Paris, France – A recent study conducted by researchers in France has shed light on how our breakfast choices may impact our facial attractiveness. The study, carried out at the University of Montpellier, revealed that individuals who opted for a breakfast rich in refined carbohydrates were perceived as less attractive compared to those who consumed healthier unrefined carbs at the start of their day.
Dr. Claire Berticat, an evolutionary biologist leading the study, emphasized the surprising connection between diet and appearance. The researchers involved 52 men and 52 women in the study, where they were given either a refined carb breakfast consisting of a French baguette, jam, fruit juice, and sugar-laden drinks, or an unrefined carb meal comprising wholemeal bread, cheese, fruit, and unsweetened tea or coffee.
Following the participants’ breakfast consumption, their blood sugar levels were measured, and headshots were taken under controlled lighting conditions. These photos were then evaluated by different groups of raters to assess factors like attractiveness, masculinity or femininity, and age appearance.
The study findings, published in Plos One, indicated that consuming refined carbohydrates for breakfast led to a decrease in facial attractiveness for both men and women. However, the long-term effects of these dietary choices were more nuanced, as revealed through post-study questionnaires completed by the volunteers.
According to experts like Professor David Perrett from the University of St Andrews, diet plays a significant role in one’s overall attractiveness. Consuming fruits and vegetables can enhance attractiveness by improving skin pigmentation, while diets high in sugar may accelerate skin aging. Perrett also noted that refined carbohydrates can impact peripheral blood flow, influencing the skin’s appearance.
Dr. Berticat highlighted the importance of limiting refined carbohydrate consumption for both health and appearance reasons. The study serves as a timely reminder of the broader impact of dietary choices, not only on health but also on social traits like facial attractiveness. In conclusion, as researchers delve deeper into the relationship between diet and appearance, the study underscores the significance of mindful breakfast choices for maintaining both health and allure.