Cellulite and Diet
Creams, laser treatment and surgery are all popular methods to treat cellulite. However, these treatments are also expensive, risky, and if one has a healthy diet, unnecessary. Contrary to popular belief, cellulite is not necessarily an inevitable condition. A proper diet can limit the appearance of cellulite.
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Causes of Cellulite
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Hormones, genetics and tight underwear are all culprits that can cause cellulite. When the layer of fat cells beneath the skin's surface becomes weak either by environmental toxins or poor blood circulation, the skin appears bumpy around thighs and buttocks, resulting in cellulite.
How Diet Can Fight Cellulite
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Exercise is one way to improve the elasticity of the skin, but diet can help, too. Staying hydrated is one way to fight cellulite. Drinking enough water won't instantly make cellulite disappear, but maintaining fluid levels can help cell regeneration and keep fatty cell layers in healthy condition. Consuming essential omega fatty acids can also help. In the book, "Naturally Healthy Skin," author Stephanie Tourles advocates eating healthy fats to improve skin health. While eating fat to prevent the appearance of fat might seem counterintuitive, essential fatty acids provide a buffer between cells and toxins. Foods with lecithin also reduce the appearance of cellulite: Lecithin repairs cell walls, like fatty cell layers found beneath the surface of the skin. Foods rich in antioxidants can fight free radicals, a leading contributor to cellulite formation.
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Best Foods to Fight Cellulite
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Fatty acids that fight cellulite can be found in foods, such as fish, coconuts, walnuts and avocados. Marie Watkins provides an extensive list of cellulite-fighting foods in her book, "Banishing Cellulite Once and for All." The list includes soy milk, spinach, potatoes, peanut butter, beans, lettuce, cauliflower, tomatoes and oranges. Antioxidant-rich foods help, too--look for fruits and veggies with a dark, purple color, like berries, cherries, and even dark chocolate.
Foods to Avoid
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While fatty acids can improve skin elasticity and fight cellulite, some fats can contribute to poor skin health. Avoid fried and processed foods, as they can contain trans fats. Trans fats disrupts blood flow and destroys the composition of healthy fats necessary to fight cellulite. Swap chips for carrots and fries for fruit. Substituting junk food for healthier foods that are water-rich and nutrient dense can keep the skin's elasticity in tact.
Considerations
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Eating healthy foods to ward off cellulite have other benefits. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables improves not just the skin, but the National Institutes of Health found that they lower the risk of cancer and other diseases. While no magic food exists to banish cellulite, a balanced, healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help skin stay strong.
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