Over the year’s as a personal trainer in Red Deer I’ve always tried to coach people to weight loss and better health particularly through improved nutritional habits. I’ve also tried not to recommend much in the way of supplements or items that would force them to incur extra costs. However, it has become apparent to me there are certain things that are proving to be so important to improving health and longevity I cannot ignore them. Recently I’ve been very seriously contemplating a new addition to this list. Today I will share that with you.
You’ve probably already heard of Coenzyme Q10. You may have seen it on vitamin shelves or heard it mentioned in ads for one of the popular make up companies. Beyond hearing the name you may not even know what it is, let me enlighten you. Two important things about your body: 1) many facets of our metabolism are all based on chemical
CoEnzyme Q10 a powerful antioxidant
reactions that are triggered by enzymes. Enzymes are made up of a protein and a vitamin or mineral. 2) free radicals are the greatest destructive force in our body and are attributed to the development of many diseases and conditions.
CoQ10 is an enzyme with a vitamin structure similar to vitamin K. It is also an extremely powerful anti-oxidant.CoQ10’s enzymatic function is related to cellular energy, particularly the production of ATP. ATP is the main energy source used by your muscles during any activity, and particularly the first few minutes of strenuous activity (ie. Exercise). Right now there is a great deal of speculation as to whether this relationship to cellular energy may also have a direct impact on fatty acid mobilization to the mitochondria and ultimately fat loss.
CoQ10 is a serious powerhouse as an anti-oxidant. Free radicals roam around in our body leading the charge in the process of destructive oxidation. We all know oxidation as the cancer that is rust that appears on our vehicles. This is an accurate description of the same process that is occurring inside our bodies as well. Controlling the metabolic rust is a sure fire way to improving our health and how we feel. A free radical is an unbalanced charged cell hunting for loose electrons to attract. It has the ability to pull the electrons from healthy cells in all our tissues. Once the healthy cell loses some electrons it degrades becoming a new free radical. This can be the starting point for sickness or disease in many forms. Anti-oxidants are elements that freely give up electrons to electron starved free-radicals balancing both cells and thus destroying the free-radical and slowing the oxidative process.
The list of positive health benefits is long and growing but here are a few of interest:
- Increased energy and metabolism, I have personally noticed soon after beginning supplementation.
- Coenzyme Q10 strengthens the cardiovascular system and has actually been used to treat congestive heart failure.
- Coenzyme Q10 also helps athletes with stamina
- CoQ10 improves and even reverses periodontal disease.
- CoQ10 improves efficacy of weight loss programs.
- Daily intake of Coenzyme Q10 has shown to aid in reducing blood pressure.
- CoQ10 facilitates the elimination of Candida albicans.
- CoQ10 alleviates allergies.
- Diabetes sufferers are deficient in CoQ10. CoQ10 reduces blood sugar levels.
