The sun is bright and warm, the smell of the grill fills the air, and the sound of people splashing in water surrounds us. For many the idea of lounging around in your swim suit is not as enjoyable because of unsightly cellulite, the layer of fat that sits beneath the skin and causes a dimple-like appearance usually around the thigh and hip area. Cellulite is not harmful, nor is it a predictor of health, as it affects both people of normal weight and overweight alike. While there are cosmetic ways to reduce cellulite, the collagen often used can be found in the diet also. Studies show that consuming collagen on a daily basis can decrease the appearance of cellulite.
One of the most natural ways to get collagen through the diet is through homemade broths. In addition to providing a plethora of nutrients to the digestive system, the protein matrix in a simple broth provides collagen to aid with reducing the appearance of cellulite. This broth is the same broth your mother or grandmother used to make and can be easily made or purchased at our local farmers markets and some grocers. It can be consumed as a soup, such as traditional chicken noodle or pho soup, used as the liquid when preparing rice or quinoa, or just sipped as a warm beverage. It’s no wonder why brotheries, small shops that sell homemade broth and soups, are popping up all over New York City.
The other ways to get collagen is through purchasing it in powdered form, such as Great Lakes Collagen or Vital Protein Collagen Peptides, and mixing it into a warm liquid. In addition to smoothing cellulite, collagen is important for strong hair and nails, can reduce the appearance of fine lines, and has shown to be helpful in many digestive disorders and arthritis. This summer, let’s toast with a cup o’ broth… “To smooth skin.”
