To sport a rosy complexion in winter, you can find a more natural trick than the blush: eat fruits and vegetables. In addition to their health benefit, they would present a scientifically proven beauty asset. Psychologists from the University of St Andrews have analyzed the impact of fruit and vegetable consumption on the perception of skin color.
As a result, kiwis, carrots and cabbage come out as champions of the list of foods that make you look good. Their secret? Their concentration of carotenoids (lycopene and beta-carotene), at the origin of the most beautiful coloring of the skin observed by the researchers.
Carotenoids are the plant pigments responsible for the red, orange, yellow and green colors of fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants, they are incorporated into many cosmetic treatments and sun protection capsules. They are found in kiwis, carrots, cabbage, but also oranges, sweet potatoes, green vegetables.
Eating fruits and vegetables would make it more desirable
Men’s and women’s faces were photographed to compare their complexion before and after a six-week period. Six weeks after consuming 2.9 servings (one serving equals 80 to 100g or two full tablespoons, editor’s note) of fruits and vegetables per day made them look healthier. Those who ate 3.3 servings of fruits and vegetables seemed more physically attractive. People who displayed a more radiant complexion were deemed more desirable in photos than those who did not.
The researchers hope that the media coverage of these results will discourage diehard supporters UV cabins to better encourage them to improve their diet, “which is a more effective way to beautify themselves”, explains the Daily mail Dr. Ross Whitehead, study director.
A well-established health benefit
To eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables is recommended by the National Health Nutrition Program as part of a balanced diet. Fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals and fiber for the body. But they would also play a protective role in the prevention of certain diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes.
>> To read also: Healthy glow: 5 superfoods for beautiful skin
