Foods Sources of CoQ10

As early as 1957, researchers in Wisconsin began studying the nutrient Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, as it's more commonly called. CoQ10 is believed to have healing properties such as the ability to lower blood pressure, reverse gum disease and delay the effects of aging.



CoQ10 is readily available on the shelves of most supermarkets and pharmacies as a dietary supplement in the form of tablets or capsules, but it also occurs naturally in an abundance of foods.

Meat as the Best Source of CoQ10

• Beef is a major source of naturally-occurring CoQ10.

  Much to the chagrin of vegetarians everywhere, meat has been touted as a major source of naturally-occurring CoQ10, with beef at the top of the list. Chicken and pork also contain significant amounts of the nutrient. CoQ10 is found naturally in fishes like herring, rainbow trout, mackerel, sardines, codfish, salmon, tuna and pollock.

  Diets that consist of a variety of red meats, vegetables, whole grains, and fruits and nuts help maintain beneficial levels of CoQ10. Those who consume little or no meats seriously limit their intake of this nutrient from naturally-occurring sources.

CoQ 10 in Vegetables

• Broccoli is a supplier of CoQ10 when served raw, boiled or steamed.

  Many members of the vegetable family contribute as sources of naturally-occurring CoQ10, although not in as great a quantity as meats. Spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, onions, sweet potatoes and carrots are good providers of the nutrient when they are served raw or boiled. Frying or deep-frying vegetables and meats significantly diminishes their nutritional values.

CoQ 10 Found in Nuts and Grains

• Peanuts are one of several nuts that supply CoQ10.

  Whole grains and wheat germ contain CoQ10, as do some nuts, including pistachios, peanuts, walnuts, chestnuts and hazelnuts. Sesame seeds, soy beans and rice bran also contain the super-nutrient.

  Researchers believe that people suffering from obesity, heart disease and fatigue can lessen the effects of these ailments by upping their intake of CoQ10.

Miscellaneous Foods that Supply CoQ10

• CoQ10 can be found in egg yolks and milk fat.

  Egg yolks contain CoQ10, as do milk fat, oranges and strawberries. Samples taken from Japan that tested certain oils, such as soybean and sesame, point to these as being good sources of CoQ10, however, this has not been confirmed in oils processed in the U.S.

Unconventional Sources of Dietary CoQ10

• Meats from free-range game contain more CoQ10 than those fed grain.

  Experts agree that the best sources of CoQ10 to be found in the meats of animal organs and muscles like beef and pork livers and hearts, and the meat of reindeer.

  According to Dr. Sears, author of "The Doctor's Heart Cure", CoQ10 is present in higher levels, up to 10 times as much, in the meats of grass-fed, free-range animals, as opposed to those whose diets consist mainly of grains.