Foods to Eat to Get Rid of Cellulite (Cont'd)

What are the best foods to eat if you want to get rid of cellulite on buttocks, arms, hips, legs and other body parts susceptible to cellulite? Pick your favorite cellulite-busting foods from the list below and start eating these foods on a regular basis.

Note that this is the second page of a three-page article on foods that can help you get rid of cellulite naturally. If you missed the first page of the article, click here.

#11:  Pineapple

Pineapple contains bromelain which has a positive effect on blood circulation.

Turbo-charge your anti-cellulite diet by regularly consuming 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.

#12:  Turnip Greens

Turnip greens are the leaves of the turnip plant, an ancient vegetable that was first cultivated in the Near East about 4,000 years ago. They are extremely low in calories; yet, they are loaded with cellulite busting nutrients, including vitamin C and calcium. Turnip is a relative of other important anti-cellulite plants, including broccoli, cabbage, and collards.

Pears promote the health of the thyroid gland and help drain cellulite-aggravating toxins.

#13:  Pears

Eating pears, as part of a healthy and balanced diet, may help combat cellulite. These juicy and sweet fruits, once referred to as the "gift of the gods", 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.

#14:  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.

#15:  Oatmeal

Oats are among the most filling foods.

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 macronutrients 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.

#16:  Avocados

Do you shy away from 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 women 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 (for details, see Avocados – a Natural Appetite Suppressant). 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.

#17:  Blueberries

Blueberries are packed with anthocyanins which contribute to the health of the collagen matrix.

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.

#18:  Quinoa

Once called "the gold of the Incas", 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.

#19:  Fenugreek Seeds

In traditional Eastern medicine, fenugreek seeds have been used to treat digestive disorders and premenstrual symptoms (PMS). But in recent years, these little seeds with a pungent-sweet flavor have also gained attention in the West, mainly because of their high concentration of the soluble fiber galactomannan. Galactomannan swells in the stomach, thereby increasing the feeling of satiety, which may make fenugreek seeds a good weight loss aid. In addition, these seeds are a very good source of potassium. Store fenugreek seeds in whole form and grind them (if you want to use it in powder form) just before using as the seeds become stale rapidly once ground.

#20:  Papaya

Termed the "fruit of the angels" by Christopher Columbus, 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 apperance of cellulite. Furthermore, vitamin C is vital for promoting strong and healthy connective tissue. It also helps strengthen and tone blood vessels and increase circulation.