Coenzyme Q10 is a substance that is made in the human body and functions like an antioxidant. It’s important because it helps give energy, boost the immune system, and scavenges for free radicals. Our bodies create the coenzyme, and cells use it to produce energy we need for cell growth and maintenance.
The highest concentrations of CoQ10 are found in the heart, liver, kidneys, and pancreas. Levels of CoQ10 decrease as we age and it may be low in people with cancer, genetic disorders, diabetes, heart problems, and Parkinson’s disease. You can use supplements to get your CoQ10 or you could eat the food that will convert to CoQ10. A deficiency of CoQ10 include things like heart failure, high blood pressure, fibromyalgia, depression, migraines and chest pain.
If you are not concerned about the deficiencies of CoQ10 it might be interesting to learn it also helps with aging skin! Another great reason to eat your Veggies!
CoQ10 is naturally found in high levels in organ meats: liver, kidney, and heart, and in beef, sardines, and mackerel.
Vegetarians or Vegans who do not eat the above foods can find suitable alternatives: Vegetable sources of CoQ10 include spinach, broccoli, and cauliflower. Legumes sources include peanuts and soybeans.Most people can get enough of CoQ10 naturally.
 Eating a diverse, plant-based diet that includes legumes and the vegetables noted above will ensure that your body has enough CoQ10 to function properly, even if you’re not eating organ meats.
An example of a meal packed with CoQ10 would be a lentil, spinach and mushroom salad. For side dishes try cauliflower rice. Supper's On always has weekly options to get your CoQ10. The image on the left is packed full of CoQ10 it's a lentil, spinach and walnut salad. It's Delish!! In the book, “The Most Natural Cures on Earth,” Dr. Jonny Bowden states that anyone over the age of 40 should take at least 60 to 100 mg of CoQ10 every day, regardless of whether or not you have a family history of heart disease. For those with high blood pressure or high cholesterol, who are at risk for heart disease, Bowden recommends taking 100 to 300 mg of CoQ10 each day. At the 2009 UCLA Research Conference on Aging, Professors Frautschy and Zhaoping Li agree eating a variety of vegetables and fruit is the best way to ensure that your body maintains proper levels of Coenzyme Q10 and other essential nutrients. I try to stay away from supplements myself and get all my nutrients from organic seasonal food. I believe most of your nutrients can come from food as long as the food is organic. Supper's On prides itself on providing a diverse plant based menu option that can help you to ensure you are getting the nutrients you body needs. |
If you feel that your CoQ10 levels are low, particularly if you’re worried about aging healthily or if you have low energy levels, obtain a blood test and discuss supplementation possibilities with your doctor.
Please note: I am not a medical professional. The above information is my research that I have done on CoQ10 and my own finding of compiling data into one source. Please work with your doc or do your own research to verify this info.
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