You are what you eat!

Carotenoids in fruit and vegetables increase healthiness and attractiveness!

A study from St Andrew’s University, Scotland, has revealed that increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables rich in carotenoids improves how healthy skin looks. Caucasian students who participated were rated more healthy looking if they increased their fruit and veg intake by an average of 2.9 portions per day, and more attractive if they increased their intake by 3.3 portions per day.

This was backed up by an objective assessment of skin colour using a reflectance spectrophotometer which showed increases in colour of skin with increased fruit and vegetable intake. The study was published in PLoS ONE, an online open-access journal,

Eating excessive amounts of carrots for prolonged periods has long been known to cause a yellow/orange discoloration of the skin because carrots and other vegetables contain carotenoids, naturally occurring pigmented chemicals, which can tinge the skin. This is the first time it has been proven that even small changes in dietary fruit and vegetable intake can have an effect on skin colour – and the improvements in appearance that this can bring about may match that obtained by a tan. While most fruits and vegetables can produce this effect, tomatoes, red peppers, carrots, broccoli and spinach are good sources.

So here’s another reason to eat a good and balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Dont over do it though, as excessive carotenoids can cause carotenemia – over yellowing of the skin!