Reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that Americans fall short of the world life expectancy rate. In fact, Japan has a life expectancy of 85 years… compared to 75 years old for most Americans. So what is their secret? Hyaluronic acid is the amazing nutrient responsible for their strong bones, flexible joints, age-defying skin and razor-sharp vision.

Well, what is hyaluronic acid you say? It is a water-gelling molecule (the smallest particle of a substance that keeps the chemical and physical properties of that substance) found in the synovial fluid―the fluid surrounding your joints, cartilage and skin tissues. This fluid cushions your joints so you can easily bend and flex by filling in the space between cells in the connective tissues.

If you’re young, your body has plenty of hyaluronic acid, but unfortunately, as you age, your natural production decreases and you may begin to experience uncomfortable or painful symptoms. So if morning stiffness and nighttime pain… inflamed joints… cracking knees… stiff hands… knotted shoulders and rigid fingers and toes are robbing you of your quality of life, you could be deficient in not only hyaluronic acid but also collagen and chondroitin sulfate!

Because hyaluronic acid can’t do the work alone—your body needs all three of these key substances working together to keep your joints lubricated and healthy.

The collagen in this threesome also plays a key role in improving and helping to restore joint function. It all starts with the amount of collagen in your body, which is the protein found in your body’s connective tissue. There are 14 types of collagen in your body, and for smooth and supple skin, you need Type I. But for healthy tendons, ligaments, joints and cartilage, only Type II can take care of business!

When you add the third amazing nutrient, chondroitin sulfate, which blocks bad enzymes that can damage cartilage, you have powerful, three-tiered protection from bone-crippling ailments. Having enough of this nutrient is like having a healing stream of water flowing into your cartilage.

So, Americans can definitely learn a valuable lesson from the Japanese that can increase their life expectancy and quality of life. To protect your joints and overall flexibility, ensure that you are providing your body with plenty of hyaluronic acid, collagen and chondroitin sulfate—the powerful nutrient threesome that can do the job.