What Foods Can Help Eliminate Cellulite?
Cellulite is a pesky problem that causes skin to appear wrinkly, particularly in the thighs and buttocks. While many treatments can combat cellulite, some of them, like surgery, can be risky, expensive and scar-forming. Some creams promise a reduced appearance of cellulite for a mere hundred dollars. The better solution which is less-expensive and safe is eating foods known to fight cellulite.
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Foods with Fatty Acids
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Cellulite is caused by a weak fat cell layer. If the fat cell layer can be improved, so can the appearance of cellulite. The book, "The Cellulite Solution" states that foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, mono-saturated and saturated fats actually help this layer by repairing damaged fat cells through water retention. They help the layer remain elastic. Fats also offer a shield between toxins and the fat cell layer.
Foods high in these cellulite-fighting fats are walnuts, almonds, avocados, coconut oil, flax seeds and raw pumpkin, sunflower and hemp seeds. On the nutrition labels of many foods, you might find foods high in monosaturated fats. Beware: all fats are not created equal. Fats in a fried taco are very different from fats in avocados, so be sure to choose raw, unprocessed, whole foods. Otherwise, you risk contributing to cellulite instead of eliminating it.
Antioxidant-Rich Foods
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Antioxidants also fight the toxins that damage fat cells. Antioxidants are good-for-you chemicals that stabilize rogue oxygen molecules. These oxygen molecules, known as free radicals, can be from air pollution or other environmental toxins. They wreak havoc on fat cells by taking an oxygen molecule from the fat cell. Free radicals can be stabilized by antioxidants from food.
Foods that contain antioxidants in high levels are pomegranates, blueberries, blackberries, red wine (in moderation) and others---many fruits contain antioxidants, but the darker the color, the higher it is in antioxidants.
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Water-Rich Foods
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Water helps eliminate cellulite by keeping cells healthy. Think of a dried piece of fruit, like a raisin. Raisins devoid of water are wrinkly. Follow the analogy to your skin and you see the importance of water in your diet. Water fuels cell growth and repair.
Water-rich foods are watermelon, cantaloupe, oranges, grapefruit, carrots and most fruits and vegetables. Drinking water is advised as well.
Foods to Avoid
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Some foods cause cell damage, dehydration and oxidation. Trans fats alter the cell composition of healthy cells, which causes those fat layer cells to be mutated and damaged. Stay away from foods marked "partially hydrogenated" on the ingredients list. Likewise, watch sodium intake. The Mayo Clinic explains that sodium intake can be reduced by eating fewer processed foods and using herbs for seasoning instead of salt. Fast foods are very high in sodium, so substitute French fries for air-popped popcorn with little salt.
Considerations
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All recommendations for reducing cellulite are equivalent to eating a healthy diet and staying hydrated. Therefore, instead of eating particular foods, just aim to incorporate more fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet while gradually eliminating junk food high in sugar. The Harvard School of Public Health outlines that a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables contributes toward weight loss, improved skin, teeth, nails, hair and a positive mental outlook.
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