Heart and cardiovascular diseases are the world's leading causes of death. You can lower your risks by eating a healthy diet, living an active lifestyle and taking health supplements that supply nutrients not readily available in food. If you want to improve your cardiovascular health or have a weak heart, you can take CoQ10 supplements to improve your heart's health and functioning. Please check with a health care professional to make sure CoQ10 is right for you.
CoQ10
CoQ10, or co-enzyme 10, is important for providing cells with energy, which is essential for power hungry cells such as those of the heart. More than 90 percent of your body's energy is produced by using CoQ10 in aerobic respiration. The greatest concentration of CoQ10 is located in your heart, liver and kidneys, the body's most active organs. According to MayoClinic.com, adults can take up to 1,200 mg of CoQ10 in divided doses each day. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends between 30 and 200 mg daily for adults. A 2000 study published in the "Annals of Internal Medicine" found benefits in treating patients with congestive heart failure with a daily dose of 200 mg. Consult your health care professional before beginning a CoQ10 regimen.
Functions of CoQ10
CoQ10 is important for cells with high metabolic needs, such as cardiac cells. Research published in the April 2000 issue of "Annals of Internal Medicine" revealed that people with heart disease have low levels of CoQ10 in their heart muscles. CoQ10 is present in the mitochondria of cells and plays an important role in creating metabolic energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate. Generating metabolic energy is important for many of the body processes that require great sources of energy, such as the heart. Without sufficient levels of CoQ10, cells and organs are not able to function optimally.
Benefits of CoQ10
Essential levels of cellular CoQ10 is required for proper body functioning. When your diet doesn't provide enough of this nutrient, you can turn to CoQ10 supplements, which have been used to treat a variety of conditions, including breast cancer, skin diseases, high blood pressure and heart diseases. CoQ10 improves blood circulation and enhances brain functioning. It also removes disease-causing toxins in the body.
CoQ10 and the Heart
The heart muscles are in constant motion, pumping blood and oxygen throughout the body, and they require a lot of energy to function properly. CoQ10 provides the heart with that energy. Low levels of CoQ10 makes the heart weak, causing abnormal heartbeats and high blood pressure. Because of its antioxidant properties, CoQ10 also reduces blood cholesterol levels. CoQ10 is essential for keeping your heart healthy and provides the energy needed to make it an efficient blood-pumping powerhouse.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Medical Reference; Complementary Medicine; Coenzyme Q10; 2009
- "Circulation"; Coenzyme Q10 Combined With Mild Hypothermia After Cardiac Arrest; M. Damian, et al., 2004
- "Annals of Internal Medicine"; The Effect of Coenzyme Q10 in Patients with Congestive Heart Failure; M. Khatta, et al.; April 2000
- MayoClinic.com; Drugs and Supplements; Coenzyme Q10; Dosing; April 2011
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