Monday, April 25, 2011

Foods That Cause Cellulite







Although extra pounds can contribute to cellulite, this unattractive condition can affect both individuals who are overweight and those who are thin. Cellulite is the result of several factors, but what you eat plays an important role. The best way to manage cellulite is through exercise and diet.


Facts


Eight out of 10 women have cellulite, according to the Mayo Clinic. Unlike fat, cellulite becomes trapped inside the skin, typically in the thighs, hips and buttocks. Cellulite forms uneven layers inside the skin and gives a lumpy, cottage cheese-like appearance. It's a common affliction of aging as the skin loses elasticity. Other factors that increase the chances of developing cellulite include stress, lack of exercise and use of hormonal contraceptives, in addition to your choice of foods.


Saturated Fats


Saturated fat is the most likely dietary cause of cellulite. According to the I Hate Cellulite website, the body cannot metabolize saturated fats from animals, considered a toxin, the same way it breaks down fats in plants. Instead, saturated fat is stored inside the skin supporting cellulite's existence. For this reason, avoid red meat and consume white meat instead. Foods abundant in saturated fat include animal products such as beef, veal, lamb, pork, lard, poultry fat, beef fat, butter, cream, milk and cheese.


Sugary Foods


Foods high in sugar are filled with toxins, additives and lots of calories, in addition to saturated fats. I Hate Cellulite identifies these foods as another major factor in the creation of cellulite because foods high in sugar damage cells by preventing them from functioning properly. Sugary foods to avoid include sugary cereals, soft drinks, confectionery, donuts, cakes, malts, muffins and candies.


Salty Foods


According to the Become Gorgeous website, salty foods speed the development of cellulite. Eat less salt to slow or prevent cellulite production. Salty foods to avoid include potato chips, pickles, soy sauce, processed meats and pork.


Alcohol


Alcohol is a toxin, according to I Hate Cellulite. Alcohol isn't food, but it does contain toxins and calories that get stored in the body as fat, contributing to the cellulite problem. Alcohol robs the body of vitamin C, calcium and zinc. This is how alcohol damages cells and muscles, according to Become Gorgeous. Avoiding alcohol and drinking more water will help prevent cellulite. Water refreshes and flushes toxins from the body, unlike alcohol, which adds more waste to the body.


Prevention


According to the Mayo Clinic, there is no scientific proof that cellulite can be cured or prevented; however, certain treatments can temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite. Those treatments include massages, regular exercise with muscle strengthening and toning, and a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables and water.

Tags: Hate Cellulite, inside skin, avoid include, Become Gorgeous, foods avoid, foods avoid include, high sugar