Over time, the amount of Coenzyme Q10 in the body decreases. For this reason, it is advisable to consume foods that contain it to keep it at the proper levels. How important is it to the body?
Coenzyme Q10 or ubiquinone is a nutrient that is present throughout the body, but especially in the heart, liver, kidneys, and pancreas. Our body obtains it naturally through diet and by transformation of other coenzymes. Its duties?
In recent years, this coenzyme is being recommended to many people as a nutritional supplement. The purpose is to help in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, gingivitis, neurodegenerative diseases, etc.
Next, we will delve into the basic aspects of this topic: its functions, in which cases it should be taken and what foods naturally contain it.
What does it do in our body?
This coenzyme has, on the one hand, an important antioxidant function. It is because it acts similar to vitamin E, but it is much more powerful than this.
On the other hand, another of its tasks is to produce energy at the cellular level. That is why, if we feel tired, this may be a symptom of a lack of this coenzyme in our body.
Finally, thirdly, coenzyme Q10 participates in cellular respiration, which is why it contributes to the oxygenation of the organs.
These main functions make Coenzyme Q10 an excellent supplement to improve the immune system and the cardiovascular system, as well as to protect us from free radicals, among many other benefits.
What diseases can it help
From these functions that we have discussed, it is recommended to take coenzyme Q10 especially for people suffering from any of these diseases :
- Cardiovascular diseases: It is recommended to treat congestive heart failure, angina, high blood pressure, etc.
- Diabetes: Stimulates the secretion and synthesis of insulin.
- Gingivitis and other gum diseases: Reduces bacteria in the mouth and reduces inflammation.
- Breast Cancer: Improves quality of life and helps prevent metastasis.
- Huntington’s disease (rare genetic neurological disease): Helps improve your symptoms.
- Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s: Improves brain oxygenation.
- Muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis.
- Chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia: It can be beneficial since it intervenes in the production of energy.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Eliminates inflammation of the joints.
- HIV / AIDS: Strengthens the immune system.
- Male infertility: Improves the quality of sperm.
- Migraine: Helps its prevention
- Overweight: It can help us reduce weight naturally. Obese people and those who follow very strict diets often have low levels of coenzyme Q10.
- Fatigue when doing physical activity: It is recommended in cases of exhaustion and to improve performance during exercise.
Why are we missing?
This coenzyme is depleting over the years, so older people are the ones who most often suffer from its deficit. However, in addition to age, there are other factors that contribute to this decrease:
- Regular tobacco use.
- Diet with insufficient amounts of the coenzyme (vegetarian diet, for example).
- Inability of the organism to produce it in sufficient quantities.
- Stress.
- Candidiasis.
- Other diseases.
Foods that contain it
Foods that naturally contain higher levels of Coenzyme Q10 are fish and meat. Within the fish, it is present especially in the blues; in the case of meat, it is more abundant in beef.
Plant-based foods do not contain it in as much quantity. This is something that those who follow a vegetarian diet should take into account. Still, these are the highlights:
- Whole-grain cereal and wheat germ.
- Vegetable oils.
- Nuts, especially peanuts.
- Spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, and carrot.
Coenzyme Q10 as a supplement
The most common way to take Coenzyme Q10 is as a nutritional supplement, especially when we want to naturally treat any of the diseases that we have mentioned. Currently, there are many brands that produce and market it; we will also find it easily in pharmacies and herbalists.
To know the dose, it is always advisable to consult a specialist or follow the directions on the product. It is highly recommended to consult with a doctor or specialist therapist before taking any natural supplements.
In the case of coenzyme Q10, we should especially consult if we are taking medication or performing treatments such as chemotherapy, antihypertensive drugs or Wafarin. Many specialists point out that it is highly recommended to take it after chemotherapy.