1. Go back to nature
Where is Coenzyme Q10 found? Primarily in fish and meat. Our bodies are able to produce some of the CoQ10 that we need. The rest is synthesized from the foods we eat. The highest dietary sources of CoQ10 come from — in descending order according to content — fresh sardines and mackerel, beef, lamb, pork and eggs. Research has shown that the organs of wild, grass-fed animals have up to 10 times more CoQ10 than organs of grain fed animals. Unless you regularly consume wild game or grassfed animals, it is difficult to maintain good blood levels of CoQ10.
2. Eat more green vegetables
and whole grains
There are plenty of vegetable sources of CoQ10, the richest being spinach, broccoli, peanuts, wheat germ and whole grains — in that order. (The amount is significantly smaller than that found in meats). It is also important to note that vegetables carry multiple transport nutrients and enzymes that provide delivery mechanisms for CoQ10 and myriad other beneficial components in our diets.
3. Go raw and go organic
CoQ10 is destroyed by heat, so avoid overcooking foods if you want to obtain maximum benefits. Boiling has been found to have negligible effects on the survival of CoQ10, while frying substantially reduces the benefits. Also, many foods have the highest CoQ10 levels when raw, fresh and unprocessed: no milling, canning, preserving, freezing, etc.
4. Heart-healthy antioxidant
CoQ10 has been clinically proven to support heart health. The heart muscle cells need CoQ10 to produce energy, and if heart CoQ10 levels are depleted, the heart simply cannot function optimally. Additionally, some prescription drugs that lower cholesterol (statins) also deplete CoQ10, and people who begin taking CoQ10 may realize a noticeable increase in energy. CoQ10 may also help prevent arteriosclerosis by reducing the accumulation of oxidized fats in red blood vessels, easing high blood pressure, regulating the rhythm of the heart, and improving chest pain and exercise tolerance in angina patients. CoQ10 may also help rejuvenate the cells after a heart attack or open heart surgery.
5. More than just heart-care
CoQ10 provides benefits to virtually every organ and system. For the brain, CoQ10 levels begin decreasing naturally at age 20 and are lowest in victims of stroke and neurodegenerative diseases. The cells in our brain operate in the most complex organ in our body. Supplementing CoQ10 to help our brain cells fight against the many effects of aging and exposure should be a no brainer — no pun intended. Open your mind and your heart to CoQ10 — it may save your life.
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