Newsletter - February 2011

Special Interest

Cambration February 2011 Newsletter

COQ10 benefits for Heart Health

heart All of us have Coenzyme Q10, also know as CoQ10, a coenzyme in our cells called mitochondria. The CoQ10 benefits is derived from its key role by helping the cells to convert fats and sugar into energy called ATP that can be used by our body and various organs like Heart and Kidney.

By facilitating heart function, Coenzyme Q10 also controls the blood pressure in our body. Now we get the idea why CoQ10 Benefits are critical for a healthy heart. As the coenzyme Q10 metabolically regulate energy at cell levels, our metabolism is impacted greatly by coenzyme levels in the body. Not just for the heart, but also for many organs and muscles, optimum level of coenzyme is essential for overall fitness and health. Since one of the chief CoQ10 benefits is to boost cell metabolism, we call CoQ10, the Super star of mitochondria (Cellular) metabolism.

Supplementing for CoQ10 Benefits

coenzyme level peaks at teen years. As we age, our coenzyme level and so the CoQ10 benefits gradually reduces. By the time we are 50 years we could have lost half of what we had when we were teens. When we reach 70 years of age, coenzymes in heart wall muscle, Pancreas and Skin is reduced by of 70%. coenzyme Q10 works is exactly like the hormones- they reduces with age. So one of the key anti aging approach is to monitor and maintain coenzymelevels so ensure long term CoQ10 benefits in our body. Ultra violet exposure also results in coenzyme loss through skins. Since we gain only a very little from natural sources due to conversion (bio availability) issues especially when we get older., supplementing to maximize CoQ10 benefits make sense. Try to eat rich sources of dietary coenzyme Q10 which are fish, beef, pork and chicken heart and chicken liver. Also keep in mind that different parts of animals (such as heart, liver or muscle) have different CoQ10 levels. So when you pick meat think about coenzyme Q10 level! Dairy products have low coenzyme Q10 compared to animal tissues. Oil family is rich in coenzymes Q10. Rapeseed Oil, olive oil, soybean Oil can contribute significant amount of coenzyme. If you are a vegetarian, chances it will be low, so include the coenzyme blood test in your annual exam.

Coenzyme CoQ10 Benefits for congestive heart failure patients

Patients with congestive heart failure will have a weak heart. It means the heart works inadequately and the blood volume pumped is very Poor. Symptoms of congestive heart failure includes patients will have difficulty breathing when lying flat, experience shortness of breath, accumulation of fluid in lungs, and swelling in lower leg area. Major causes of congestive heart failure include myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, and hypertension. Typically myocardial infarction (also know as Heart attack) happens after the blockage of a coronary artery, causing cells in the affected area of heart muscle wall to die from lack of blood flow. Due to the Heart health CoQ10 benefits, coenzyme supplementation can help patients who suffer from myocardial infarction. If you have a poor heart health or suffered from heart failures, consult your physician to see if you need to take CoQ10 co enzyme as prescription medication.

Coenzyme CoQ10 Benefits for patients who take Statin drugs

Patients who take prescription statin drugs like Lipitor, Zocor, Mevacor, Lescol, Pravachol etc.. to reduce their cholesterol level will have possible side effects of statin drug of reduction their coenzyme levels. A Columbia University study in New York found that 30 days of statin therapy (80 mg/day) decreased coenzyme q10 levels by half. Another study by researchers at Kanazawa University in Japan found that smaller doses of statin drugs can reduce Coq10. After 8 weeks of 10 mg a day statin therapy, coenzyme q10 levels decreased by 40 percent. Reduced coenzyme Q10 coenzyme levels may result in heart wall as well as other muscle damages. In such cases patients can get coenzymes benefits by taking supplements. There are several studies that has proved that external CoQ10 benefits to counter statin side effects. Consult with your doctor if you are taking statin drugs. Monitor your CoQ10 levels closely to make such they are with in the range. if not discuss with your doctor if you can get Coq10 benefits by taking supplements with of appropriate strength and dosage.

Coenzyme CoQ10 Benefits for Parkinson’s disease

People with Parkinson’s disease could have lower levels of coenzyme Q10. There are some preliminary research that suggests that CoQ10 supplementation can help to increase levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which are deficient in people with Parkinson’s disease. But the research is inconclusive. There are conflicting information on the strength and the dosage required for treating Parkinson’s disease with CoQ10 Benefits. Very high dosage, up to 2000 mg per day may be required to treat Parkinson patients but the results are not typical. Consult you Physician for any development in this area
Coenzyme CoQ10 Benefits for Anti aging, energy and fatigue
CoQ10 is an antioxidant, and is being sold/used as a dietary supplement. There are benefits to taking a maintenance dose of 50 to 100 Mg a day to keep the heart healthy as well as for energy boost. However before you start a supplement regime, make sure you consult with a doctor to do diagnosis of your CoQ10 level and you really need it. Generally if you are below 40 years, you may not need coenzyme Q10. Due to absorption issues, the general rule is that the higher the dose orally administered the lower the percent of the dose absorbed. (Credit: Wikipedia). Please visit Ubiquinol page here on what form you should take CoQ10 and the dosage details.

