We are what we eat and this can be seen directly on our face. That’s because an excessive consumption of carbohydrates can make us less attractive in the eyes of the opposite sex.
According to a study by French scientists, people who eat foods full of carbohydrates for breakfast are seen as more unattractive by the opposite sex.
104 heterosexual men and women participated in the research, and the findings were published in the journal Plos One.
Part of the study participants ate a high-carb breakfast and the other part had a lower-carb breakfast for lower blood sugar.
After 2 hours had passed since the meal, the subjects were photographed, and these pictures were shared between them to rate each other’s attractiveness, according to the researchers.
People who ate high-carbohydrate foods had lower facial attractiveness scores overall. Also, those who claimed in the survey that they eat high-carbohydrate foods for breakfast or as snacks performed just as poorly.
Scientists from the University of Montpellier say the next step in the study is a much larger sample size, which will help them understand why food influences the way our faces look.
“Facial attractiveness, an important factor in social interactions, appears to be affected by immediate and chronic consumption of refined carbohydrates in men and women,” the researchers conclude.
What are carbohydrates?
Carbohydrates are important macronutrients and represent one of the most important sources of energy in the body. Along with protein and fat, carbohydrates are one of the three main nutrients found in foods and beverages.
Our body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose. Glucose or blood sugar is the main source of energy for cells, tissues and organs. Glucose can be used immediately or stored in the liver and muscles for later use.
The 3 types of carbohydrates
SUGARS
Sugars are the simplest type of carbohydrate and are found naturally in foods such as fruit, milk and dairy products, or come from refined sources such as table sugar or corn syrup. Also, sugars are absorbed very quickly into the blood.
The starch
Starch is a complex carbohydrate made from several sugar units linked together. It is found naturally in foods such as pasta, bread, rice, potatoes, flour, corn, peas, dried beans, couscous, quinoa, bulgur and nuts.
FIBER
Fibers are complex carbohydrates that do not digest, improve digestion and provide a feeling of satiety. This includes foods such as: whole grain bread, whole grains, brown rice, fruits and vegetables, beans and peas, seeds and nuts.
Foods that help us be more beautiful
Foods that prevent premature aging and keep skin young: Nuts, carrots, sweet potatoes, garlic, cucumbers, tomatoes, figs, hemp and pumpkin seeds, turmeric, berries, coconut oil, aloe vera, fatty fish, etc.
Foods that help grow hair and nails: eggs, spinach, avocados, seeds, Greek yogurt, sweet potatoes, olive oil, meat, etc.
Foods that keep our teeth healthy and white: apples, almonds, lettuce, yogurt, carrots, green and black tea, nuts, red meat, quinoa, etc.
Not all carbohydrates are unhealthy, but the choices we make about the foods we eat and the amounts at each meal can make a difference when it comes to our appearance and overall health.
