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There are several categories of dietary fats:

1. Saturated
2. Monounsaturated
3. Polyunsaturated
4. Processed trans-fats
5. Essential fatty acids (EFAs)

Saturated fats

These include the harder fats and are generally from animal sources. Coconut and palm oil are saturated even though they come from vegetable sources. These fats are solid at room temperature and include butter, lard, cream, animal fats and poultry fats. These are used by the body as a storage form of energy. The over consumption of these fats raise blood cholesterol and lead to cellulite and weight problems.

Monounsaturated fats

These are fats that are liquid at room temperature, but when cold, they go solid. Olive oil, peanut oil, and canola oil are to name a few. The advantage of these fats and oils is that they are very stable under heat. These fats appear to reduce blood levels of LDL (the bad cholesterol) without affecting HDL (the good cholesterol) in any way. They are a good source of EFA’s and do not break down easily making them good oils to cook with. The intake of monounsaturated fats should be between 10-15% of total calorie intake.

Polyunsaturated fats

They are all from vegetable sources and are found in greatest abundance in corn, soybean, safflower, sunflower and almond oil. Certain fish oils are also high in polyunsaturated fats. They may actually lower your total blood cholesterol level but large amounts of polyunsaturated fats also have a tendency to reduce HDL. These fats are the highest source of EFA’s but they are unstable to both heat and light. They do go rancid quickly causing EFA’s to be destroyed. The EFA’s are needed to metabolize the saturated fats that cause cellulite.

Processed trans-fats

These substances occur when polyunsaturated oils are altered through hydrogenation, a process used to harden liquid vegetable oils into solid foods like margarine, commercial peanut butter, synthetic baking fats, processed cheese and shortening. They are also created by high heating or deep frying. These fats are not metabolized easily, they destroy EFA’s and take twice the time to burn the calories than “normal” fats. They cause a big problem with cellulite and redeposit easily in the body.

Our metabolism lacks mechanisms to cope with such artificial molecules. They are metabolically burned at only half the speed of normal fats. The body normally burns fats at 9 calories per gram whereas trans-fats are burned at 4.5 calories per gram. These processed fats are a major cause of cellulite as women have the capacity for storing these fats. The high consumption of refined carbohydrates, pastries, fried foods, and processed foods is causing the build up of cellulite on the legs, hips, thighs and abdomen.

Essential fatty acids (EFAs)

These fatty acids are necessary for health and can not be made by the body. They must be supplied through the diet. EFA’s are needed to break down stored fats and are essential for rebuilding and producing new cells. They improve skin and hair, lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and reduce the risk of blood clot formation. Found in high concentrations in the brain, EFA’s aid in the transmission of nerve impulses and are needed for the normal development and functioning of the brain.

There are two basic categories: omega 3 and omega 6. Omega 6, which includes linoleic and gamma-linolenic acids, are found primarily in raw nuts, seeds and legumes and in unsaturated vegetable oils such as borage oil, grape seed oil, primrose oil, sesame oil and soybean oil. Omega 3, including alpha-linolenic acid and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) acid are found in fresh water fish, fish oil, and certain vegetable oils. The vegetable oils include canola oil, flaxseed oil and walnut oil. These oils must be consumed in pure liquid or supplement form. Heat, from cooking or processing, and light destroy EFA’s and result in the creation of dangerous free radicals. The daily requirement for EFA’s is 10-20 percent of total caloric intake.

Supplements

• Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that is required for tissue growth and repair. It affects adrenal gland function and is an essential part of healthy gums. Essential in the formation of collagen, vitamin C protects against blood clotting and bruising and promotes the healing of wounds and formation of strong, even connective tissue. Large amounts of vitamin C are lost in the urine. Smoking and aspirin cause a serious depletion if vitamin C.

• Lecithin

Lecithin is a type of lipid that is needed by every living cell in the human body. Although lecithin is a lipid, it is partly soluble in water and thus acts as an emulsifying agent. It enables fats such as cholesterol and other lipids to be dispersed in water and removed from the body. It participates in fat metabolism, transport of fats in and out of cells, and keeps fats from clumping in the bloodstream. Phosphatidyl choline, the active component in lecithin, splits fats into smaller particles so it is more easily handled by the body, improves liver function, acts as bile thinner and removes excess estrogens from the body.

Lecithin would be a wise addition to the diet. Taking one capsule before each meal helps in the digestion of fats and the absorption of fats soluble vitamins.

Cellulite Solution

1. Reduce all processed fats
2. Restrict trans-fats and their sources
3. Increase sources of EFAs: high quality unsaturated oils, extra virgin olive oil, nuts, seeds, and avocados
4. Heat, stimulate and drain storage deposits for trans-fats through the therapeutic cellulite treatment in combination with a reduced fat diet
5. Ensure proper bowel movements. Lymph flow will decrease drastically when the bowels are not working properly.