Do you suffer with cellulite?
Myvitamins.com Sports Scientist Ross Edgley shares his knowledge on the subject.
Affecting 85% of women in the UK, cellulite is a term used to describe the dimpled appearance of skin caused by fat deposits that are just below the surface of the skin. Whilst scientists don’t know exactly what causes it, it’s believed to be related to a body’s inability to get rid of toxins, fat and fluid which becomes trapped under the skin and causes fibrous tissue to become hard which is responsible for producing the dreaded dimpling effect.
So can science offer cellulite salvation? It seems so, and it may come in the form of a fatty acid called Conjugated Linoleic Acid. Being heralded as a breakthrough in Cellulite treatment numerous recent studies seem to confirm CLA as an effective anti-cellulite treatment. Most notably in a study conducted in Beverly Hills, California (and published in the ‘Advances in Therapy Journal’ by Dr Lawrence Birnbaum) 60 females were given CLA for 60 days and ‘in as many as 75% of the women, the appearance of the skin improved significantly, and thigh circumference was reduced by an average of 0.88 inch.’ These results were also supported by a study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science by A.V. Rawlings who stated ‘CLA was proven to ameliorate the signs of cellulite and improve the appearance of skin.’
Whilst it’s clear CLA could hold the key to treating cellulite, it’s not know exactly how, with both Dr Lawrence Birnbaum and Anthony Rawlings concluding that ‘further investigation is warranted.’ However experts believe it could be down to CLA’s powerful anti-carcinogenic and antioxidant properties that work together to rid the body of toxins. Essentially it’s thought the CLA prevents the accumulation of toxins, fat and fluid under the skin which causes the fibrous tissue to become hard and ‘dimpled.’
Also, whilst it must be noted cellulite can affect both overweight and underweight women, it’s believed that excess fat can make the condition appear aesthetically worse and since CLA has been shown to reduce body fat as well, this could be another explanation as to how it helps reduce cellulite. In a study conducted at the Betanien Medical Center in Oslo, Norway, healthy overweight participants were given CLA over 12 months to see if it affected their body composition (body fat mass, lean body mass, bone mineral mass.) ‘In conclusion, the study shows that CLA supplementation in healthy, overweight adults was well tolerated and confirms also that CLA decreases body fat in overweight humans.’ (Jean-Michel Gaullier et al, 2005)
Whilst a good exercise routine and a sound nutrition plan is firstly key, since exercise can stimulate the body’s lymph system which helps to rid the bod of toxins and correct nutrition can prevent toxins from building in the first place, studies show including CLA in your diet can undoubtedly help.
Unfortunately it’s only found in small amounts in Beef, and since Beef is high in saturated fat eating a lot of this to get CLA in your diet could be counterproductive. Fortunately Myvitamins.com has made it available in a supplement form called ‘Total CLA’ so you get all the benefits of CLA without the calories. Visit www.myvitamins.com for more details.