The Anti-Cellulite Diet: Top 10 Medicinal Foods For Smoother Skin

Cellulite is one of those frustrating problems that can get under the skin of almost any women – in fact, it affects up to 98% of us whether we're 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.  Additionally you could consider taking a juice cleanse to improve your diet and wellbeing.  

 

1. Bell peppers

Move over oranges, and welcome the bell pepper. Bell 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 in the formation of collagen.

By boosting collagen production, we can ultimately promote elasticity within the skin whilst keeping things firm, taut and cellulite-free. 

2. 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 tea bag for 5 minutes.

3. Salmon

Photo: Cooking Light
Salmon is a rich source of essential fats called omega-3. 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 reduce the appearance of cellulite.

4. Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne has been shown to boost metabolism and circulation. It is thought that a sluggish circulation may play a role in the formation of cellulite, making cayenne pepper a must try.

5. 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 that you need for creating stronger, more elastic skin. Eggs have the added benefit of being a rich source of amino acids, proline and lysine, which are important for the formation of all types of collagen. 

6. Berries

Seriously high in antioxidants including vitamin C! Antioxidants scavenge for free radicals in our bodies from the likes of UV rays and pollution, which are known to damage collagen and contribute to the weakening of connective tissues.

7. Bone Broth

This is simply a posh word for stock. How many of us still make fresh stock at home over shop bought cubes?..

Bone broth is a source of collagen, however, whether this actually translates to an increase in collagen within the body is still unknown. 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.

8. 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, indicating that broccoli may support and allow efficient metabolism of oestrogen, which may have a positive knock-on effect for minimising cellulite.

9. Chamomile tea

Chronic stress dramatically increases an output of adrenalin and cortisol, which has been shown to worsen the appearance of cellulite.

Try switching your daily coffee to calming chamomile and feel your stresses and (even maybe) your cellulite drift away…

10. Flaxseeds

Also known as linseed, these are a rich source of lignans, which have been shown to modulate oestrogen levels. Lignans 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 a positive knock-on effect, not only on weight loss but also on the appearance of cellulite.

 

Photo Credit: Rachael Gorjestani
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