Anti-cellulite food
Can a food really help you beat cellulite?
Cellulite is an unsightly condition that is not strictly linked to weight, but which can be improved by means of a healthy eating lifestyle. Here are the foods you should eat to drain liquids and support the good microcirculation function.
Obviously only if you want to do something about cellulite. Almost everyone has cellulite, many find a way to hide it on social media, using lighting, position and camera angle to their advantage.
The correct medical term for cellulite, also known as "orange peel skin" is “dermopanniculosis deformans”, and the condition manifests itself with irregular skin surfaces on some areas of the body. It occurs due to microcirculatory dysfunction that leads to water retention and increased volume of subcutaneous energy stores. The body can no longer eliminate subcutaneous fat naturally, resulting in increased adipose cell volume, constricted capillaries; in turn, liquids deposit between interstitial spaces.
The retention of liquids and poor microcirculation are linked to more than just weight loss and depend on a number of factors, including genetic and hormonal ones. However, limiting foods that encourage the stasis of liquids and toxins, like desserts, fried foods and condiments, and by following a diet rich in whole grains, fruit, and low in fat, sugars and saturated fats, is undoubtedly a great start.
Draining diet for cellulite
This kind of nutritional lifestyle includes an abundance of foods with a diuretic effect, fundamental for good cardiovascular function.
First off, adequate hydration is essential. Drinking at least 1.5-2 litres of liquids per day is recommended, during the entire day; one idea is to drink herbal teas and infusions and to limit the consumption of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (like orange sodas, fizzy drinks, cola, fruit juices, beer, sweet coffee, tea, etc.).
Salt is a powerful water "retainer" and given that cellulite is characterised by excess adipose tissue in local water retention, it can be useful to limit consumption in the fight against cellulite.
This means not only paying attention to adding salt when cooking dishes, but above all not exaggerating with foods that are already rich in it, like preserved and processed foods, cold cuts and salamis, tinned meat, mature cheeses and stock cubes.
There should never be a shortage of raw or cooked vegetables at every meal, seasonal ones if possible, as it is good to eat at least two portions per day.
Asparagus is especially effective, as well as all green leafed vegetables, like chicory, spinach, salsola soda, tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, onions, green beans and courgettes.
As for fruits, particular attention should go into eating red-purple ones, like blueberries, strawberries, red currant, blackberries and pomegranate, as they are rich in flavonoids, antioxidants that are especially useful for microcirculation, and pineapple, which thanks to its bromelain content, an enzyme with an anti-inflammatory action, stimulates the elimination of liquids and acts on tissue swollen due to blood stasis.
It is also useful to consume potassium-rich foods, like bananas and kiwis, which stimulate diuresis and help eliminate sodium, which encourages retention.
Fibres, insoluble ones in particular, encourage intestinal activity, increase faecal mass and help the body with its more rapid expulsion. In contrast, soluble ones encourage the elimination of toxins and contribute towards the absorption of sugars and fats. This helps maintain a more elastic and compact skin and fight the orange peel effect.
Fibre rich foods include wholegrain ones (bread, pasta, grains), fruits and vegetables. The most fibre-rich fruits and vegetables include: artichokes, chicory, fennel, apples, pears and kiwis.
It is also important to make room for fish, an excellent source of Omega-3, which helps improve cell membrane elasticity and has antithrombotic effects for microcirculation; nuts are also rich in Omega-3.
Association of physical activity
Physical activity is the key to restoring optimal circulation in the entire body. It can be useful to avoid spending many hours in a sedentary position, or standing still. If this is not possible due to work or school requirements, water retention can be reduced by physical activity, even mild in nature, and/or the use of draining techniques, like lifting your legs, massages or cold-hot bathing.
Therefore, good habits at the table for a well-balanced and distributed diet, paired with an active lifestyle, help to fight cellulite and are crucial even if there is no trace of the condition as yet on your skin.
