Having cellulite is a common condition among people, especially women. It causes the skin to dimple and appear lumpy, and is caused by the accumulation of excess fat beneath the skin. Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help with reducing cellulite, yet many people believe that drinking coffee may also be beneficial. So, does drinking coffee reduce cellulite?
What Is Cellulite?
Cellulite is a form of subcutaneous fat, underneath the surface of the skin. It takes on the characteristic dimpled look that appears as small packets of fat sitting beneath the skin. Being overweight can make it more visible, and although the cause is unknown it is most common in women, believed to be because their connective tissue is weaker than that of men. Low blood circulation can also be a factor, hampering the body’s ability to break down fatty deposits.
Does Drinking Coffee Reduce Cellulite?
The beliefs that drinking coffee can reduce cellulite have come about due to coffee being a diuretic, which can cause the body to flush out excess water, reducing bloating and puffiness. Additionally, the caffeine can act as a stimulant to the skeletal muscles, improving circulation. It has been suggested that this increased rate of circulation can help the body to break down fat cells and flush them out of the system. However, many physicians and dermatologists believe that there is only a very small effect, if any, of drinking coffee to reduce cellulite.
What Are the Alternatives?
A better option to reduce cellulite than drinking coffee would be to focus on eating a healthy balanced diet, and engaging in regular physical activity. Consuming foods that are rich in antioxidants, like fruits and vegetables, can help to detoxify the body and increase the metabolism. Regular strength training can help to tone the muscles and reduce the appearance of the dimpling.
Introducing Lifestyle Changes
Apart from dietary and exercise changes, other lifestyle factors can have an impact on the appearance of cellulite. Taking time to relax, meditate and de-stress can help as a stimulation of the hormonal system can cause swelling which can worsen the appearance. Additionally, a good quality moisturizer can help to reduce dryness and rebuild elasticity, improving the look of skin.
Professional Treatments & Laser Therapy
For those who require a more immediate and noticeable reduction in cellulite, there are now a number of treatments available. Laser and light treatments can be used to break down fat cells, and ultrasound can help to reduce fat stores and inflammation. Chemical peels can help to boost circulation and collagen production, providing a smoother skin resurfacing. Mesotherapy injections are also believed to increase circulation to the fatty deposits and dissolve them. All of these treatments, although expensive, can provide the best solution for reducing cellulite.
The Benefits of Coffee Consumption
Although drinking coffee may not reduce cellulite, it can still provide significant health benefits. Caffeinating beverages are believed to stimulate cognitive functions, as well as improving physical performance and reducing the risk of some illnesses. Coffee is also widely believed to decrease the risk of death from cardiovascular disease, although the small and conflicting studies in this area make this difficult to conclusively prove. Overall, the consumption of coffee should form part of a healthy and balanced diet.
Drinking Coffee in Moderation
While the consumption of coffee can have many benefits, it must also be done in moderation. Most health professionals agree that it is safe to drink up to 3-4 cups per day, and anything more could result in negative side effects. Caffeine is a stimulant and can lead to an increase in anxiety and insomnia, and a decrease in concentration. It is also important to adjust coffee consumption with other sources of caffeine, such as those found in energy drinks, coffee pods and certain medications.
Additional Knowledge & Research
If drinking coffee can actually reduce cellulite, then further research and studies are required in order to fully understand the effects and mechanisms at play. Recognizing that cellulite is a complex and multi-faceted issue, it is likely that a combination of diet, exercise, lifestyle and professional treatments are the best methods to reduce it. However, further research should be conducted in order to draw definitive conclusions.
Avoiding Unnecessary Intake of Caffeine
For those who are concerned about their caffeine intake, it may be advisable to switch to decaffeinated coffee. This does not carry the same risks as regular coffee and can still provide a few health benefits, although these are largely unsubstantiated. If this is not an option, then other sources of caffeine are available, such as tea, energy drinks and chocolate, which can be consumed in moderation.
The Reality of Cellulite Reduction
Ultimately, drinking coffee is not going to significantly reduce cellulite. It is not a ‘miracle cure’ and should instead be used to supplement a healthy diet and lifestyle. It is neither dangerous nor beneficial to consume coffee, however it is not recommended as a sole solution for reducing cellulite. Consumers must be aware that, although there are some health benefits to drinking coffee, it should be used in moderation and not be relied upon for weight loss or cellulite reduction.
