Chicory Cellulite Treatment
Cellulite -- lumpy collections of fat that collect around the thighs and midsection -- is caued by poor diet, lack of exercise and even genes. While miracle potions or pill cure cellulite, some people turn to chicory, a leafy green plant with a blue flower, to help reduce the signs of cellulite. You can either ingest it or apply it topically.
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Benefits
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Chicory is a leafy green that is high in vitamins and minerals and low in fat. Eliminate your cellulite by cutting the fat from your diet and eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Eating chicory may help you to lose weight and reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Folate
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A singe cup of chicory leaf contains up to 50 percent of your daily recommended intake of folate. Folate is a water-soluble vitamin B complex that helps your body to produce and maintain new cells. Eating plenty of folate will keep your skin looking healthy and fresh and may reduce the appearance of cellulite by increasing your skin's elasticity.
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Vitamin A
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A 1-cup serving of chicory has 36 percent of your recommended daily dosage of vitamin A, a group of compounds that plays an important role in cell division and differentiation. Vitamin A, known to protect skin from infections and to reduce irritation, can also reduce the appearance of cellulite by increasing your skin's production of collagen. You can benefit from the vitamin A in chicory by eating it or applying it topically.
Vitamin C
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One cup of chicory also has 36 percent of the recommended daily dosage of vitamin C, also known as . ascorbic acid. This water-soluble nutrient is a powerful anti-oxidant and protects your cells from free radicals, compounds that age your skin. Vitamin C is necessary for your skin to produce collagen, the the protein your skin needs to heal wounds and it also makes your skin look fresh.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
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When eaten or applied topically, chicory is known to have anti-inflammation properties. When your skin is irritated or inflamed, your cellulite becomes more visible.
Ingesting Chicory
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You can eat one cup of chicory every day to treat your cellulite and over the course of a few weeks you ought to see a reduction. Chicory leaves can be eaten raw in salads. You can also buy chicory coffee, which is made with dried chicory root.
Topical Application
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You can make a poultice out of chicory leaves by mashing the leaves with almond oil. Massage this poultice into the areas where you want to reduce the appearance of cellulite, then rinsing. Another way to apply chicory topically is to massage chicory coffee into your affected areas, then rinse. Since the caffeine in coffee is known to temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite, this method might be a good choice for you if you are planning a big night out or a trip to the beach.
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References
Resources
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