Coenzyme CoQ10 Benefits for Cancer, hyper tension Migraine headache

While there are several Anecdotal evidence on CoQ10 Benefits for Hyper tension and headache, there is no scientific evidence to prove health Benefits. The research is emerging in this area.
Summarizing Coenzyme CoQ10 benefits
1. Regulates Cellular Metabolism.
2. Protects from Congestive heart failure
3. Protect and Improve heart health
4. Regulate Blood pressure
5. Prevent mitochondria and Metabolic disorders
6. As a counter to the side effects of Statin drugs.

Potential indications for testing CoQ10 deficiency

1. Mitochondrial disease
2. Cardiomyopathy
3. Muscular Dystrophy, Parkinson’s disease
4. Metabolic syndrome, Malnutrition
5. Patients with coronary artery disease being treated with Statin drugs
Consult your Physician to arrange for blood testing of the coenzyme Profile. Labs will place collected blood samples in ice immediately before sending for Clinical testing
Note: The above statements have not been evaluated by food and drug administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. See your Physician if you need to address any health issues
Article Source: http://coq10wellness.com/coq10-benefits/

Healthy Heart with Dark Chocolate - February Recipe

Chocolate and its main ingredient, cocoa, appear to reduce risk factors for heart disease. Two heart health benefits of dark chocolate are:

• Lower Blood Pressure: Studies have shown that consuming a small bar of dark chocolate everyday can reduce blood pressure in individuals with high blood pressure.

• Lower Cholesterol: Dark chocolate has also been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) by up to 10 percent.

This information doesn't mean that you should eat a pound of chocolate a day! Chocolate is still a high-calorie, high-fat food. Limit yourself to no more than 3 ounces (85 grams) a day, which is the amount shown in studies to be helpful. Because this amount may provide up to 450 calories, you may want to cut calories in other areas or step up the exercise to compensate. To get health benefits, chose dark chocolate with cocoa content of 65 percent or higher. Dark chocolate has far more flavonoids (the antioxidant that protects the heart) than milk or white chocolate. Milk or white chocolate cannot make any health claims. So remember not to feel guilty the next time you have a piece of dark chocolate; it’s a more of a heart healthy pleasure than a guilty one!

Makes 16 brownies

These rich-tasting brownies are amazingly low in calories.

Ingredients

• 150 mL (2⁄3 cup) all-purpose flour

• 125 mL (1⁄2 cup) granulated sugar

• 75 mL (1⁄3 cup) unsweetened cocoa powder

• 5 mL (1 tsp) baking powder

• 1 mL (1⁄4 tsp) or less salt

• 5 mL (1 tsp) pure vanilla extract

• 5 mL (1 tsp) instant coffee granules

• 50 mL (1⁄4 cup) soft margarine

• 2 eggs

• 125 mL (1⁄2 cup) unsweetened applesauce

• 125 mL (1⁄2 cup) chocolate chips

Directions

1. In bowl, stir together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder and salt.

2. Mix vanilla and coffee to dissolve coffee.

3. In mixing bowl, beat margarine, eggs and vanilla mixture for 1 minute.

4. Add applesauce and beat just until blended.

5. Fold in flour mixture and chocolate chips just until blended.

6. Spread evenly in greased 8-inch (2 L) square pan. Bake in 350°F (180°C) oven for about 12 minutes until outside edges are firm. Cool on rack.

Make ahead: Store in covered container in refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Nutrition information per serving

(1 brownie)

• Calories: 111

• Protein: 2 g

• Total fat: 5 g

• Saturated fat: 2 g

• Cholesterol: 23 mg

• Carbohydrate: 16 g

• Fiber: 1 g

• Sodium: 89 mg

• Potassium: 68 mg

Stroke Warning Signs

Stroke is a medical emergency. Recognizing and responding immediately to the warning signs of stroke by calling 9-1-1 or your local emergency number can significantly improve survival and recovery. If a person is diagnosed with a stroke caused by a blood clot, doctors can administer a clot-busting drug available only at a hospital, and only within a few crucial hours after symptoms begin.* That’s why it is very important to be able to recognize the 5 warning signs of stroke and immediately call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number.

The five signs

Stroke can be treated. That's why it is so important to recognize and respond to the warning signs.
Weakness - Sudden loss of strength or sudden numbness in the face, arm or leg, even if temporary.