It’s not just a matter of weight
Cellulite affects 90% of women and their weight has very little to do with it since cellulite is not really a fat problem, but mainly a skin problem. The kind of fat we have is not the same kind of fat that causes cellulite and even though increased weight can worsen the condition, it does not cause it.
What is it caused by
Although there is not much scientific evidence identifying the cause of cellulite, there are a number of factors that have been linked to the condition. Hormones (mainly estrogen), increased weight, smoking, stress, poor nutrition, high alcohol consumption and a lack of physical activity all contribute to the development of cellulite. However, cellulite is treatable, even if it’s hereditary. And always remember that prevention is the best therapy!
How to get rid of it
Ridding yourself of cellulite means not only dealing with its symptoms but also its cause. Healthy nutrition can contribute to the rebuilding of skin from the inside and can reduce, eradicate and prevent the appearance of cellulite in various ways:
- Supporting blood vessels – This is a basic step in reducing cellulite. Blood vessels are the roads which are used by vitamins and nutrients to reach the epidermis that has been damaged by cellulite. Strengthening blood vessels and increasing blood flow helps nourish skin cells and remove harmful toxins.
- Producing collagen, elastin and healthy connecting tissue – Collagen is so important because it gives you a healthy, youthful complexion. Collagen found in your body’s connecting tissue is the main structural protein of your skin. It prevents fat cells from breaking within your epidermis.
- Hydrating cells – keeping your cells hydrated ensures they are powerful and stable and act as a defense against the fat cells being pushed up to the outer layers of your epidermis.
- Preventing and eliminating free radicals – They can harm skin and have a tendency towards the appearance of cellulite.
Superfoods that fight cellulite
According to a recent survey, 90% of dermatologists believe that what you eat directly impacts skin health. Experts support that the following superfoods can help improve or even reverse the development of cellulite.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are high in a substance called lycopene, which contributes to healthy skin by preventing the destruction of collagen. More collagen leads to better skin elasticity and resilience. Collagen also acts as a natural sunblock. It prevents the harmful effects of overexposure to the sun like burns and aging. Other foods high in lycopene include watermelon, pink grapefruit, pink guava, and papaya.
Eggs
Eggs are rich in a substance called lecithin, which makes up an important part of the cellular membrane. Lecithin is responsible for managing the nutritional elements that come in and out of cells. If you don’t like eggs, try eating legumes and soy-based foods like tofu and soy milk for more lecithin.
Blackberries
Blackberries are not only delicious but owing to the anthocyanin they contain they also provide many and varied health benefits, including the reduction of cellulite. Anthocyanin works in tandem with the vitamin C found in blackberries to strengthen collagen fiber and prevent damage caused by oxidative stress. Other fruits rich in anthocyanin include cherries and raspberries.
Fatty fish
Fatty fish are an excellent source of amino acids (the building blocks of protein), which contribute to strengthening the cell membrane walls as well as attracting water to cells. Amino acids are also important because they are required to produce collagen. Another advantage is that protein helps regulate blood sugar levels, which makes it easier to lose weight and improve cellulite. Fatty fish also contain oils that hydrate cells and reduce cellulite. Other sources of protein include other fish, lean meat, cheese, milk, eggs and beans.
Pineapple
Pineapple contains vitamin C which stimulates the production of vitamin K, which in turn owing to the bromelain it contains, improves blood flow. Bromelain is a complex combination of enzymes and has powerful anti-inflammatory properties which lead to a reduction in cellulite and improved blood flow.
Spinach
Spinach is rich in many basic vitamins that fight cellulite. Spinach is high in B complex vitamins, which are not only required so your body can use nutritional elements more effectively, but also to prevent cellulite. Spinach is also an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which both increase collagen production. The vitamin K found in spinach increases blood flow and circulation. An easy way to add more spinach to your diet is to through green smoothies! Other exceptional sources of B complex vitamins are wheat sprouts, whole grain cereal, yeast, chicken, fish, and eggs.
Brazilian pistachios
Nuts contain high levels of selenium. Of all the nuts out there, Brazilian pistachios have the highest quantity of selenium. Selenium plays an important part in maintaining healthy skin, protecting its quality and elasticity. Your body uses selenium to make selenoproteins which act as antioxidants and prevent cell damage caused by free radicals. Preventing this damage reduces the risk of developing cellulite. Other nutritional sources of selenium are tuna, lobster, and crab.
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