Coenzyme Q10 was discovered in 1957 and it is a substance with the characteristics of a lipo-soluble vitamin, present in every cell of the body. Coenzyme Q10 fulfills 2 major functions: it assists in the production of energy and it is a powerful antioxidant. Coenzyme Q10 has many health benefits.
Clinical studies show that this substance is very effective in fighting free radicals and it protects the body against the damaging effects of UV rays in the cell membrane. As a powerful antioxidant, coenzyme Q10 is able to reduce the size of cancerous tumors, to minimize the consequences of strokes and vascular diseases. When applied directly to the skin, it penetrates the cell layers and protects it from oxidative degradation and, therefore, the appearance of wrinkles.
Just some of the coenzyme Q10 benefits are :
1. It significantly improves the immune system;
2. It improves symptoms in heart disease;
3. It stimulates the metabolism and body weight: it favors fast weight loss;
4. It has a positive influence on male fertility;
5. It significantly reduces hypertension.
A major difference between coenzyme Q10 and other vitamins is that coenzyme Q10 is synthesized by the body, while traditional vitamins must be obtained through dietary intake. After the age of 20, the production of coenzyme Q10 in the body is reduced, but its demand is increased.
A small quantity of coenzyme Q10 (10 -20 mg) can be found in fish (tuna and sardines), beef and animal organs: heart, liver, spinach, broccoli, eggs, and nuts. Unfortunately, by cooking and thermal processing, this antioxidant is deactivated. In the case of vegetarians, a reliable source of coenzyme Q10 is must be taken from good affordable supplements that are formulated so that absorption will is at its best. It is well known that as the body they ages, the amount of coenzyme Q10 in the body decreases.
Studies show that this substance may reduce the normal speed of aging by 80%. The anti-aging effects of coenzyme Q10 manifest by increasing the energy, by stimulating the immune system and by blocking free radicals that deteriorate the cells.
Coenzyme Q10 is also very efficient in dermatological treatments. Wrinkles appear when skin loses its elasticity, due to a decline in skin collagen. Daily stress, cell metabolism, exposure to sunlight, toxins, cigarette smoke and other environmental factors, are factors that favor the production of harmful free radicals.
Although the aging process is a natural and imminent one, the presence of too many free radicals can cause a series of biochemical reactions that destroy cellular components, proteins and DNA.
The good news is that we can postpone the aging process by adopting a diet rich in coenzyme Q10 and by supplementing this marvelous antioxidant. As you can see the coenzyme Q10 benefits are pretty amazing.
March 18, 2010
Diets & Nutrition