What Is Coenzyme Q10 Beneficial For?
Coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like substance present in our cells. As time goes by, it decreases in our body and makes us more vulnerable to free radical damage, which causes aging and cardiovascular diseases, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's, among others.
Being one of the most advertised anti-aging agents in the cosmetic industry for decades, Q10 deserves our attention and detailed research.
Coenzyme Q10 can be found in creams to delay skin aging, as well as in food, and it can also be consumed in supplement form.
In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about this beneficial coenzyme and what is used for.
How does it work?
This process occurs in the mitochondria, a structure that supplies the energy necessary for cellular activity.
Coenzyme Q10 enters the mitochondria, burning the oxygen carried by the blood and producing ATP (adenosine triphosphate), a molecule that is the main source of energy for cellular functions.
Without coenzyme Q10, the cells would not receive the necessary energy, causing fatal damage to the function of vital organs such as the heart, which needs this substance to pump enough blood.
What are Q10 properties?
This coenzyme has an astonishing number of properties, and they encompass much more health areas than only skin care and aging.
Antioxidant properties of Q10
The properties of coenzyme Q10 are related to the decrease of the oxidation that occurs in our body, thus preventing diseases.
This oxidation comes both from the food we eat and from other substances such as alcohol or infections. It also prevents the appearance of free radicals that cause aging. Q10 collaborates in the oxygenation of the organs and provides us with greater vitality.
What is Coenzyme Q10 - Antioxidant useful for?
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For the heart
It has been shown that patients with cardiovascular diseases produce less coenzyme Q10, and taking supplements of this substance, reactivates its functions and relieves the symptoms of angina (type of chest pain) or high blood pressure.
Additionally, it prevents bad cholesterol from settling in the arteries and clogging them.
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Disease prevention
Coenzyme Q10 serves to improve our immune system. As an antioxidant, it will protect you from free radicals and activate macrophages, a type of white blood cell responsible for eliminating any substance our body recognizes as foreign.
Other benefits of Q10
Coenzyme Q10 can help us prevent other neurodegenerative diseases, as it improves brain oxygenation:
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Parkinson's disease
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Alzheimer's disease
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Huntington's disease
It also improves the symptoms of diseases that provoke strong inflammation, such as
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Gingivitis
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Fibromyalgia
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Arthritis
The coenzyme Q10 is an amazing remedy for various other medical issues and improves the overall wellbeing of healthy individuals. Q10 supplementation is not only dedicated to people with ailments but can also help high-performing athletes in post-workout muscle recovery.
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Prevention of migraines
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Improves exercise performance and muscle recovery
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Maintains proper blood glucose levels
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Lowers blood pressure
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Helps to reduce overweight
Factors that affect its natural production in the body
Aging causes coenzyme Q10 to wear out, however, other factors also contribute to a decrease in its production:
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Smoking
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Insufficient nutrition
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Stress
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Infections
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The inability of the organism to produce it
Foods containing coenzyme Q10
Proper nutrition is essential to keep your body in good condition, and to ensure sufficient production of coenzyme Q10, you need to include the following foods:
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Fish, preferably oily fish: anchovy, anchovy, tuna, salmon, sardine, and mackerel
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Veal meat
Vegetables do not contain as much coenzyme Q10, however, you can choose from the following:
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Whole grains
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Peanuts
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Vegetable oils
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Broccoli
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Carrot
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Cauliflower
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Spinach
Remember that if you wish to consume Q10 as a supplement, you can buy it online or in your closest pharmacy, although you should first consult your doctor so that they can indicate the appropriate dosage, especially if you are on medication for a specific illness or disease.
Final Word
Coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin-type substance occurring naturally in our cells and decreasing as we age.
Although we mostly hear about it as part of skin care products, Q10 is also beneficial for multiple ailments such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, gingivitis, fibromyalgia, arthritis, heart protection, and migraines.
Besides all these benefits, Q10 supplementation is also excellent for speeding up muscle recovery in high-performing athletes.