Coenzyme Q10, commonly known as CoQ10, is a molecule that aids in the production of energy in your cells. Research has pointed out that low levels of CoQ10 can lead to various conditions like brain disorders, diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer. So what is CoQ10? And how does it affect our health?
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What is Coenzyme Q10?
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a chemical compound in your body and stored in your cells’ mitochondria. The mitochondria are in charge of energy production. They also shield cells from oxidative stress and disease-causing germs and viruses.
As you become older, your body’s ability to produce CoQ10 declines leading to various conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, brain disorders, and cancer.
Here are some food sources that contain a lot of CoQ10:
- Legume: peanuts, soybean, lentils
- Fruits: strawberries and oranges
- Muscle meat: chicken, beef, pork
- Organ meats: liver, heart, kidney
- Oils: canola oil, soybean
- Nuts and seeds: pistachios and sesame seeds
- Vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, spinach
- Fatty Fish: herring, sardine, mackerel, and trout
In addition, you can also get CoQ10 through supplements. The typical CoQ10 dosage varies from 90 mg to 200 mg per day, so you might need to ask your doctor before taking them. With that in mind, check out the benefits of CoQ10.
Skin Benefits
Harmful elements can cause decreased skin hydration and protection from environmental aggressors, as well as skin layer thinning.
By boosting energy generation in skin cells and improving antioxidant defense, using CoQ10 directly to the skin can reduce damage from internal and external factors. CoQ10 applied directly to the skin has been found to prevent oxidative damage caused by UV radiation and even to diminish wrinkle depth.
Helps with Diabetes
Cell damage can be caused by oxidative stress. This can lead to metabolic disorders such as diabetes. Insulin resistance has also been linked to abnormal mitochondrial activity. CoQ10 has been proven to increase insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation.
In another research, individuals with type 2 diabetes were given CoQ10 supplements for 12 weeks. Fasting blood sugar levels and hemoglobin A1C, which are the average blood sugar levels over the previous two to three months, were considerably lowered as a result.
Increases Exercise Performance
Oxidative stress and abnormal mitochondrial function can reduce muscle function, energy and drastically decrease your performance. CoQ10 can improve exercise performance by lowering oxidative stress in cells and increasing mitochondrial function.
One research study looked at the impact of CoQ10 on physical activity. Those who took 1,200 mg of CoQ10 each day for 60 days had lower oxidative stress.
Good for Your Brain
Mitochondria are the primary energy producers in brain cells. Mitochondrial function decreases with age. Total mitochondrial malfunction can result in the loss of brain cells and illnesses such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease.
This oxidative damage increases the creation of toxic chemicals, which may have an impact on memory, cognition, and physical functioning. CoQ10 has the potential to decrease these toxic chemicals delaying the course of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Reduces Headaches
Abnormal mitochondrial function can result in increased calcium absorption by cells, increased free radical generation, and reduced antioxidant defense. This can result in low energy levels in brain cells and even headaches.
Because CoQ10 is found primarily on the mitochondria of cells, it has been proven to increase mitochondrial activity and aid in the reduction of inflammation that may occur during migraines.
Research has shown that supplementing with CoQ10 can significantly reduce the number of migraines. Additionally, another different study found that 1550 people with low CoQ10 levels had fewer severe migraines after treatment with CoQ10.
Helps Treat Heart Failure
Heart failure happens when these problems damage the heart to the point where it cannot contract, relax, or pump blood throughout the body regularly. To make matters worse, certain heart failure medications have unwanted side effects such as low blood pressure. While others may raise blood pressure, CoQ10 lowers it even further.
In a study of 420 patients with heart failure, two years of CoQ10 therapy relieved their symptoms and lowered their chance of dying from heart issues. In another research study, 641 individuals were given CoQ10 or a placebo for a year. At the end of the trial, individuals in the CoQ10 group were hospitalized less frequently for worsening heart failure and had fewer severe complications.
Prevents Cancer
Among the benefits of CoQ10, this is probably the most promising. It helps medical experts take another step in the fight against cancer.
Low CoQ10 levels have been linked to a 53.3 percent increased risk of cancer and a poor prognosis for several forms of cancer. CoQ10 can protect cells from oxidative stress and increase cellular energy generation, improving their health and lifespan.
Furthermore, a study suggests that supplementing with CoQ10 with the medication interferon can help reduce the chance of cancer recurrence.
If you have questions about CoQ10 or any of the health problems discussed here, connect with us and learn more.
At Peak Human, our team of healthcare professionals is dedicated to helping you reach your ‘peak’ health with a custom whole-person approach. Using the most cutting-edge, science-backed biohacking and aesthetic tools, technologies, and treatments available today, we help you achieve the highest physical/cognitive performance state, leading to an improved overall quality of life.
For questions or to book an appointment, don’t hesitate to contact us. Get personalized support and insight from expert physicians.
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