Antioxidants - Fighters against free radical damage
GSE
CoQ10 - Super Antioxidant. What does CoQ10 Do in Your Body?
What does CoQ10 do in your body?
"The Spark"
CoQ10 is the fundamental ingredient for energy production in every cell
CoQ10 IGNITES the spark for energy production in the cell mitochondria (the energy production "factories"inside our cells). CoQ10 shuttles electrons (extracted from food) back and
forth between enzymes in the cell mitochondria in the process of making ATP
molecules (the cells energy "currency").
Without adequate amounts of CoQ10, the heart does
not have enough energy to pump the blood efficiently.
The heart has the highest concentration
of CoQ10 . It has been
reported that death can occur if the CoQ10 level in the heart decreases below
75% of normal.
In more detail
CoQ10 is a crucial component
of the electron transport chain (respiratory chain) in the mitochondria
where energy derived by a process called oxidative phosphorylation from the
products of fatty acid, protein and carbohydrate metabolism is converted into
biological energy called adenosine triphosphate (ATP) that drives cellular
machinery and all biosynthetic processes. CoQ10 functions as an essential
cofactor for the activities of the enzyme systems called complexes I, II and III
in the electron transport chain. It shuttles electrons from complex I
(nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase) and Complex II (succinate
dehydrogenase) to complex III (ubiquinone-cytochrome c reductase) by virtue of
its redox (reduction-oxidation) properties. It is during this process of
electron transfer along the electron transport chain that vital biological
energy as ATP is generated.
"The Dampener"
CoQ10 is one of the "Super Antioxidants"
Of hundreds of
antioxidants,
there is a select group of networking
antioxidants that are particularly effective
at slowing the aging process and boosting the body's ability to fight disease :
CoQ10 ,
Glutathione and Lipoic Acid - can be made by the body,
but levels decrease with age, and their deficiency is responsible for most
premature deaths.
Vitamin C
and Vitamin E. Must be obtained from food or supplements, since we can not make them.
CoQ10
"snuffs out" damaging free radicals
produced in the mitochondrial energy-producing
process and other systems in the body, and also from sources outside the body.
As
such, this fat-soluble antioxidant helps protect vital structures from free
radical damage.
Most important is
COQ10's
antioxidant protection inside the mitochondria. CoQ10 is a broad spectrum AO protecting not just arteries, but also
brain, liver, muscles, nerves and other systems.
CoQ10
is a primary
AO
protector of LDL cholesterol. CoQ10 prevents cholesterol from becoming
oxidized , a cause of
arterial plaque build-up leading to arterial blockage.
CoQ10
helps maintain membrane stability
CoQ10
regenerates Vitamin C
and E. CoQ10 also partners with vitamin C to keep
vitamin E under control, preventing it from
becoming unstable.
CoQ10 activates Genes in nuclear DNA to turn back the Cellular Clock
According to Australian Anthony Linnane's latest
research .
CoQ10 sends a chemical messenger to the nucleus to "switch on" certain strategic
genes and fortify already degraded cellular systems (e.g. from the aging
process).
Weakened cells regain strength helping those with
conditions from cancer to chronic fatigue to heart disease.
CoQ10 Makes Muscles Younger. Linnane tested
muscle tissue from patients supplementing 300mg daily CoQ10 for 1 month
compared to those taking placebo. He found that the CoQ10 group muscle produced
a dramatic change toward a more youthful profile. The muscle fiber change meant
that CoQ10 had modulated hundreds of genes relevant to muscle biochemistry.
CoQ10 sports an impressive resumé
Boosts energy/stamina. Provides the "spark" for your body's cells to produce energy; Can
improve athletic performance;
Powerful Fat-soluble Antioxidant. Most diseases involve inflammation as a consequence of oxidative
damage ; the active form of CoQ10 (called
ubiquinol) prevents an inflammatory reaction by protecting against free radical
damage in fats (e.g. cholesterol, polyunsaturated oils) or fatty areas (E.g.
all cell membranes are composed of fatty acids, the brain is 2/3 fat, the
protective myelin sheath covering communicating neurons is 70% fat ).
Cardiovascular diseasesand wrinkled
skin resulting fromUV oxidation are
well-known examples of oxidative stress, but also, oxidation in the brain is
implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's, ALS, M.S.,
Huntington's, Alzheimer's and cerebral palsy.
Supports cardiovascular health. Promotes healthy circulation, efficient cardiac function, protects
LDL cholesterol from oxidation (the forerunner to atherosclerosis) and helps
maintain normal blood pressure; a healthy blood supply also supports brain
function.
Reduces signs of aging. You feel more alert, responsive and energetic. Antioxidant ability
prevents and reduces wrinkles in the skin;
Supports immune and nervous systems. Your brain is very active and requires
a constant energy supply. CoQ10 provides immune system with a vital free radical
defense E.g. in allergies;
Supports body's ability to control blood sugar
Anti-mutagenic. Preliminary studies show
CoQ10 to be anti-mutagenic (cancer cells develop through mutagenesis)
Protects the liver when using certain medications.
Always supplement CoQ10 when taking statins
Replenishes CoQ10 depleted when taking a
cholesterol-lowering statin drug or beta-blockers
