplement, and medical studies demonstrate that it has proved to be highly beneficial for various health conditions.