(NaturalHealth365)  Beauty is commonly believed to emanate a certain radiant glow, often attributed to flawless skin.  While genetics undoubtedly play a role, our dietary choices also significantly impact our physical appearance.

For example, new findings published in PLOS ONE shed light on this connection, revealing that limiting or eliminating simple carbohydrates is key to achieving beautiful skin and overall physical attractiveness.  Research data suggests that consuming simple, refined carbohydrates diminishes facial attractiveness, emphasizing the importance of dietary habits in nurturing our aesthetic appeal.

Research links diet quality to perceived physical attractiveness

The study linked above involved 104 people, half men and half women, between the ages of 20 and 30.  The participants were randomly assigned a 500-calorie breakfast.  One group consumed breakfast food with unrefined carbs, while the other consumed refined carbs.

For example, the group that consumed refined carbs downed a baguette made with milled flour.  Those who consumed unrefined carbs for breakfast were served bread made of stone-ground wholemeal, with cheese and butter, and a side of an apple or orange.  Although neither group consumed a truly healthful breakfast, adding whole foods seemed to make a difference.

The researchers gauged each group’s blood sugar levels before and after consuming the breakfast foods.  For consistency, participant headshots were taken using the same lighting.  A group of aesthetic graders then analyzed each participant’s headshots to determine physical attractiveness.

The findings reveal that immediate consumption of a high-glycemic breakfast decreased facial attractiveness for both men and women, even after controlling for various factors, including energy intake.  Moreover, chronic consumption of refined carbohydrates during breakfast, afternoon snacking, and between-meal snacking consistently reduced attractiveness, while higher energy intake had the opposite effect.

Facial attractiveness hinges significantly on blood sugar and insulin levels, both of which surge after consuming simple carbohydrates. Everyday breakfast items laden with these simple carbs include danishes, croissants, muffins, cereals, and bagels.

Choosing healthier breakfast options is essential for stabilizing blood sugar and insulin levels, which ultimately leads to improvements in skin quality.  The study authors propose that consuming refined carbs induces changes in peripheral blood flow and potentially contributes to a perceived decrease in attractiveness.

So, instead of indulging in these highly processed breakfast choices, consider transitioning to options like organic (pasture raised) eggs or a freshly-made smoothie.  Ditching simple carbs in the morning not only improves your nutritional intake but also boosts energy levels.

Strategies to reduce simple carbohydrates from your diet

Eliminating simple carbohydrates altogether is easier said than done.  Many find satisfaction in indulging in staples like white bread, bagels, muffins, donuts, and cereals.  However, reducing your intake of these “uglifying” simple carbohydrates is worth it.  One way to achieve that is by steering clear of carb-heavy fast food options.  Transitioning to home-cooked meals grants you complete control over your food choices.

When snacking, opt for alternatives like celery with organic almond butter, dried or fresh fruit, and carrots with hummus instead of reaching for pretzels, chips, crackers, and other simple carbohydrate-laden options.  This simple swap can significantly decrease your overall simple carb intake and contribute to healthier dietary habits.

Sources for this article include:

PLOS.org
Theguardian.com