Study Finds Refined Carbs in Breakfast Decreases Facial Attractiveness
New research from France suggests that a subtle shift in facial attractiveness is linked to changes in blood sugar and insulin.
If you want to look your best in the morning, it may be worth considering swapping your ultra-processed pastries and fruit juice for healthier options like wholemeal toast and tea without sugar.
A recent study conducted in France has found that individuals who consumed a breakfast rich in refined carbohydrates were rated as less attractive compared to those who opted for a breakfast consisting of healthier, unrefined carbs.
Scientists at the University of Montpellier believe that this subtle change in facial attractiveness may be driven by the effects of blood sugar and insulin on skin appearance, which can also have long-term impacts on sex hormones.
“It’s surprising to consider, but our dietary choices can have rapid effects on our appearance,” said Dr. Claire Berticat, an evolutionary biologist and the lead author of the study. “These physiological changes could subtly alter facial features, impacting how others perceive attractiveness.”
The Study and Findings
The study, which included 104 participants (52 men and 52 women) aged 20 to 30, randomly assigned them to have a 500-calorie breakfast rich in either refined or unrefined carbohydrates. The refined carbs breakfast included a French baguette made from industrially milled flour, jam, apple or orange juice, and tea or coffee with sugar available. The unrefined carbs meal consisted of stoneground wholemeal bread with butter and cheese, an orange or apple, and tea or coffee without sugar.
Before and after the breakfast, the scientists measured the volunteers’ blood sugar levels and subsequently took headshots of each participant under controlled lighting conditions. These photos were then analyzed by groups of raters, who were asked to approximate their age, evaluate their attractiveness, and determine their levels of masculinity and femininity.
The researchers found that consuming refined carbohydrates for breakfast had a negative effect on the facial attractiveness of both men and women. However, the longer-term effects of consuming refined carbohydrates were found to be more intricate and were based on questionnaire responses completed by the participants.
“The effects vary depending on gender and the type of meal consumed, underscoring the complex relationship between diet and attractiveness,” stated Berticat. “Our findings serve as a compelling reminder of the extensive impact that dietary choices can have on health, as well as other qualities that are of particular social importance, such as facial attractiveness.”
Understanding The Biology Behind the Results
Refined carbohydrates can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels, which subsequently prompts the body to release insulin. These fluctuations can cause sugar levels to drop excessively low, leading to a condition called hypoglycemia that negatively affects blood flow and skin appearance. In the study, only the breakfast rich in refined carbohydrates induced hypoglycemia among participants.
David Perrett, a psychology professor at the University of St Andrews who has conducted research on the impact of facial cues on health, noted that the connection between diet and attractiveness shouldn’t come as a surprise. Consuming fruits and vegetables, for example, enhances attractiveness by increasing plant pigments called carotenoids in the skin. On the other hand, high-sugar diets can contribute to premature skin aging.
“The authors of the study suggest that refined carbohydrates might affect peripheral blood flow, which can influence the appearance of the skin quite rapidly. When individuals feel sick, one can witness the impact within seconds as blood drains from the skin. Our research indicates that most people appear healthier and more attractive when their skin color reflects a mild increase in oxygenated blood,” explained Perrett.
Lasting Implications of the Research
This research emphasizes the importance of dietary choices not only for health but also for qualities that hold significant social importance, such as facial attractiveness. Berticat advises limiting the consumption of refined carbohydrates, given their already known negative impact on health.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for any health-related concerns or questions.
