10 Foods That Can Help Minimize Cellulite!
It may come as a bit of a surprise, but when it comes to cellulite treatment, diet is key!
Though there are many expensive treatments out there (from laser and vacuum treatments to creams and serums), making improvements to your diet can have significant effects on the health and appearance of your skin.
If you’re wondering what you can eat that may help contribute to a noticeable improvement and reduction of cellulite, check out these 10 foods…
- Berries– Dark pigmented berries (like blackberries and blueberries) are rich in antioxidants that help the body to reduce the activity of free radicals and banish toxins that may be contributing to sluggish circulation and reduced collagen production. The antioxidants also help to break down fat that’s linked to the connective tissue in the butt and thighs, the most common problem areas in terms of cellulite. Berries also enhance collagen production, which helps to smooth out the skin.
- Bananas– A great source of potassium, which helps to decrease water retention and reduce the appearance of cellulite. Nutrients in bananas also help to improve circulation, in turn improving the skin’s appearance.
- Tropical Fruits– So-called “tropical” fruits like mangoes and papaya help to improve blood flow and prevent tissue damage. They’re also rich in vitamin C, which is a known collagen booster.
- Green Tea, Coffee and Chocolate– Though some experts claim the epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in green tea and certain herbal teas (like ginger) helps to speed up metabolism and reduce the growth of fat cells in the butt and thigh areas that cause cellulite, caffeine is the most important active ingredient here. It works as a diuretic that helps to reduce bloating improve the appearance of dimples and puckering. You’ll notice that many topical cellulite treatments actually contain caffeine. This allows you to apply the good stuff exactly where you need it. Dark chocolate does the job as well, as it contains significant amounts of caffeine along with fat-busting antioxidants.
- Avocados and Olive Oil– the basic premise here is to ban animal-based saturated fats and trans fats in favor of healthier monounsaturated fats. Fat helps to improve the bioavailability of antioxidant-rich fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A, meaning they can be more easily absorbed by the body. Polyphenols help to improve thyroid function, burning fat and improving skin cell growth. Eat some healthy fat with your vegetables to get the greatest benefit.
- Grapefruit– Grapefruit and grapefruit juice are rich in vitamins A and C as well as the B vitamins. They’re rich in antioxidants and can help to reduce inflammation. The nutrients in grapefruit also help to burn fat and reduce the appearance of cellulite.
- Water– Although not technically a food, staying hydrated can bring about noticeable improvements to the skin. Remember to drink about eight glasses a day, more in the hotter months or when you’re participating in athletic activities. Fruits and vegetables contribute to your water intake as well, so feel free to indulge in water-rich refreshing produce like watermelon and cucumber during the hot summer months.
- Salmon– Salmon is rich in antioxidants and omega-3s, which help to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and strengthen the fibers that support your skin’s structure and help to prevent it from having that lumpy appearance.
- Sunflower Seeds– A great source of vitamins B6 and E, potassium and zinc. The antioxidants help to improve circulation while the vitamin B helps to repair connective tissue, and serves as a diuretic that can help to cut down on excess water retention in the skin.
- Hot Peppers– Hot peppers like chili’s and cayenne are another healthy food source that’s rich in vitamin B6, which helps to restore connective tissue. The capsaicin in the peppers (it’s what gives them their spicy quality) can help to boost metabolism and improve circulation.
Ok so there you have it! Ten foods that can help us on our quest to improve the health and quality of our skin (and hopefully reduce the appearance of cellulite!).
