How CoQ10 Benefits Cholesterol and Heart Health

Heart disease and high cholesterol are some of the most dreaded diseases facing the human population today. As people age, the functionality of their body tends to decrease, and that includes the heart. Researchers have found that people who are suffering from heart issues as well as various cancers and diseases often have low levels of the coenzyme Q10. There are many who believe that increasing these levels can lead to improved heart function and reduce disease risk.

What is CoQ10?

Coenzyme Q10 is very similar to a vitamin and is found in every cell in the body. While you already have some inside of you, your supply is replenished with the foods you eat. There are several different foods which are good sources of the enzyme, but the following have the highest amounts:

• Beef

• Organ meats (heart, liver and kidney)

• Peanuts

• Sesame seeds

• Pistachios

• Walnuts

• Sardines

• Mackerel

• Parsley

• Avocado

• Broccoli

• Grapes

• Oils, such as soybean, olive and grapeseed

What Does CoQ10 Do?

As a substance found in almost every cell of the human body, you have probably suspected that CoQ10 plays an important role. There are, in fact, several functions that this versatile enzyme supports. Here are a few:

• Cellular Energy: Located in the mitochondria, this fat-soluble substance is part of the aerobic cellular respiration process and contributes to the generation of ATP, a form of energy. Since this is the way almost all of the energy of the human body is generated, it is very important to have sufficient supplies of CoQ10. The reason why there is such a high concentration of this enzyme in the liver, heart and kidney organs is because they require the most energy.

• Antioxidation: Since it is one of the only molecules that can pass through multiple phases, it easily gives up electrons and becomes oxidized, thus making it capable of acting as an antioxidant. In this position, it can protect lipids and proteins from being oxidized and can regenerate Vitamin E from existing radicals. It can also prevent the oxidation of mitochondrial DNA and other bases.

How Are CoQ10 and Cholesterol related?

The CoQ10 enzyme can protect the heart and cholesterol levels in many ways as it appears in many different forms. First, as an antioxidant, the enzyme prevents LDL from being oxidized, something that may prevent cardiovascular disease from initializing and progressing. CoQ10 has also been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce other symptoms of heart failure.

In people who already have heart disease and are taking medicines from the statin family to control their cholesterol, CoQ10 supplements can help in a few ways. First, statins help with cholesterol control, but they cause a decrease in the body’s production of the CoQ10 enzyme, making it necessary to use supplements to increase levels for sufficient mitochondrial function. Statins have also been associated with myopathy, or muscle breakdown in patients. Taking adequate doses of CoQ10 can treat this issue and reduce muscle loss. As muscles break down, a protein is released into the bloodstream that can cause severe issues in the kidneys. By taking CoQ10, you can not only reduce muscle loss, but also the pain and drastic side effects that can accompany it.

What Other Diseases Can Be Benefited by Taking CoQ10?

While the FDA lists CoQ10 as a dietary supplement and not a medical treatment, there are several conditions that sufferers have claimed can be helped or cured by adding sufficient doses of the enzyme.

• Cancer: While the results of several studies vary, there have been some that have shown certain cancers improve with the use of CoQ10.

• Migraines: Based on the belief that migraines stem from mitochondrial issues, some doctors have offered patients the choice of using low doses of CoQ10 to improve the function and health of the mitochondria. Results have been so positive that societies for improvement in some countries recommend that the enzyme to be considered as a treatment.

• Huntington’s disease: Sufferers of the chorea that comes with Huntington’s disease have found moderate improvement by adding Coq10 supplements to their diet.

• Infertility: While there have been no studies showing whether the enzyme increases the number of pregnancies and live births, it has been shown to improve the quality of sperm in males.

In addition to these conditions, CoQ10 has been shown to possibly alleviate the symptoms of chronic fatigue and macular degeneration by improving the health of the mitochondria.

As one of the most plentiful enzymes in the body, one of the few that can synthesize through all three different phases and one that contributes to many of the main functions of cellular processes, CoQ10 is one of the most useful substances in existence. Ensuring that you are getting adequate amounts through diet and supplementation could be vital in preventing and treating several diseases and disorders.

diseases and disorders. Whether you’re interested in the links between CoQ10 and cholesterol or its effects on migraines and energy deficiencies, there are likely several ways that this versatile enzyme can help you.