CoQ-10 | Coenzyme Q10
Benefits of CoQ-10
- Cellular energy
- Food source: Soybeans, lentils, nuts and seeds.
What is CoQ-10?
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ-10) is a compound found in almost every cell of the body. It has antioxidant activity and plays a central part in how our cells produce energy. The body makes CoQ-10 itself, but levels naturally fall as we age.
Inside our mitochondria, CoQ-10 is part of the chain of reactions that produces adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the molecule cells use to store and transfer energy for their growth and maintenance.
What does the research say about CoQ-10?
CoQ-10's antioxidant activity is widely studied. Antioxidants 'scavenge' and neutralise 'free radicals', unstable molecules that the body needs to keep in balance.
The heart is one of the most energy-hungry organs in the body, so it's no surprise that much of the CoQ-10 research focuses on the cardiovascular system. CoQ-10 has been studied for its effects on blood glucose and cholesterol levels. CoQ-10 has also been studied during pregnancy.
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Folate
Folate is required in the synthesis of DNA and the replication of new cells. It is needed in during pregnancy to help prevent neural tube defects in the foetus.
Inositol
Inositol is a type of sugar produced by our kidneys and used throughout our body, in particular in our brain and in cell membranes, and it influences the effectiveness of insulin.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is 'The Energy Vitamin' and is essential for the production of red blood cells, fuelling our energy and helping maintain a healthy heart.
Vitamin B3
Vitamin B3 supports our brain function by helping transport messages through it, and in breaking down the foods we eat into energy which it supplies to the brain.
Copper
Copper is an essential nutrient which our body doesn’t produce, so we need to gain it in our diet. It supports a range of functions from our nervous and immune systems to the healthy colour of our hair.
Ginger Root
Ginger roots are edible and used widely both as a spice in cooking and as a natural remedy. Ginger's active compounds are antioxidants and support healthy digestion and blood glucose.
Iron
Iron is vital to our wellbeing, including developing red blood cells which carry oxygen and fuel our energy. It is also essential in enzyme reactions and for our immunity.
L-Tyrosine
L-Tyrosine is an amino acid that plays a role in making hormones which help balance mood, and improve memory and performance in stressful situations.
