Coenzyme Q10 is a substance necessary for the functioning of virtually every cell in the human body. It is also referred to as ubiquinone, although this term is much more often used by doctors and specialists than by ordinary bread eaters. More importantly, however, it participates in the creation of energy in cells, improving their oxygenation and protecting them from the negative effects of free radicals. Being an antioxidant, coenzyme Q10 exhibits anticancer properties, which is an incredible benefit of this substance. Furthermore, and importantly in this day and age when we are attacked with junk food at almost every turn, it counteracts the formation of deposits caused by bad cholesterol in the arteries. It also has amazing restorative abilities - able to nullify negative changes instead of just counteracting them.
It is a substance that is extremely helpful in treating a whole host of serious diseases that are affecting increasing numbers of people. These include, for example, circulatory insufficiency, atherosclerosis, parodontosis, muscle diseases, type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, hypertension and ischaemic heart disease. So the benefits of having and maintaining adequate levels of this compound in our bodies are enormous.
Coenzyme Q10 deficiency
It is definitely dangerous for the proper functioning of any human body to have too low a concentration of coenzyme Q10. Typical symptoms, although not necessarily unambiguous, indicating that we need a higher amount of this very important substance are above all:
- chronic fatigue,
- a decrease in immunity and physical stamina,
- a reduction in heart function and various heart disorders,
- chronic illnesses.
Deficiencies also easily occur in people who train intensively in various sports or work physically (the harder the worse), living in a littered and polluted environment. For this reason, additional supplementation with this important element for the proper functioning of our organism may often prove unavoidable.
Coenzyme Q10 for the face
Coenzyme Q10 is primarily associated with anti-ageing cosmetics. It is also often referred to as the 'elixir of youth', as it protects our skin against the formation of wrinkles and prevents the hypoxia of its cells. As we age, our body produces less and less of it, making the skin more susceptible to free radicals, which in turn leads to an acceleration of the ageing process. However, the anti-ageing effect is not the only function of coenzyme Q10, which also accelerates epidermal regeneration and wound healing. The coenzyme's primary role is to mediate cellular respiration, which ensures the proper functioning of organs and tissues. It also influences the production of vitamin E, which together with it takes care of the youthful appearance of our skin. Coenzyme Q10 stimulates cell production and, together with vitamin E, prevents the production of collagenosis - the enzyme responsible for the breakdown of collagen. It also provides energy that stimulates cell metabolism and influences the cell regeneration process. Furthermore, coenzyme Q10 also has a protective function, defending the complexion against sunlight, free radicals and weather conditions. Its anti-ageing action, on the other hand, is based on restoring smoothness and firmness to the skin, as well as halting the loss of hyaluronic acid, which is responsible for proper hydration of skin cells. As coenzyme concentrations begin to decline after the age of 19-21, those wishing to counteract the effects of ageing should reach for preparations with this ingredient before the age of 25. It is also worth remembering that the natural production of this substance is supported by folic acid and other B vitamins.
Occurrence of coenzyme Q10
The largest amounts of coenzyme Q10 are found in various types of fish, offal, oils, spinach, whole grain products and broccoli. As far as fish are concerned, it is worth mentioning that the highest content of this compound can be found in sardines, mackerel and, more and more popular in Poland, salmon. It is a component very sensitive to high temperatures, and therefore its content is reduced during cooking and longer storage, which means that it is definitely best to consume these sources of this substance in a raw form, if possible. It is worth mentioning that it is absorbed only in the presence of fats, which is important information for all those who limit fats in their diets, which are, after all, essential for proper functioning.
A great source seems to be meat, very rich in this compound. The only problem is that it should be eaten raw for better absorption, which is rather difficult to achieve. The best meat elements are hearts, kidneys, livers and spleens, as these organs have the highest energy requirements. As you can see, ensuring an adequate supply of coenzyme Q10 is not as difficult as it may seem.
