How does having energy to burn sound to you?
I have been taking this little bullet for a while now and I think it really helps with stamina (not that I’m running marathons mind…). It was recently featured on Today Tonight (so it must be good…) and no, it’s not just for seniors.
I’m talking about Co Enzyme Q10 (CoQ10).
Whilst the name may not sound very natural (or particularly sexy) it is something your body naturally produces and is required by every single cell in your body.
Benefits of CoQ10
Sustains natural energy
CoQ10 is vital for healthy energy production by our cells.
CoQ10 protects our energy producing factories from day to day damage and acts sort of like insulation around an electrical wire. Without this insulation, energy does not reach its correct destination and we would have no electricity to run our lights, fridges or computers! The same is true with CoQ10. If we do not have enough to insulate our ‘wires’, we don’t have enough energy to function properly and we feel tired.
In our youth, we usually make adequate amounts of CoQ10 but our production of it begins to decrease from the age of 30 years (lucky I’m only 29 – plus GST!). Our levels of CoQ10 can also be reduced in certain illnesses and when taking particular medications.
Powerful antioxidant
In every single one of your cells is something called the mitochondria, which is like the engine of your cell. Turns out, it is very prone to oxidative (free radical) damage. CoQ10 helps protect the membrane and DNA from free radical damage.
What does that mean for us? It slows down the ageing process (you little ripper!) and its associated diseases (think heart disease, diabetes, cancer etc).
Cholesterol
If you are on cholesterol lowering medication, then you definitely want to put this one in the mix. Research has shown that supplementing with this enzyme reduces the side-effects of statins.
There is a growing body of research that shows that this enzyme may also help increase your HDLs (good cholesterol).
Brain fog
In those with cognitive impairments, such as Parkinson’s disease, increased oxidative stress in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra is thought to contribute to symptoms.
CoQ10 has been shown to offset decreases in activity of mitochondrial electron transport chains that affect nerve channels and brain function and studies show that people with cognitive disorders tend to have reduced levels of CoQ10 in their blood (phew, that was a mouthful).
Food sources of CoQ10
| Organ Meats (I loves my liver) | Free-range chicken | Rainbow trout |
| Sesame seeds | Pistachio nuts | Broccoli |
| Cauliflower | Oranges | Strawberries |
| Cage-free eggs | Sardines | Mackerel and Herring |
This enzyme is a very well researched nutrient and many studies show that supplementing with it improves energy.
If you suffer with fatigue, you probably feel you don’t have the energy to do anything about it! With our help, boosting your energy doesn’t need to be a struggle and CoQ10 may be the perfect supplement for you.
In health,
Marnie