No one likes stretch marks and no one has ever desired to have some on their bodies. Stretch marks are those ugly looking marks on the skin which result due to stretching and then unstretching of the skin. The mark is basically created in the middle layer of the skin when it is continuously stretched over a length of time.

About 75-90% women develop stretch marks during their pregnancy but these marks can sometimes appear otherwise as well. In order to prevent stretch marks, one must stay well hydrated and keep the skin moisturized. But there are many other ways to prevent them. The following is a list of the top 7 foods which can help prevent stretch marks:

1. Water

One of the best foods which can help you prevent and treat stretch marks is water. Drinking sufficient quantities of water is very important for proper hydration and also helps to reduce the appearance of these marks on the skin. Dehydrated skin is more prone to stretch marks and one must avoid having any beverages which contribute to dehydration.

2. Gelatin

gelatinIt is a fact that collagen content in gelatin is very good for the health of the skin. Consuming gelatin is a long term trick for the elasticity of the skin which thereby helps prevent stretch marks. Gelatin is high on glycine, amino acids and supports healthy cell metabolism as well.

3. Olive Oil

olive oilAnother food which helps to prevent stretch marks is olive oil. Olive oil is high on saturated and monounsaturated fats which have shown to improve skin elasticity. Cooking foods in olive oil is a good way to avoid stretch marks in the long run.

4. Foods High on Vitamin C

Foods that are high on Vitamin C are also helpful in the prevention of stretch marks. Vitamin C is related to the formation of collagen which helps to reduce free radicals in the skin and the body. So including foods high on Vitamin C is a good way to avoid appearance of the marks.

5. Butter

butterButter is yet another food which if included in the diet for a long period of time can help to reduce stretch marks and prevent their formation in the long run. This is another food which is loaded with saturated and monounsaturated fats and these nutrients help to improve skin elasticity.

6. Fish Oil

fish oilFish oil is high on the content of omega 3 fatty acids and these acids are highly beneficial for the nourishment of the skin. Thus fish oil has an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin and leads to elasticity of the skin. Incorporating this oil in your diet is an effective way to avoid stretch marks.

7. Foods High on Vitamin A and Vitamin E

Foods that are high on Vitamin A and Vitamin E content are also considered good for the collagen formation and thus help prevent those ugly stretch marks during pregnancy and after it.  They also reduce accumulation of free radicals.