Vitamins and minerals are vague terms to describe nutrients that are needed by the body to keep it functioning optimally. Those categories can only fetch us marks in our fifth-grade science class. However, as we grow, narrowing down to specifics becomes essential. After all, it’s the lifelong health class’s test that needs to be aced.
In this context, CoQ10 is an essential compound. Coenzyme Q is also termed as ubiquinone. It is naturally present in the cells’ mitochondria, the powerhouse that yields energy molecules called ATP. The compound is basically the ignition pump that jumps start the engine of our body. Consequently, the human body cannot function without it.
Coenzyme Q primarily works in the body’s energy production and antioxidant defense sectors. As an antioxidant, CoQ10 protects the body against free radical damage, which is at the heart of numerous health issues. In this way, ubiquinone is responsible for cell protection. Additionally, there are lots of other health merits offered by the compound. This adds to its list of benefits for the brain, mind, and body.
Here is a look at the coenzyme’s health benefits:
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Lowers the risk of dementia
Dementia takes within its fold approximately 46.8 million people worldwide. This number is forecasted to shoot to 75 million and 131.5 million in 2030 and 2050, respectively. Several measures help keep dementia at bay. Among these, CoQ10 has a critical role to play.
It reduces the risk of dementia by protecting against oxidative stress and amyloid built-up. In their abundant state, both of these factors encourage the development of the disorder. Research shows that high levels of coenzyme Q10 correspond with a declined dementia risk. It showed that when the coenzyme’s levels were at their highest 25% mark, they cut down the dementia risk by 77%.
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Helps prevent Alzheimer’s
As of 2017, an estimated 5.5 million US citizens have Alzheimer’s. Of these, 5.3 million are aged 65 or above. The Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation gives credit to minerals and vitamins for minimizing the risk of the neurodegenerative disease. The foundation also holds coenzyme Q10 as a responsible memory-protecting nutrient that is essential for lowering the risk.
An aging brain quickly falls prey to oxidative stress that results in inflammation. This, in turn, culminates in memory loss, cognitive decline, and other symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Studies are, however, proving that CoQ10 supplementation helps to prevent oxidative stress and subsequent neurodegeneration.
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Slows the progress of Parkinson’s Disease (PD)
With an estimated patient portfolio of 10 million global individuals, Parkinson’s disease is a typical age-related disorder. Only 4% of its victims are diagnosed before age 50. However, there is no cure for this neurological condition. However, research indicates that CoQ10 can help to slow the progression of PD.
The coenzyme also enhances mental health by keeping the brain safe from other mental disorders that result from oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. These include bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression. For instance, a study showed that CoQ10 supplementation is associated with a reduction in the symptom severity of bipolar disorder.
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Helps prevent a migraine
In the US, there are over 37 million people who get migraine headaches, with 2-3 million having chronic migraine. Many studies hold CoQ10 as the compound that boasts preventative potential to chop this number and frequency of migraines.
A small study of 31 patients showed that 19 participants reported a decline in their headaches by half. Another study proved CoQ10 supplementation as three times more effective in reducing migraine numbers than the placebo treatment. Another study, albeit more significant than the other two, further confirmed that Coenzyme Q10 supplements helped lower migraine.
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Improves cardiovascular health
As the heart follows the footsteps of our brain, it is also sensitive to the coenzyme’s deficiency. In fact, research highlights that the heart tissues of 50-75% people with cardiovascular diseases lack CoQ10. Once the deficiency is rectified, the heart’s health can be significantly enhanced. A case in point is high blood pressure.
39% of the hypertensive patients suffer from an insufficiency of CoQ10. Research outlines that 200-300 mg of CoQ10 in a day can lower blood pressure. It also helps prevent arterial constriction that elevates blood pressure. Moreover, CoQ10 supplements also suppress the odds of developing cardiovascular diseases.
Researcher Dr. Svend Aage Mortensen explains, “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.”
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Cancer prevention
Research has shown that the patients with lymphoma, myeloma, and other cancers feature lower CoQ10 level in their blood. Such low levels are prevalent in most types of cancers including that of the prostate, kidney, head and neck, colon, pancreas, and breast.
Studies show that Coenzyme Q10 strengthens the immune system. Thus, helping to resist some infections and cancer types, therefore, working toward cancer prevention. Furthermore, research shows the CoQ10 works to protect the heart from the adverse side effects posed by doxorubicin, a drug for cancer treatment. It is also touted to play a useful role in cancer treatment in the company of other supplements.
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Helps with diabetes
Since oxidative stress damages cells, it contributes to metabolic diseases such as diabetes. Thus, adding to the approximately 29.1 million Americans who have diabetes. Furthermore, abnormal function of the mitochondria correlates with insulin resistance. All these familiar terms pave the way for Coq10 to play a useful role in this case too.
Coenzyme Q combats oxidative stress. Research also proves that it helps to regulate the levels of sugar in the blood while improving insulin sensitivity. A systematic review shows that daily CoQ10 supplementation can significantly reduce fasting blood sugar levels as well.
Key takeaway
CoQ10 exhibits numerous benefits for the brain and body. However, it is crucial to keep in mind that as the aging clock ticks, the CoQ10 levels decline. Thus, it is significant to supplement the compound to keep the body running at its optimal.
Some CoQ10 enriched superfoods include pistachio nuts, herring, grass-fed beef, sesame seeds, broccoli, cauliflower, and more. Coenzyme Q10 supplementation is also an option. Currently, 3.3 million Americans are using them.
