25 top anti cellulite foods

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Click on particular food to get more detailed information:
Bananas, Blueberries, Mango, Green tea
Oatmeal, Chilli and cayenne peppers, Oily fish
Ginger root, Eggs, Barley
Rosemary, Kale, Pineapple
Cider vinegar, Pears, Sweet potatoes
Avocados, Quinoa, Papaya
Asparagus, Garlic, Broccoli
Dandelion greens, Brussels sprouts, Water

Bananas

Bananas are one of the foods with the highest potassium-to-sodium ratio, which makes them an excellent snack for people prone to developing cellulite. Sodium (salt) increases water retention associated with unsightly cellulite, while potassium has the opposite effect.

Furthermore, bananas are known to promote healthy blood flow in the body. Healthy blood circulation ensures that skin cells receive the nutrients they require. Blood flow also rids the body of toxins that may be responsible for cellulite build-up.

Blueberries

Blueberries are one of the greatest health foods of all time, and they’re a boon to anyone worried about cellulite. Due to their high concentration of anthocyanins, blueberries contribute to the health of the collagen matrix by neutralizing enzymes that destroy connective tissue and by scavenging free radicals.

The anthocyanins also enhance the effects of the vitamin C contained in blueberries. Furthermore, compared to other berries, blueberries (especially wild blueberries) are a good source of vitamin E. Blueberries contain a lot of antioxidants.

Mango

Health promoting effects of mango come from its rich content of nutrients, bio active compounds and fiber. Incorporating mango in the diet could aid in reducing body fat and controlling blood sugar.

The high levels of fiber, pectin and vitamin C also help lower serum LDL cholesterol levels. Mango is rich in potassium which helps in controlling heart rate and blood pressure.

Green tea

Green tea has been proven to aid weight loss by speeding up metabolism, inhibiting fat absorption and aiding glucose regulation, making it a great beverage choice for anyone who is looking to shape up and improve their. It is also good for overcoming the dreaded orange peel skin and getting rid of love handles.

It contains an ingredient called theobromine, which stimulates th release of stored fats in the body, as does the caffeine it contains. Try drinking three to five cups a day and see if it makes a difference.

Oatmeal

Eating a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast is a great way to start a day off right. Research shows that oats are among the most filling foods, and eating them early in the day can reduce the number of calories consumed throughout the rest of the day. This is not surprising as oats are an excellent source of protein and fiber – two macro nutrients that are well known to enhance the feeling of satiety.

Further, the fiber in oats is soluble fiber, a type of fiber that forms a gel in the digestive tract. This gel flushes waste and toxins that could contribute to the formation of cellulite. Oats are also an excellent source of B vitamins and zinc.

Chilli and cayenne peppers

Chili and cayenne peppers are a superb weapon for fighting cellulite. Chili is an excellent source of vitamin C, E, and potassium. Further, it is a concentrated source of vitamin B6, with one tablespoon of chili powder providing 14% of the recommended daily calorie intake. Moreover, cayenne and chili peppers can be a great aid in weight loss.

Research indicates that capsaicin, the major pungent ingredient in cayenne and chili peppers, increases the body’s heat production (thermogenesis), thereby increasing the rate at which the body burns energy. Furthermore, research suggests that capsaicin can act as an appetite suppressant and thus reduce the amount of calories consumed during meals.

Oily fish

Processed fatty foods like cheese and sausages are a big cellulite-busting no-no. But good fats such as omega 3 fats, like those found in oily fish (e.g. omega 3 fatty acid) such as salmon and mackerel, can actually help to smooth things out. The fatty acids it contains help your body to metabolise fat, including that of cellulite.

Ginger root

Although best known for its cold treating powers, ginger root is also an excellent cellulite buster. Ginger root can suppress appetite and rev up metabolism and thus contribute to weight loss. Further, it aids digestion and improves circulation, which in turn can help rid the body of cellulite.

Eggs

Egg whites should be part of every anti-cellulite diet. They are an excellent source of dietary protein but very low in calories and fat. The egg yolk, on the other hand, is rather high in calories, fat, and cholesterol.

Nevertheless, it makes to include some egg yolk in your omelette as the yolks are a concentrated source of many important vitamins and minerals, including iron, iodine, zinc, and vitamins A, D, E and B12.

Barley

Barley is superhero grain for fighting excess pounds and cellulite. Not only is it low in calories, it also has the lowest Glycemic Index (GI) rating of all common grains. Grains which have a high Glycemic Index (GI) rating are quickly broken down by the body and cause a rapid, large rise in blood glucose levels, which in turn triggers the pancreas to release large amounts of insulin.

Insulin is necessary for the body to be able to use glucose for energy, but high amounts of insulin promote fat storage in the body. In contrast, low-GI carbs such as barley take much longer to digest and cause only a small, slow rise in the blood glucose and insulin levels. In addition, low GI foods can reduce cravings – which could lead to fat accumulation – as they provide the body with a slow, steady supply of energy.

Rosemary

Rosemary stimulates circulation and may thus be beneficial in the treatment of cellulite. Furthermore, rosemary is thought to improve the digestion of fats and to keep wastes from accumulating beneath the skin. What’s more, rosemary contains rosmarinic acid, a plant polyphenol that can help protect tissues from free radical damage.

It also contains ursolic acid which facilitates collagen and elastin synthesis, strengthens the capillaries, and fights free radical damage. Rosemary can be used to flavor fish, roast meats, and tomato sauces, but also fruits, especially oranges.

Kale

What many people don’t know is that this nutritional powerhouse is supercharged with cellulite fighting nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium, and calcium.

It is also low in the calcium-inhibiting oxalic acid which is known to reduce the amount of calcium the body can absorb from many other vegetables. In addition to being highly nutritious, kale is very low in calories and contains zero fat.

