What is Coenzyme Q10?
Coenzyme Q10 is a natural compound found in every cell of the body. It acts as a “spark” in the mitochondria—the tiny “power plants” that produce energy. Without Q10, the body couldn’t efficiently convert food into fuel for muscles, brain, and heart. Additionally, coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage and inflammation.
On a carnivore diet, where carbohydrates are minimized, the body shifts to using fats as its main energy source. This requires mitochondria to work at full capacity, making coenzyme Q10 especially crucial. Where to get it? The richest source is animal heart.
Why is the heart a Q10 champion?
The heart is a muscle that never stops, so it’s no surprise it’s packed with coenzyme Q10. For example, 100 grams of beef heart contains about 11–12 mg of Q10—far more than regular meat (2–3 mg) or other foods. By comparison, to get the same amount from plant sources, you’d need to eat kilograms of nuts or spinach, with lower absorption.
But Q10 isn’t the heart’s only perk. It’s also rich in:
High-quality protein for muscles and recovery.
Taurine, supporting heart and nervous system health.
Iron and zinc, vital for blood and immunity.
B vitamins, especially B12, for energy and nerves.
The heart packs more nutrients per gram than many popular meats and costs less than steak.
How does coenzyme Q10 help carnivores?
On a carnivore diet, the body enters ketosis, where fats become the primary fuel. This brings benefits—stable energy, reduced inflammation—but demands peak mitochondrial performance.
Coenzyme Q10, abundant in the heart, supports this:
More energy: Q10 boosts ATP production—the molecule powering every move, thought, and breath. Feeling tired? Heart in your diet could be a real “energy kick.”
Heart health: Ironically, eating heart supports your heart. Q10 reduces oxidative stress and improves circulation.
Endurance: For athletes, Q10 enhances oxygen delivery to muscles, enabling longer workouts without fatigue.
Antioxidant protection: Q10 neutralizes free radicals that damage cells—key on a high-fat diet.
Adaptation support: In the first weeks of carnivore, Q10 eases “keto flu” symptoms—weakness or brain fog.
Example: Regularly eating heart (2–3 times weekly, 100–150 g) can significantly boost vitality and stamina.
Why is the heart underrated?
Despite its benefits, heart rarely hits the table. Reasons are simple: some find it “weird,” others don’t know how to cook it, and many stick to steaks or ground meat. But on a carnivore diet, heart isn’t just an option—it’s a vital piece for a complete diet. Without organ meats like heart, you might miss key nutrients, including Q10, which can affect well-being over time.
Logic: If the body craves energy and protection, why ignore a food nature designed for those needs?
How to include heart in your diet?
Beef, pork, or chicken heart—all work for carnivores, but you need to know how to prepare them to avoid disappointment. Here are some ideas:
Frying: Slice heart thinly, remove veins, and fry in butter or tallow with salt. You get a crispy texture and rich flavor.
Stewing: Slowly stewed heart with a bit of fat and water turns soft and tender. Add a pinch of pepper if spices are still on your menu.
Ground: Mix heart with beef (50/50) for patties or burgers—familiar taste, extra benefits.
Grill: Marinated in salt and fat, the grilled heart is a treat for skewer fans.
Raw: For the bold—raw heart cubes are rich in Q10 and enzymes, but require fresh, trusted sources.
Start with small portions (50 g) to get used to the taste. Heart is denser than regular meat, but with proper prep, it’s a true delicacy.