People who eat more fruits and vegetables show healthier skin color. These are the conclusions of a study published in PLoS ONE that has examined the beneficial effect that carotenoids, reddish plant pigments, have on the appearance of the skin.
The researchers, from the University of St. Andrews (Scotland), examined the variations that occurred in the color of the skin of several students who changed the amount of fruit and vegetables consumed in the diet. The results showed that an additional consumption of two daily servings is sufficient for changes in skin color to be perceived after six weeks. "People who eat more vegetables have a healthier and more attractive golden skin tone," the authors write. "Our results show that even small changes in diet produce visible benefits in skin color. We are very surprised at how quickly these changes are."
Despite the fact that health experts recommend a minimum consumption of five servings of fruit a day, most people ignore these suggestions because they do not feel sufficiently motivated. Because of this, the researchers thought that the beneficial effects of a diet rich in vegetables on physical attractiveness could be a good incentive for the population. "Knowing that you will improve your appearance in a few weeks can be much more persuasive than the promise of good long-term health," the authors of the work have explained.
