Coenzymes are essential organic compounds that interact with enzymes to help them catalyze reactions. The enzyme has an active state where it catalyzes the reaction of the substrate, but the coenzyme associated with other areas of the enzyme changes shape and helps it to better respond to its functions. From a chemical point of view, coenzyme A belongs to the thiol group. This means that is composed of sulfur and hydrogen.
Coenzyme A is an essential coenzyme. The body produces it and can not live without it. Coenzyme A facilitates over 100 chemical reactions. Coenzyme A is considered a secondary molecule, a chemical necessary for the activation of certain enzymes and proteins or important chemical reactions.
According to some experts coenzyme A molecule is an assistant that eases the path of oxidation. This process leads to the formation of acetyl coenzyme A - important chemical that is used for the production of fatty acids in the living cell. Without this very important process, there will be no production of fatty acids /compounds which maintain the integrity of the cell membrane - a protective coating on each cell/.
Coenzyme A is produced in cells of the liver and other vital organs. The highest concentrations thereof are the heart, kidney, brain, adrenal glands and skeletal muscle.
Functions of coenzyme A
Many scientific studies have demonstrated that coenzyme A is the "main enzyme" - in fact, it is the most active enzyme in the metabolic processes in the body. Coenzyme A is very important catalyst which is necessary for the use of a coenzyme Q, the production of metabolic enzymes. Furthermore, it is believed that it plays an important role in the body's ability to cope with stress and strengthen the immune system.
One of the most important functions of the coenzyme A is the start of the cycle, the energy in the body, referred to as the Krebs cycle, during which it produces about 90% of the energy in the body. Coenzyme A is essential for producing a hydrocortisone - anti- stress hormone.
Benefits of Coenzyme A
Coenzyme A reduces the negative effects of stress and slows aging. As we all know, stress is responsible for the three main causes of death in recent years - cancer, stroke and heart attacks. Stress weakens the immune system, making the body susceptible to infections and other problems. To combat the stress, the body produces hormones known as glucocorticoids. Too often, their separation decreases the reserves of coenzyme A in the body.
It strengthens the immune system and is vital for the formation and regeneration of cartilage and fibrous connective tissue. Coenzyme A is very important for reducing stress, because as mentioned, it produces anti-stress hormones.
Coenzyme A is very important for active people because it provides key nutrients for the body, necessary for the release of anaerobic energy, which is important in intensive exercise.
There is good news for women in menopause. In this period of life, every woman suffers from a variety of changes that are responsible for the storage of fat, increased depression and anxiety. Coenzyme A unlocks these fatty deposits and helps them to become energy.
Deficiency of coenzyme A
Deficiency of coenzyme A is detrimental to the body. It can lead to a weakening of the immune system, increasing the stress and all the consequences that these negative events bear behind.
Sources of coenzyme A
There are no food sources of coenzyme A, the cells of the body produce it with three elements - adenosine triphosphate, cysteine and pantothenic acid /vitamin B5/. Fortunately, each of these three components can be obtained through foods, or supplements.
Among the main sources of vitamin B5 are baker and brewer's yeast, liver, kidneys, lactic acid products, peanuts, cereals from whole grains, bran, oatmeal, dark turkey meat, green parts of plants. Other sources of vitamin B5 are fish, meat, poultry, whole grain bread, royal jelly.
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