TheBUZZ : Fruits and vegetables can prevent and reduce cellulite?
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
The antioxidants, water and other beneficial compounds in a variety of fruit and vegetables can combat cellulite.
WHAT WE KNOW
Lumpy, textured skin (also referred to as cellulite) affects many women. A myriad of measures have been taken by most—creams, massages, exercise, laser treatments and diets—to get ride of these cosmetically unpleasant areas. Many Americans don’t know that cellulite is actually a skin condition, not a fat condition, in which the skin has deteriorated to the point that fat cells are able to show through the surface. As a result, it can affect individuals of all sizes regardless of the amount of body fat present.
We don’t know exactly what causes cellulite, but we do know it’s associated with weakness and decreased flexibility of the skin cells—including collagen and elastin breakdown. To date, there have been no proven treatments but new theories suggest that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, beans and healthy fats (nuts, seeds, fish) may reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Key Recommendations from the Anti-Cellulite Diet* …
Foods to Enjoy
- Healthy Fats—seeds, nuts, fish
- Fruits & Veggies—specifically blueberries, blackberries, cherries, mangos, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, grapefruit, apples, spinach, tomatoes, fennel, bell peppers and carrots
- Water (including that found in fruit & vegetables)
Foods to Avoid
- Alcohol (dehydrates your body)
- Fried Foods
- Foods High in Animal Fat (saturated fat)
- Refined Foods (high in sweeteners and additives)
*There is currently no evidence that the Anti-Cellulite Diet reduces the appearance or prevents cellulite.
HOW DO WE KNOW THIS?
While the Anti-Cellulite Diet recommendations have not been proved, the general guidelines hold true to many characteristics of a healthy-eating regimen. So what you can take away from this diet are a few key concepts that are part of a healthy way of eating …
- When it comes to fruits & veggies … the MORE the merrier!
- Reduce saturated fat (fats from animal products, like cheese)
- Drink lots of water
- Choose lean sources of protein—including nuts, seeds and beans
- Consume alcohol in moderation
Also, while being overweight is not directly correlated to the cause of cellulite, a review published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology concluded that being overweight or obese can greatly exacerbate cellulite occurrence.*
OUR ADVICE
Unfortunately, there is not a surefire way to get rid of or prevent cellulite! But you can help minimize your risk by …
* Yosipovitch, G., A. Devore, A. Dawn, "Obesity and the Skin: Skin Physiology and Skin Manifestation of Obesity." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2007): 56 (6): 901-16.
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