Top 27 Anti-Cellulite Foods
Here's an extensive list of the best anti-cellulite foods. Pick your favorite cellulite-fighting foods from the list and start eating them on a regular basis.
#1: Bananas
Bananas are one of the foods with the highest potassium-to-sodium ratio, which makes them an excellent snack for women 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.
Enjoy bananas plain as a simple snack, mix with non-fat yogurt, slice into cereal, or toss in a fruit salad. Stay away from banana chips, though: they are packed with calories and contain added fat and sugar.
#2: Water
Although not a food, water is included in this list of cellulite-fighting foods because it is one of the cornerstones of any anti-cellulite diet. Water helps flush out toxins that can contribute to the build-up of cellulite. Also, an inadequate supply of water may lead to water retention as the body retains water to compensate, aggravating the appearance of cellulite.
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. In fact, it has been suggested that drinking large volumes of ice-cold water could actually burn calories. This is because ice water needs to be warmed to body temperature when it enters the body, which requires energy (calories). Consuming 2 liters of ice water a day could result in roughly 70 extra calories burned. 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.
#3: Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are chock-full of cellulite-busting nutrients. They are packed with vitamin E, potassium, and zinc. They are a good source of selenium, with one cup providing more than a third of the recommended daily intake. Furthermore, sunflower seeds a good source of vitamin B6, with one cup providing 31% of the recommended daily intake. Vitamin B6 is crucial for the proper absorption of zinc from the intestines, but it also has some cellulite fighting properties of its own: First, it plays an important role in the metabolism of proteins and helps strengthen and repair connective tissue (weak connective tissue is one of the key factors that aggravate cellulite). Second, it can act as a natural diuretic, thus eliminating excess water and bloating that make cellulite more visible. When incorporating sunflower seeds into your anti-cellulite diet, keep in mind that—regardless of all the great nutrients they contain—they should be consumed in moderation as they are high in calories.
#4: Chili and cayenne peppers
Great news for salsa and chili sauce lovers: 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 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. One study found that capsaicin in hot chilis could increase the resting metabolic rate (the rate at which the body burns carbohydrates and fats at rest) by up to 25%. The effects on the metabolic rate peaked at 75 to 90 minutes after the consumption of the capsaicin and lasted for up to three hours. Furthermore, research suggests that capsaicin can act as an appetite suppressant and thus reduce the amount of calories consumed during meals: In one trial, half of the subjects were given tomato juice with chili powder, while the rest drank it plain. Those who drank the drink with capsaicin consumed 16% fewer calories on average.
#5: Ginger Root
Ginger root, one of the oldest spices in the world, is known to have been used in China as early as 400 B.C. 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. Fresh ginger, which is said to be the most effective form of ginger, is available year round in the produce section of supermarkets.
#6: Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts are by far the nature's best dietary source of selenium. A single Brazil nut provides more than the US reference daily intake. The selenium in Brazil nuts may help combat cellulite and improve the overall appearance of skin by virtue of the role selenium plays in antioxidant defense system of the body. Brazil nuts are also a good source of vitamin E and potassium. Keep in mind, though, that Brazil nuts like most other nuts are calorie dense, and therefore they should be consumed in moderation.
#7: 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.
In addition to providing protein and a slew of vitamins and minerals, eggs can help you lose weight. Research conducted at the Rochester Centre for Obesity in America found that eating eggs for breakfast could limit the calorie intake throughout the rest of the day by more than 400 calories. This is because eggs can make you feel full for longer.
#8: Barley
Barley is a real supergrain 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. Whole grain or hulled barley, the most fiber-rich type, is still relatively difficult to find in regular shops, but you can order it online (for example here).
#9: 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.
#10: Kale
Most of the health benefits of kale are well known, but what many people don't know 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 (see Kale Contains Little Oxalic Acid). In addition to being highly nutritious, kale is very low in calories and contains zero fat. For kale recipes and ideas on how to incorporate this superfood into your diet, consider getting a good kale-focused cookbook.
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