Every day people suffer from diseases whose actual reasons elude the plain sight. What remain visible, in most cases, are the deficit in energy levels, fatigue, depression, and the likes.
In such inexplicably agonizing situation, what we fail to comprehend sometimes, is that the reason for many such diseases can be as simple as a deficiency in CoQ10.
Coenzyme Q10, abbreviated as CoQ10, plays a major role in the synthesis of energy in the body. It is a vitamin-like substance present in the human cells that produces Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) for the various functions of the body. And a deficiency in CoQ10 level can be responsible for a horde of diseases.
Various studies about the coenzyme Q10 has revealed a number of benefits that it is responsible for. Some of these benefits have been discussed below.
Prevents Heart Disease
A research trial was performed on 420 patients from all over the world, who had experienced heart failure. 210 patients from among the group were treated with CoQ10 and the rest were given a placebo along with other necessary treatment. What ensued was nothing short of a miracle.
After 2 years of medication, the group of patients who were given the CoQ10 was found to be half as likely to suffer from a heart disease than the other group. According to lead researcher, Prof. Svend Aage Mortensen of Copenhagen University Hospital, "Supplementation with CoQ10, which is a natural and safe substance, corrects a deficiency in the body and blocks the vicious metabolic cycle in chronic heart failure called the energy starved heart".
In addition, CoQ10 also helps in:
- maintaining the cholesterol level
- maintaining blood pressure
- preventing formation of clots in the bloodstream
- reducing hypertension
CoQ10 Benefits in Sports and Exercise
Sports and exercise utilizes a lot of energy of the body. This increases the body’s demand for replenishing the ATP that has been used up. Since coenzyme Q10 aids in synthesizing energy in the body, the benefits in exercise and sports performance is quite evident.
An appropriate level of CoQ10 in the body cells means instant production of ATP, aiding runners and other sports participants in their activities. Apart from that, adequate levels of coenzyme Q10 in the body also results in:
- increased plasma.
- increased maximal oxygen uptake, which signifies a faster delivery of oxygen to the cells.
- increased amount of Vitamin E in the body, which results in increased production of red blood cells and, therefore, better transport of oxygen to various parts of the body.
Therefore, CoQ10 influences athletic performance significantly.
Reduces Aging Process
How would you like to add a good 8 years to your life expectancy? Seems close to impossible, right? Not anymore. One of the many benefits of CoQ10 has turned out to be postponing the aging process.
According to the mitochondrial theory of aging, oxidative damage of the mitochondria reduces the life span of individuals. If the mitochondria can burn energy from food more efficiently, it would help considerably in slowing down the aging process. Since CoQ10 is responsible for aiding the energy synthesis procedure, an adequate level in the cells also helps in a more efficient energy synthesis.
Strengthens Immune System
Did you know that the immune system requires a large amount of ATP to produce antibodies against an invader? CoQ10 levels reduce with age. And with lower levels of CoQ10, the body’s energy production efficiency declines. Therefore, the immune response suffers a tremendous setback, making the body prone to various diseases.
Appropriate levels of coenzyme Q10 in the body can help in enhancing the immune system of the body significantly. CoQ10 boosts the production of:
- T Helper cells
- Antibodies
These help in fighting viruses effectively.
Prevents Neurological Disorders
Proper levels of coenzyme Q10 plays a major role in curbing the possibilities of neurological disorders. Among numerous degenerative disorders, CoQ10 level has been found to have a profound effect on the prevention of the following diseases:
- Huntington’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
The primary reasons for CoQ10 deficiency in the body can be pinpointed to its increased utilization accompanying an incompatible rate of biosynthesis. CoQ10 level can be restored with intake of food that contains the coenzyme. In some cases, a supplement can also help considerably.
