CoQ10-The Mighty Nutrient!

CoQ10 (co-enzyme Q10), also called Ubiquinone is among the few supplements that almost everyone can benefit from. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), or ubiquinone, is an antioxidant that our body produces naturally. And if you are considering supplementation, this is something that you should ask your medical expert about. Let’s get to know about this ultimate nutrient.

What is CoQ10?

CoQ10 is an antioxidant or a vitamin-like substance found naturally in almost every cell of your body, mostly in the cells of heart, liver, kidney and brain. Antioxidants are substances that help break down free radicals, which are molecules produced in the body that can cause damage. This compound is necessary for the proper functioning of many organs and it is also involved in the many metabolic processes that occur in the body.

How does it help?

·         Helps in treating heart conditions

Drugs are known to cure high blood pressure, high cholesterol or coronary heart disease tend to reduce naturally available CoQ10 in the body. This may further cause oxidative stress and have other undesirable side effects. According to many researchers, patients, when supplemented with CoQ10, are known to reduce the symptoms of heart-related ailments and thus reduce the complications. It is also known to restore optimal levels of energy production, reduce oxidative damage and improve heart function.

·         Improves fertility

With age, CoQ10 production reduces making the body less effective in protecting the eggs from oxidative damage in females.  Similarly, male sperms are also susceptible to the effects of oxidative damage, which may result in reduced sperm count, poor sperm quality and infertility. And, with the current trend where couples plan for late pregnancy, this supplement helps in preventing the oxidative damage of sperms and eggs and help in supporting a healthy pregnancy.

·         Keeps your skin healthy and young

Skin is the largest organ in the body; is widely exposed to various harmful agents that contribute to ageing. These harmful agents might be causing the damage both externally and internally. Externally it is through the surrounding environment and internally through the hormonal imbalance or faulty eating habits. Applying CoQ10 directly to the skin can reduce the damage from both internal and external agents by increasing energy production in skin cells and promoting antioxidant protection. CoQ10, when applied directly to the skin, has been shown to reduce oxidative damage caused by UV rays and even decrease the depth of wrinkles.

·         Reduces Migraine

CoQ10 present in the mitochondria of the cells improves cellular functioning and helps to decrease the inflammation that may occur during migraines. It is also interesting to know that in most cases, migraine patients are deficient in CoQ10. According to one study, when people with low CoQ10 levels were supplemented with CoQ10 they experienced fewer and less severe headaches.

·         Improves Exercise performance

Oxidative stress is known to affect muscle function, making it hard for muscles to contract efficiently and thus, exercise performance. CoQ10 improves stamina, reduces fatigue and thus exercise performance by decreasing oxidative stress.

·         Cancer Prevention

Oxidative stress causes cell damage and affects their function. If the body is not equipped to fight oxidative damage, it can affect the cell structure increases the risk of cancer. CoQ10 protects cell damage from oxidative stress and also promotes cellular energy production, promoting their health and survival.

·         For Brain functioning

Mitochondria are the powerhouse brain cells. And with age mitochondrial function tends to reduce leading to dysfunction and death of brain cells, diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's occur. To keep the brain functioning at an optimum level, CoQ10 plays an important role by reducing cell damage and oxidative stress.

·         Dosage and Side effects

The standard dose of CoQ10 ranges from 90 mg to 200 mg per day. But the doses may vary depending upon the underlying medical condition or a prescribed by your doctor. Since CoQ10 is a fat-soluble compound, its absorption is slow and is hence recommended to take it with the food. This can help the body absorb it up to three times faster than taking it without food. It is also important to know that our body does not store CoQ10 therefore, its continued use is recommended to see its benefits.

This miracle compound is a must for everyone keen to maintain health. Visit our health and wellness supplements store, NutraC to get a CoQ10 supplement you and for and your loved ones.

Author:

Ashwini Sagar is a renowned diet and nutritional consultant. She has been in this field for more than a decade now. During all these years, she has developed brilliant expertise in this field and comes up with the best possible diet plans. She possesses the ability to communicate complex and sensitive information about dietary matters in an understandable form to individuals. She has a proven track record of successfully promoting healthy eating habits and suggesting diet modifications.

Ashwini is available of nutrition consultations at NutraC on prior appointments.