The Exotic Origins of Hyaluronic Acid TreatmentsWritten by Pete Kennedy
While hyaluronic acid has exploded in popularity among cosmetics community, most people are unaware of molecule’s exotic history.Hyaluronic acid, also known as HA, naturally plays an important role in tissue hydration and lubrication. Simply put, protein compound takes years off skin, helping to make it moist, vibrant and supple. HA's name derives from "hyalos" – Greek word for glass, which accurately describes its transparent, glassy molecular appearance. Most recently HA has skyrocketed to fame as a wrinkle-remover and youth restorer, with new treatments appearing every week. While facial hyaluronic injections continue to be treatment of choice for many women, most would prefer less-invasive procedures. For this reason, more and more attention has gravitated to treatments such as oral supplements. Interestingly, inspiration for hyaluronic acid oral supplements first came from obscure Japanese village of Yuzuri Hara, not far from Tokyo. Enjoying nickname "The Village of Long Life," residents of Yuzuri Hara have historically restricted themselves to a rather unique diet of locally-grown white and sweet potatoes and root vegetables. Local doctors attest that nutrients in these starches aid body’s natural creation of HA, thereby allowing people of Yuzuri Hara to fend off aging process. Such higher concentrations of hyaluronic acid help skin cells retain their moisture, keeping eyes bright and skin vibrant and smooth.
| | Battling Cancer with WhiskeyWritten by Charlene J. Nuble
Some scientists believe that whiskey may be one of keys to preventing Big CFor a quite a number of years, liquor has been known not only to bring destructive intoxication and addiction upon its patrons, but also as deterrent to a healthy lifestyle. But as a potential weapon against cancer? Sounds controversial. Rumors that single malt whiskey may be a tool to combat cancer have begun circulating recently. Whether it actually holds any water has yet to be proven. According to one of theory’s proponents, a consultant to whiskey industry, Dr. Jim Swan, antioxidants present in whiskey, particularly ellagic acid, can reduce risk of developing cancer, since this acid fights unstable atoms that aid in rapid cell replication. He added that more cells were produced, more likely that rogue cancer cells will be born. “Whiskey can protect you from cancer and science proves it,” he said, speaking at EuroMedLab 2005 conference in Glasgow. Dr Swan explained that ellagic acid, which is in greater concentration in whiskey than in red wine, breaks down harmful free radicals present in our body. However, Cancer Research UK remains unconvinced. The agency has raised concerns that what Dr Swan and his supporters are pushing might mislead consumers into drinking excessive amounts of whiskey just to avoid cancer. Cancer Research noted that liquor intake can eventually lead to certain kinds of cancer, such as those in esophagus, throat, mouth, bowel and liver. Dr Swan’s idea that whiskey can prevent cancer also received criticism, owing mostly to an absence of population data supporting them. Contrariwise, according to agency’s head of cancer information Lesley Walker, there exists evidence that high alcohol consumption does increase cancer risks. Ms Walker noted that while ellagic acid is a formidable antioxidant and may greatly aid in fight against cancer, its presence in whiskey is not reason enough for people to begin drinking up, especially as ellagic acid can also be found in certain fruits.
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