Who wants to admit to the dreaded cellulite?
I don’t.
But I will in the spirit of, “the whole truth and nothing but the truth”.
I don’t believe their are any miracle potions out there that completely rid us of the dreaded stuff but I do believe a healthy lifestyle makes all the difference.
Lily has 10 super duper foods to help fight and rid us of those ripples. I am scoring about 6/10; I am strong on some but weak or non existent on others. Not my best average.
Over to her,
Cellulite is one of those frustrating problems that can get under the skin of almost any women – in fact it can affect up to 98% of us whether overweight or not.
So what is cellulite? It’s simply fat underneath the skin, which pushes against connective tissue, much like stuffing poking through a mattress framework. It is not harmful, nor unusual and can be compounded by thinning skin.
With a multifactorial cause, including a hormonal aspect, genetics, stress and even possible lymphatic and circulatory insufficiency, cellulite can be hard to budge.
Whilst there is no miracle cure, there are certainly are some top foods, which if eaten alongside a balanced diet may help to diminish the appearance of those pesky dimples.
10 Super Foods To Fight Cellulite
- Bell Peppers
Move over oranges, and enter the bell pepper. These peppers are a seriously rich source of vitamin C, with just one cup providing us with 3 times our recommended daily intake.
Vitamin C is the perfect cellulite-buster as it is a critical nutrient involved within the formation of collagen. By boosting collagen production we can ultimately promote elasticity within the skin whilst keeping things firm, taut and cellulite-free.
Green Tea
Shedding those extra pounds can be effective for some when aiming for smoother, dimple-free skin. Consumption of green tea alongside a healthy balanced diet may speed metabolism and even support weight loss.
There is also some research to show that antioxidants called catechins within green tea may help to reduce the breakdown of collagen. To get maximal benefits from green tea, try steeping your teabag for 5 minutes.
Salmon
Salmon is a rich source of essential fats called omega 3’s. These healthy fats have a structural effect and ensure fluidity and stability of all cell membranes within the body. Oily fish can be a great addition to the diet to help prevent or reducing the appearance of cellulite.
Cayenne Pepper
Has been shown to boost metabolism and circulation. It is thought that a sluggish circulation may play a role within formation of cellulite, making cayenne pepper a must try.
Eggs
Since collagen is the most abundant protein within the body, adequate consumption of protein is essential to provide you with all the building blocks you for creating stronger more elastic skin.
Eggs have the added benefit of being a rich source of the amino acids, proline and lysine, which are important for the formation of all types of collagen.
Berries
Seriously high in antioxidants including vitamin C! These powerful antioxidants scavenge free radicals from the likes of UV rays and pollution, which are known to damage collagen and contribute to weakening of connective tissues.
Bone Broth
This is simply a posh word for stock. But how many of us still make fresh stock at home over shop bought cubes?
Bone broth is a source of collagen, but the verdict is still out there as to whether this actually translates to an increase in collagen within to body. Still, there’s no harm in trying this nutrient rich concoction. Try using as a base for soups, stews, casseroles or simply drink as a warming beverage.
Broccoli
Jam-packed full of vitamin C which can help to boost collagen production. Broccoli is also rich in plant nutrients called indoles.
Studies have shown that indoles may increase oestrogen by products within the urine. This indicates that broccoli may support and allow efficient metabolism of oestrogen, which hypothetically may have a positive knock on effect for minimising cellulite.
Chamomile Tea
Chronic stress dramatically increases output of adrenalin and cortisol, which has been shown to worsen the appearance of cellulite.
Try switching your daily coffee with calming chamomile and feel your stresses and your cellulite drift away.
Flaxseeds
Also known as linseed, these are a rich source of lignins, which have been shown to modulate oestrogen levels. Lignins are a type of phytoestrogen, which can exert either a weak oestrogenic or anti-oestrogenic effect within the body.
Just one tablespoon of ground flaxseeds within the diet each day may have positive knock on effect not only with weight loss but also the appearance of cellulite.
10 Super Foods To Fight Cellulite, lily soutter
Lily Soutter is a Nutritionist & Nutritional Therapist
Learn more about Lily @lilysoutternutrition.com
image, fashion for food magazine by sara wilson
