HYALURONIC ACID BENEFITS FOR THE BODY
1. WHAT IS HYALURONIC ACID
Hyaluronic Acid (HA), also known as hyaluronan or hyaluronate, is a carbohydrate, more specifically a mucopolysaccharide occurring naturally throughout the human body. Its function in the body is to bind water and to lubricate movable parts of the body, such as joints and muscles. Its consistency and tissue-friendliness allows it to be beneficial in skin-care products as an excellent moisturizer.
MOLECULE
2. WHEN WAS HYALURONIC ACID DISCOVERED?
HA was first used commercially in 1942 when Endre Balazs applied for a patent to use it as a substitute for egg white in bakery products. Its discovery was very unique. No other molecule had ever been discovered that has such unique properties to the human body. Balazs went on to become the leading expert on HA, and made the majority of discoveries concerning hyaluronic acid benefits.
3. WHERE IS HYALURONIC ACID LOCATED IN THE BODY?
Hyaluronic Acid is found naturally in most every cell in the body and occurs in high concentrations in specific body locations.
HYALURONIC ACID IN BONES AND CARTILAGE
Hyaluronic Acid is found in all bones and cartilage structures throughout the body, especially hyaline cartilage. Hyaline cartilage covers the ends of the long bones where articulation (bending) occurs and provides a cushioning effect for the bones. It also supports the tip of the nose, connects the ribs to the sternum and forms most of the larynx and supporting cartilage of the trachea and bronchial tubes in the lungs.
HYALURONIC ACID IN SYNOVIAL FLUID
Our joints (like the elbows and knees) are surrounded by a membrane called the synovial membrane which forms a capsule around the ends of the two articulating bones. This membrane secretes a liquid called the synovial fluid, which has many functions, but none more than providing the elastic shock absorbing properties of the joint. Its second most important function in the joint is to carry nutrients to the cartilage and to also remove waste from the joint capsule.
HYALURONIC ACID IN TENDONS AND LIGAMENTS/CONNECTIVE TISSUE
Connective tissue is found everywhere in the body at many forms and functions. Its major functions include binding, support, protection, and insulation. In all connective tissue there are three structural elements: ground substance (hyaluronic acid), stretchy fibers (collagen and elastin) and a fundamental cell type. Whereas all other primary tissues in the body are composed mainly of living cells, connective tissues are composed largely of a nonliving ground substance, the hyaluronic acid, which separates and cushions the living cells of the connective tissue. The separation and cushioning allow the tissue to bear weight, withstand great tension and endure abuse that no other body tissue could. All of this is made possible because of the presence of the HA and its ability to form the gelatinous ground substance fluid.
HYALURONIC ACID IN SCALP TISSUE AND HAIR FOLLICLES
Structurally the scalp is identical to the skin tissue located throughout the body except it also contains about 100,000 hair follicles that give rise to hair. There are two distinctive skin layers: the epidermis (outer layer) which gives rise to the protective shield of the body and the dermal layer (deep layer) which makes up the bulk of the skin and is where the hair follicle is located. This dermal layer is composed of connective tissue and the connective tissue, with its gelatinous fluid like characteristics provides support, nourishes and hydrates the deep layers of the scalp. The result is healthy lustrous hair and a moisturized scalp.
HYALURONIC ACID IN LIPS
The lips are a core of skeletal muscle covered by skin tissue. The dermal layer of the lips is composed primarily of connective tissue and its components hyaluronic acid and collagen that give the structure (shape) and plumpness to the lips. The HA binds to water creating a gelatinous fluid that hydrates the surrounding tissue and keeps the collagen (responsible for keeping the skin tight) nourished and healthy
HYALURONIC ACID IN EYES
Hyaluronic acid is highly concentrated inside the eyeball. The fluid inside the eye called the vitreous humor is composed almost completely of hyaluronic acid. The HA gives the fluid inside the eye a viscous gel like property, which acts as a shock absorber for the eye and also serves to transport nutrients into the eye. HA has been directly injected into the eye during procedures to help maintain the shape of the eye during surgery. When we age, our eyes stop producing the much needed hyaluronic acid resulting in various eye needs.
HYALURONIC ACID IN GUM TISSUE
The Gums (gingivoe) are composed of dense fibrous connective tissue (ligaments) which secure the teeth to the aveloar bone (jaw bone). Once again, connective tissue is composed of a fibrous tissue surrounded by hyaluronic acid (extra-cellular matrix) that helps to provide the tensile strength of the ligaments that secure the tooth in place by providing hydration and nourishment.
SKIN
Almost 50% of the bodies HA is found in the skin tissue. Young skin is smooth and elastic and contains large amounts of HA that helps keep the skin stay young and healthy. The HA provides continuous moisture to the skin by binding up to 1000 times its weight in water.
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