Coenzyme Q10 - Provides Crucial Health Benefits

Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant similar to vitamin E, and is critical in generating cellular energy. It also benefits the cardiovascular system, stimulates the immune system, and increases circulation. This important substance is a component of mitochondria which generates about 95% of the energy we extract from food. Since the amount of coenzyme Q10 also called ubiquinone or CoQ in the body declines as we age, it should be added through supplements in the diets of everyone middle age or older.

Perhaps the most widely publicized benefit of coenzyme Q10 is in treating and preventing cardiovascular disease. It is effective in lowering blood pressure, in strengthening the heart muscle, and in preventing cardiac arrhythmias, all of which helps reduce the risk of heart attack. Another important benefit is CoQs ability to counter histamine, which makes it useful for people with allergies, asthma, or respiratory diseases. Some doctors give it to their patients to reduce the side effects of cancer chemotherapy. Deficiencies of CoQ have been linked to diabetes and muscular dystrophy, as well as periodontal disease.

Coenzyme Q10 can be found in mackerel, salmon, sardines, and to a lesser extent in beef, peanuts, and spinach. It is sold in health food stores as a capsule, or in liquid or oil form, and all these products are best absorbed when consumed with oily or fatty foods since CoQ is oil-soluble.