Antioxidants and Health
Just like rust on a car, oxidation can damage our body's cells and may contribute to the breakdown of healthy immunity and speed up the aging process. Oxidation happens as the result of damaging free radicals. Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules that form in the body as a result of normal body metabolism, over-exercise, stress, being exposed to dirty air and other environmental pollutants.
Antioxidants help prevent oxidation by counteracting free radicals.* They do this by binding to them and transforming them into non-damaging compounds. Consequently, antioxidants are integral in supporting the body's natural defense system.*
Powerful antioxidants include vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, selenium, Coenzyme Q10, and garlic. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and green tea all contain antioxidants as well. These important nutrients and foods support a healthy body in the production of healthy cells which is the best strategy for protection against free radical damage and consequently the development of serious health challenges.
As we age, free radical levels in the body increase so that a continuous intake of antioxidants is important to assure overall health and protection. Antioxidant intake along with exercise, a positive attitude and an overall healthful diet are invaluable tools to defend against cell damage and prolong a healthy life, full life.
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*These statements have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure or prevent any disease.
This notice is required by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.
Congestive Heart Failure Patients Improve With CoQ10
Twenty patients, diagnosed with congestive heart failure, were evaluated after a 1 to 2 month period of supplementing their diets with 30 milligrams of CoQ10. Congestive heart failure is the inability of the heart to pump blood in an effective manner and can have various causes, a common one being the long-term effects of high blood pressure. After the supplementing period was over, 50 percent of the patients reported feeling better, 50 percent showed an improvement in their ability to be physically active, and 30 percent displayed a decrease in chest congestion as seen on X-rays.
Source: Biomedical and Clinical Aspects of Coenzyme Q, Volume 2, 1980, pages 273 288.
CoQ10 May Slow Parkinson's
In a recent study involving 80 people, researchers found evidence that the nutrient CoQ10 may help stop the nerve cell death that is typically seen in Parkinson's patients. Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder resulting from the degeneration of nerve cells that create dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is needed to control muscle activity in the body. By the end of the 16-month study, some of the patients on CoQ10 had less decline in mental clarity, mobility and ability to perform everyday tasks than those patients who were taking a placebo.
Source: Archives of Neurology, October 2002.