Pineapple

In addition to supplying plenty of vitamin C and a fair amount of potassium, pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that aids in the digestion of proteins. Bromelain also helps break down fibrin buildup in fine blood vessels, which has a beneficial effect on blood circulation to the skin.

Be aware, however, that most of the bromelain in pineapple is in the stem which is not as tasty as the flesh, but which is nevertheless edible.

Cider vinegar

If you are looking for a quick fix body detox, try adding a few cupfuls of apple cider vinegar to your meals. It acts as a digestive tonic, helping to slay off harmful bacteria in the intestines, flush out toxins and relieve water retention around the thighs and stomach – all of which helps to reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Pears

Eating pears, as part of a healthy and balanced diet, may help combat cellulite. These juicy and sweet fruits contain a fair amount of iodine. Iodine is necessary for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, which controls the basal metabolic rate, or the rate at which the body consumes energy at rest.

Iodine deficiency can result in sluggish thyroid activity which in turn can lead to weight gain or hinder weight loss. Furthermore, iodine is believed to help drain toxins which are considered one of the key causes of cellulite. Also the pectin in pears helps flush out harmful substances.

Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are one of the oldest vegetables known to man. They are also one of the most nutritious vegetables and an excellent addition to any anti-cellulite diet. They contain potassium, vitamin C, some vitamin E, as well as beta-carotene.

Further, they contain some unique root proteins which, according to some preliminary studies, have significant antioxidant properties. The nutrients and other substances in sweet potatoes are thought to improve circulation and eliminate toxins – two of their most notable cellulite fighting properties.

Avocados

Although it is true that avocados are high in calories and fat compared to other fruits, consuming these creamy green fruits in moderation can offer great benefits to people struggling with cellulite. Recent research suggests that oleic acid found in avocados could help naturally curb appetite and thus contribute to weight loss. In animal studies scientists found that oleic acid is converted into OEA (oleoylethanolamide) in the small intestine.

OEA, which is a type of fatty lipid hormone, activates a brain area that increases the feeling of satiety and fullness. Only unsaturated fats containing oleic acid are believed to control appetite in this way. In addition to oleic acid, avocados are a good source of other anti-cellulite nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin E, and B-complex vitamins. They are also an excellent source of glutathione—an overlooked, yet an extremely important antioxidant. Gluthathione is also said to help the liver remove toxins.

Quinoa

These hearty and delicious “grains” are actually seeds of a green leafy vegetable that is a relative of spinach and Swiss chard. Quinoa, which is low in calories, is packed with protein, making it an excellent weight loss food and a good alternative to rice or couscous.

Further, not only is quinoa high in protein, but the protein it contains includes all eight essential amino acids, all of which are needed for healthy muscle growth and repair. In addition to protein, quinoa is a good source of manganese, magnesium, copper, iron, and phosphorus.

Papaya

Papaya is a true nutritional powerhouse and a great food to include in your diet if you are prone to cellulite. Papaya has been shown to help prevent tissue damage under the skin. Furthermore, it is one of the best natural sources of vitamin C (even better than oranges).

Research has shown a direct link between low blood levels of vitamin C and increased fat accumulation – which can worsen the appearance of cellulite. Vitamin C is also vital for promoting strong and healthy connective tissue. It helps strengthen and tone blood vessels and increase circulation.

Asparagus

If you are concerned about cellulite, asparagus is a good vegetable to add to your shopping list. It helps strengthen veins and capillaries while controlling blood pressure.

Due to its high concentration of potassium and the amino acid asparagine, asparagus also has diuretic properties, which is great news as a build-up of fluid can worsen the appearance of cellulite. On top of that, asparagus contains insulin, a type of carbohydrate which promotes the proper functioning of the gut.

Garlic

Research has shown garlic to be effective at promoting heart and cardiovascular health, preventing and treating cancer, and reducing high blood pressure.

Recent studies also suggest that garlic can prevent weight gain and promote weight loss. These beneficial effects of garlic are believed to result from its ability to break down fatty deposits in the body and to boost metabolism.

Broccoli

The nutritional value of broccoli makes this functional food an excellent cellulite buster for three reasons: First, broccoli contains alpha lipoic acid which can help prevent the hardening of collagen. Second, broccoli is a concentrated source of vitamin C and an excellent source of dietary fiber. Finally, broccoli is one of the best dairy-free sources of cellulite-fighting calcium.

Dandelion greens

If you can develop a liking for their bitter taste, these unsung nutritional stars can be a great weapon in the battle against cellulite. Dandelion greens have long been touted for their detoxifying and diuretic properties—both of which are important if you have cellulite.

Furthermore, unlike many other diuretics which deplete the body of the anti-cellulite mineral potassium, dandelion leaves will not upset the potassium balance of the body because they contain such high amounts of this important mineral. What’s more, dandelion greens are a very good source of vitamin C, and they also contain some vitamin E. Fresh dandelion leaves can be used in salads or they can be made into a herbal tea.

Brussels sprouts

Consuming plenty of cruciferous vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, is an excellent way to combat cellulite. Cruciferous vegetables contain a substance called indole-3-carbinol (I3C) which, once ingested, forms di-indolyl methane (DIM).

DIM helps certain liver enzymes to block the production of 16-OH estrogens, harmful substances that are also responsible for collagen break-down. In addition to I3C, Brussels sprouts feature a host of other cellulite fighting nutrients such as vitamin C.

Water

A high consumption of water can contribute to fat loss in a couple of ways. First, water provides no calories but can increase the feeling of fullness. Second, staying well hydrated encourages the body to use the kidneys, rather than the liver, for eliminating waste products.

One of the liver’s main functions is the conversion of energy from stored body fat. If the liver does not have to focus on eliminating waste products, it can concentrate on mobilizing body fat.