Hyaluronic Acid Foods

Hyaluronic acid, also known as Hyaluronanor hyaluronate, is a chemical substance that is produced naturally by our body. It is found in the highest concentration in our connective tissue, that surrounds and supports the cells in our body. Hyaluronic acid is an important part of the cartilage and is mainly present in the eyes and joints. It is a multi-function compound, that plays a key role in a number of vital functions involved in the normal growth and development. A lot of people suffering from osteoarthritis are generally advised to consume hyaluronic acid foods. This is because, food rich in hyaluronic acid helps in effective treatment of osteoarthritis symptoms and relieve the pain and discomfort.

Hyaluronic acid is also a major component of skin and thus food containing hyaluronic acid helps in maintaining good skin health. It helps in tissue lubrication and faster healing of wounds. It has anti-wrinkle effects on the skin and thus keeps the skin looking younger and healthier. It is also required for normal eye health.

Foods Rich in Hyaluronic Acid

A variety of foods promote hyaluronic acid and help in maintaining the overall health of the body. Let us have a look at these hyaluronic acid food sources:

Animal Sources
Animal products are considered to be the best natural sources of hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a major component of the connective tissue, skin and also the neural tissue. Hence, all types of meat, that have skin and large amounts of connective tissue, serve as rich sources of hyaluronic acid. Soups that are made from bones and skins of chicken contain high amounts of connective tissue and collagen. A variety of red meats are rich sources of vitamin A and help in promoting hyaluronic acid in the form of retinol, a major component of vitamin A. Other hyaluronic acid food sources include products that combine various meats such as beef, pork and veal.

Spices and Peppers
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid can promote hyaluronic acid in our body. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, a variety of peppers, including yellow, red, green and orange peppers, are rich sources of vitamin C and can thus help in promoting needed hyaluronic acid in the body. Herbs such as cilantro and parsley that are commonly used as spices in a variety of foods also serve as good sources of vitamin C.

Fresh Fruits
Citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, limes and grapefruits are a great source of vitamin C or ascorbic acid. Juice obtained from these fruits and even their peels contains large amounts of vitamin C and can be used in drinks and other foods. Other fruits that are rich in vitamin C include guava, mango, cherries, blueberries, raspberries and all varieties of grapes. Fruits rich in magnesium such as apples, bananas, tomatoes, avocados, pineapples, melons, peaches and pears also help in increasing hyaluronic acid.

Vegetables
Research shows that a variety of vegetables, especially starchy root vegetables including potatoes and sweet potatoes, enable the body to produce hyaluronic acid. Magnesium is also essential for the synthesis of hyaluronic acid in the body. A number of vegetables including spinach, cauliflower, broccoli, asparagus, green lettuce and green beans are rich in magnesium and help in hyaluronic acid synthesis.

Soy Products
Another way of promoting hyaluronic acid in the body is by increasing your estrogen intake. You can do this by consuming soy protein and soy products.

These were some of the hyaluronic acid foods. Zinc containing foods such as pumpkins, yeast, peanuts, whole grains, beans and brown rice also help in the synthesis of hyaluronic acid in the body.