Most cultures like dimples but there is one dimple which we hate most—cellulite. It is a condition of our skin that occurs in both men and women. However, more women suffer from cellulite because of the innate structure of their fatty cells that makes them less elastic.
The Journal of European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (Volume 14, 2000) defines cellulite as a “condition…where skin of the lower limbs, abdomen and pelvic region becomes dimpled after puberty”. The word “cellulite” was first used in the 1920s.
There are many factors that cause cellulite, especially among women. One is the natural structure of women’s fat cells and the tissues that hold them together. They are known to be less elastic than their male counterparts. When women get fatter, their fat cells enlarge and expand and they tend to form lump-looking formations stretching towards the surface of their skins.
Certain disorders in the way our bodies retain water and abnormalities in the connective tissues also help grow more cellulite. Diet, lifestyle, stress and food also significantly cause cellulite build-up.
Keep these foods out from your kitchen
Minimizing intakes or entirely avoiding several foods and drinks will greatly help you avoid having cellulite. Watch out for these foods if you want a better looking skin free of cellulites.
1. Foods that are high in saturated fat - Saturated fat contains triglycerides only that is a rich source of saturated fatty acid radicals. They are also known to cause cancer and various cardiovascular diseases, most of them deadly if left untreated. Examples are dairy products (cream, butter, cheese) animal fats (tallow, lard), coconut oil, palm kernel oil, chocolates, cottonseed oil, margarine, other hydrogenated vegetable oils and certain ready-to-eat foods.
2. High sugar – almost all sugary snacks, such as cakes, pastries and other sweets, are high in sugar. High sugar level is reputed to speed up tissue inflammation that also leads to cellulite build up.
3. Carbohydrate-rich foods – items such as rice and rice products, baked potatoes and white bread are known to increase the level of insulin in the blood. Above-average level of insulin in the body contributes to massive accumulation of fat in between tissues.
4. Foods high in salt – reduce drastically your salt intake. Watch out for foods that contain high concentration of salt, such as peanuts, ready meals, crisps, canned foods and soup and junk food.
5. Coffee and caffeinated drinks, including soda – a good deal of caffeine is taken in from excessive coffee drinks per day. Be careful with decaf beverages; they still contain a good amount of caffeine. Avoid soda and other derivatives. Some “health” and tonic drinks contain caffeine. Caffeine is known to increase pressure on the lymph nodes and the entire lymphatic system. This system is responsible for the detoxification of our body. When it is overworked, toxins tend to be retained and some of them find their way to the connective layers under our skin.
6. Alcohol – the menace of a healthy body, alcohol increases the free radicals and helps us build more fat. It also causes poor blood circulation and contributes to the accumulation of toxins in the body.
These foods and substances contain harmful compounds that provide an ideal environment for cellulite. Remember that cellulite builds up because of less elasticity of the fatty cells and the connective tissues. These substances are known to cause and hasten loss of elasticity under our skin. To fast track eradication of cellulite, combine good diet with regular exercise and healthy lifestyle.