What Are the Benefits of Taking Fish Oil and CoQ10?
Nutritional supplements can be a great help to people who find they have a hard time getting all that is required into their diet. With an assortment of supplements available for every known ailment, however, it can be difficult to tell what supplement(s) are needed by each individual. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and fish oil are two widely referenced supplements that have a plethora of benefits.
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Coenzyme Q10
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The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University indicates that Coenzyme Q10 is a fat-soluble substance that is both made by the body and supplemented through diet. Found in cell membranes, CoQ10 is a key player in cell operations, being necessary for mitochondrial function.
Fish Oil
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Fish oils have higher concentrations of some nutrients than fish. The Mayo Clinic reports that fish oil, in general, is an abundant source of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (commonly referred to as DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (commonly referred to as EPA). Certain fish oils, namely cod liver oil, are also very high in vitamins A and D.
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Cardiovascular Health
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According to the Mayo Clinic, fish oil is said to lower triglycerides, slow the buildup of arterial plaques, and aiding in reducing high blood pressure and heart attack. CoQ10 may help prevent atherosclerosis, but further studies are needed, according to the Linus Pauling Institute.
Neurological Health
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Blue shaded areas indicate the myelin sheath. According to the Bastyr Center for Natural Health, studies indicate DHA is important to the neurological development of babies, both in the womb and in infancy. DHA helps in maintaining the myelin sheath around neurons, as well as in the production of key neurotransmitters such as dopamine.
Cancer Prevention
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Cod liver oil supplements have been shown to reduce the risk of several types of cancer; including lung cancer and breast cancer, according to the the Natural Health Research Institute. Given its function as an antioxidant, there is good reason to believe that CoQ10 may also help fight many kinds of cancer, although further research is needed to determine if dietary supplementation would help.
Warning
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As with any dietary supplements, check with your health care professional before implementing the use of these supplements. The specific health needs of each individual may require varying dosages, and some supplements are contraindicated with certain prescribed medications.
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