Coenzyme Q10 - The Elixir of Life

by Aviva Natural Health Solutions March 02, 2011

Andreea C.

A lot of people talk about the importance of Coenzyme Q10, and they often call it the elixir of life or the fuel we need to keep us running. So what exactly is Coenzyme Q10 in medical terms, how does it work, and how does it benefit us?

Coenzyme Q10 - also known as ubiquinol or ubidecarenone, and often abbreviated to CoQ10 - is a nutrient present in all the cells of the human body, especially where the cellular activity is more intense, due to its role of cellular energizer. Apart from providing energy, CoQ10 also stabilizes cell membranes and acts as an antioxidant. Research has proved that if levels in CoQ10 drop to a 25% deficiency or more, various problems appear, among which heart diseases and immune system disorders are most common. It may even be a cause of cancer. If levels drop to a 75% deficiency, death is inevitable.

As a tablet, CoQ10 is compared to vitamins but it is in fact, a food supplement. Yet, what is amazing is the fact that it is efficient as long as it is administered. CoQ10 doesn't store in the body; what is superfluous is eliminated. It acts exactly when you need it, but if you stop taking it, its concentration in the blood drops to its previous levels.

Coenzyme Q10 was discovered in 1957 by Dr. Frederick Crane at the Enzyme Institute of the University of Wisconsin. The year of CoQ10 discovery is famous for a keen interest in nutrition. It was a period when many food supplements were launched into the market. Yet, the discovery didn't have a strong impact at that time. Even at present, many people think it is only a cosmetic ingredient.

Research and case studies have proved that this substance reduces the risk of heart attacks, lowers blood pressure, helps in the process of losing weight and increases life expectancy. But the benefits of this miraculous substance don't stop here. It is of great importance in the treatment of gastroduodenal ulcers, asthma, any respiratory diseases, periodontal diseases, allergies, but also in neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia. In addition, it has amazing results in fighting against obesity, diabetes, multiple sclerosis and cancer.

Primary food sources of CoQ10 include: fish, eggs, organ meats, chicken, milk, the germs of whole grains, broccoli, spinach, cabbage, onion, garlic, carrots and potatoes. Yet, cooking, processing or freezing reduces the food concentration of this nutrient. For instance, fast frying helps preserve a high level of CoQ10 in food.

Researchers have been studying CoQ10 for 50 years, but there are still more benefits of this miraculous substance to be discovered in the future. However, even if we stick to what we know today, we can rightly call it the elixir of life.