Daily fruits and vegetables make the skin look younger and much more attractive

When we eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, our skin looks more attractive to our fellow human beings
Some people simply seem more attractive to their fellow human beings than other people. But why is this effect? Researchers have now found that increased consumption of fruits and vegetables makes the skin look more attractive.

Researchers at the University of Newcastle (UON) in Australia found that eating fruits and vegetables results in more attractive looking skin. The physicians published the results of their study in the journal "Australia Journal of Psychology".

Many people like the taste of fruits and vegetables. The consumption of fruits and vegetables is also healthy and can help you lose weight. Physicians have now found that eating a lot of fruits and vegetables also makes the skin look more attractive. (Image: Alexander Raths / fotolia.com)

Participants should make the skin color of faces more attractive on a computer
The new research has refuted the myth that young adults attribute health and attractiveness solely to sun-tanned facial skin, experts say. As part of the study, participants were asked to manipulate the color of 50 different faces on a computer to look as healthy and attractive as possible. Three different experiments were later performed with the manipulated faces.

Consuming fruits and vegetables leads to the most attractive skin color
The results of the study show that the participants generally preferred a skin color, which was associated with an increased intake of fruits and vegetables, say the medical profession. Actually, one would have thought that a tanned by the sun skin looks most attractive. This was not so.

Carotenoids cause a healthy skin color
The participants associated the healthy look with the coloring by so-called carotenoids, explains author Kristine Pezdirc. These plant substances are generally considered beneficial to health and give many plants and fruits their yellow to red color. If you want to have a healthy shiny skin, you should eat a lot of fruit and many fruits, adds Pezdirc.

Sun-tanned skin is healthy, but carries risks
Human skin color is affected by the three pigments hemoglobin, carotenoids and melanin. Many young adults in Australia perceive the skin coloration of tanning in the sun (melanin) as healthy. The suntanned people, however, have an increased risk of developing skin cancer, as they often use a sufficient sunscreen, the author explains.

Further research required
Further research on a broader population might help future adolescents to change their behaviors related to sunlight and diet, Pezdirc hopes.

Promoting fruit and vegetable consumption
Young adults consume the lowest levels of fruits and vegetables, compared to consumption in other adult life stages, the experts explain. The impact of eating fruits and vegetables on looks and appeal could be harnessed to increase fruit and vegetable intake at this age, the researchers said. Ideally, young adults should eat about five servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit daily, adds Professor Clare Collins of the University of Newcastle. (As)