Eating Well for a Better You

Eat good, feel good, look good. If you’ve been feeling down in the dumps over your looks, giving yourself a positivity jumpstart could be as simple as making room in your diet for the right foods, experts say.

The Link Between Foods and Appearance

While new research reveals that eating carbs makes you appear unattractive, there are lots of natural foods that actually have appearance-boosting effects, improving the quality of your skin and even making you smell better.

The Power of Carotenoids

For starters, seek out foods rich in carotenoids. Carotenoids are a substance that gives many fruits and vegetables their vibrant hue. These foods not only make your meals look appetizing, but a 2012 report associated carotenoids with making people more attractive. Regular consumption of carotenoids over six weeks can result in a golden tint to the skin.

Foods Rich in Carotenoids

Fruits and vegetables that are rich in carotenoids include sweet potatoes, carrots, butternut squash, and dark leafy greens like spinach and kale, according to experts.

Other sources of carotenoids are orange peppers, corn, asparagus, tomatoes and tomato products, watermelons, grapefruits, and guavas.

Egg yolks and pistachios are also good sources.

The Pleasant Side Effect: Improved Body Odor

Believe it or not, carotenoids can even boost body odor so that it smells more pleasant. In a 2017 research study, sweat was found to smell better when on a high-carotenoid diet. Specifically, women reacted more positively when smelling sweat from men who had consumed more fruit and vegetables. Certain antioxidants and nutrients found in fruits and veggies can help neutralize the body’s odor-causing compound, leading to a more pleasant smelling sweat. The phytonutrients in fruits and veggies are also associated with boosting mood and cognitive function.

The Role of Collagen

Another beautifying substance found in common meats and healthy fats is collagen. Collagen is known for boosting skin elasticity and growth for muscles, skin, nails, and hair. Abundant amounts of collagen can be found in hearty meals such as pot roast, brisket, and chuck steak. It is also present in bone broth and the bones and skin of fresh and saltwater fish.

The Importance of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and flax seeds, can also help improve appearance. Omega-3 fatty acids help support the skin’s lipid barrier, lock in hydration, and have anti-inflammatory effects.

By incorporating these foods into your diet, you can nourish your body and improve your appearance at the same time.