Do you know what is CoQ10?
Coenzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10, is a compound that helps generate energy in your cells.
Your body produces CoQ10 naturally, but its production tends to decrease with age. Health conditions like heart disease, brain disorders, diabetes, and cancer have been linked to low levels of CoQ10.
Research has revealed CoQ10’s wide range of health benefits as follows:
CoQ10 is a compound made by your body and stored in the mitochondria of your cells.
The mitochondria are in charge of producing energy. They also protect cells from oxidative damage and disease-causing bacteria or viruses.
CoQ10 production decreases as you age. Thus, older people seem to be deficient in this compound.
Some other causes of CoQ10 deficiency include:
· Nutritional deficiencies, such as vitamin B6 deficiency
· Genetic defects in CoQ10 synthesis or utilization
· Increased demands by tissues as a consequence of disease
· Mitochondrial diseases
· Oxidative stress due to aging
· Side effects of statin treatments
Research has shown that CoQ10 plays several key roles in your body. One of its primary functions is to help generate energy in your cells. It’s involved in making adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is involved in energy transfer within cells.
Its other crucial role is to serve as an antioxidant and protect cells from oxidative damage.
Excessive amounts of free radicals lead to oxidative damage, which can interfere with regular cell functioning. This is known to cause many health conditions.
Given that ATP is used to carry out all the body's functions and oxidative damage is destructive to cells, it is not surprising that some chronic diseases have been linked to low levels of CoQ10.
CoQ10 is present in every cell of your body. However, the highest concentrations are found in organs with the greatest energy demands, such as the heart, kidneys, lungs and liver.
Wait for my next blog to know the 9 benefits of CoQ10!