CoQ10, sometimes known as coenzyme Q 10, CoQ, or ubiquinone, has an essential function in every living cell of the human body: It’s used in the production of the cell’s energy. More specifically, it’s an essential component of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the cell’s fuel on the metabolic level – 95% of the energy produced by the human body comes down to this component.
In plain English, cells without enough CoQ10 “run out of gas” and stop functioning properly, or even completely. This becomes visible as disease: Studies of many common disorders like gum disease, heart disease, and other degenerative diseases show that the affected parts are depleted of CoQ10. In many cases, supplementation with this vital coenzyme will help the part heal or even reverse the damage altogether.
One common medical condition – high blood pressure – is worthy of extra attention. CoQ10 supplementation has been shown to lower blood pressure by as much as 17mm Hg (also known as “points”), with a mean drop of 10mm Hg. This can mean that by taking CoQ10 supplements, some people can lower their dosage of prescription anti-hypertension medicine, or even eliminate it.
Studies have also shown promising results for a whole host of other disorders. At the time of this writing, according to NIH’s Supplement Information page for Coenzyme Q10, the only things it’s been conclusively shown to NOT help are Huntington’s disease and diabetes. Many other sites, especially those whose grants don’t depend on “further research,” are very enthusiastic about this vital coenzyme’s ability to help with other disorders.
Even though it shows great promise for disease treatment, that’s not the most exciting thing about it. The BIG THING about Coenzyme Q 10 is that supplementing with it may extend your lifespan AND keep you healthy as you get older!
CoQ10 has been shown to have life extension properties in mice, as well as providing antiaging benefits against diseases typical in elderly members of the species. Judging by how well CoQ10 protects against human disease, it is likely that the life extension properties will apply to humans as well!
If you’re like me and would like to have an extra 25 years or so tacked onto your lifespan, give CoQ10 a try. With no known significant side effects and plenty of upsides, you’ve got nothing to lose!
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