Coenzyme Q10, or simply CoQ10, the Heart Friendly Antioxidant

Known as:

• Coenzyme Q10
• CoQ10
• Quinone
• Ubiquinone

"Ubiquinone" is a conflation of words “ubiquitous” (due to the fact that it’s found in every cell of body) and “quinone” (it is the “natural spark plug” in the energy making process).

Quinone and Ubiquinone are technically not CoQ10, they are required by the body to make CoQ10. They are just one of the ingredients the body requires to make CoQ10 – the other main ingredients are 8 types of vitamins (mainly, Vitamin Bs) and, some trace minerals.

Nutrient Family:    

• Coenzymes

Side note on Enzymes and Coenzymes:

• Enzyme = protein that is required for chemical changes in the body
• Co-Enzymes = helpers of these enzymes, to bring about the required chemical changes.
• Specific Enzymes and Coenzymes are required for specific chemicals reactions necessary for the functions of the body.
• To travel around the body, Coenzymes hitch a ride on lipoproteins (what we commonly call cholesterol).
• Coenzymes are present in every cells of the body.

One of the 5 in the Network Antioxidant Gang.

It is recycled by:

• Alpha Lipoic Acid

And it recycles :

• Vitamin E

Coenzyme Q10's, or CoQ10's, Workings

Fat or Water Soluble Antioxidant:       

• Fat Soluble

 Other functions besides being an antioxidant:

• Use for energy production of the cells (ATP)

Where Is COQ10 Found Naturally?

CoQ10 is produced by the body, as well as, can be sourced from animals and plants.

Our body can produce CoQ10 but it’s production can decline:

• With age. Production starts to decline from about age 20.
• If our body is deficient in any of the 8 Vitamins and trace minerals needed for it’s production.

Examples of food sources:

• Organ meats
• Peanuts
• Fish – such as  ocean Salmon, sardines
• Poultry
• Almonds
• Oils (Such as, soybean, rapeseed, sesame, cottonseed oils – all cold press, organic oils)
• Eggs
• Spinach
• Broccoli
• Sweet potato
• Sweet pepper
• Garlic
• Carrots
• Cauliflower
• Peas

Health Benefits of CoQ10

Examples of the health benefits of  CoQ10:

• Use as treatment in heart disease

                > It aids in energy creation for the heart, and reduces the risk of LDL cholesterol.

                > Use in Japan and Europe, and to a smaller scale, in the US, to treat heart disease.

• Protects against UV radiation and hence, protects against skin cancer.
• Possible Cancer aid as it boosts the level of T-cells.

                > In particular breast, lung, colon, prostrate.

• Rejuvenates the brain
• For healthy gums

                > Use in Japan for treatment of gun diseases.

• Slows the aging process
• Boost immune system
• Prevent Oxidative Damage in the Human Brain
• Helps Controls Deterioration of Parkinson’s Disease

                > By reducing the loss of dopamine, which is a hormone precursor essential for transmitting nerve signals.

• Stomach Ulcers
• Muscular dystrophy