In a new study recently, researchers report interesting findings linking the consumption of refined carbohydrates - such as sugary snacks and highly processed foods - to changes in facial attractiveness. The study found that people who ate a high glycemic index breakfast were viewed as less attractive than those who ate a low glycemic index meal.
The shift to a diet high in refined carbohydrates - foods low in natural fibre and high in added sugars - has contributed not only to the spread of various metabolic diseases, but also to the curiosity about their possible effects on human physical characteristics, including the face, awakened. Attraction. Given the role of attractiveness in social interactions, mating preferences, and even career success, it is important to understand its connection to diet.
“Although the effects of refined carbohydrates on some hormones are well documented, what is less known is that they may also have effects on sex hormones. Some characteristics, such as facial attractiveness, are influenced by sex hormones. “So the opportunity to discover a previously unexplored connection between refined carbohydrate intake and attractiveness was very interesting.”
The research team recruited a total of 104 participants between the ages of 20 and 30, evenly divided between women and men. The recruitment process included telephone interviews conducted online through university networks and social media platforms, targeting an appropriate demographic group to provide a homogeneous sample in terms of age and health status.The participants were asked to come to the learning sessions early in the morning on an empty stomach. Upon arrival, participants were randomly assigned one of two types of isocaloric breakfasts: one high in refined carbohydrates and one low in carbohydrates. Approximately two hours after eating their assigned breakfast, participants were photographed under standard conditions to ensure consistent lighting, background, and location.
The attractiveness of participants was rated by a separate group of raters (110 men and 142 women) recruited in public places and carefully selected to minimise cultural bias. Raters rated the facial photos based on perceived age, masculinity/femininity, and overall attractiveness.The goal of this evaluation process was to objectively measure the influence of nutritional factors on others' perception of faces.
To assess chronic eating habits, participants completed detailed dietary questionnaires on their intake at breakfast, afternoon snacks, and between-meal snacks the day before the study. This information was used to calculate the glycemic load and energy intake of these meals, providing a complete picture of participants' usual refined carbohydrate intake.
Additional data were collected on various demographic, lifestyle, and health factors, including physical activity, smoking, and, for women, hormonal contraceptive use.
It found that participants who ate a high glycemic index breakfast (rich in refined carbohydrates) were less attractive than those who ate a low glycemic index breakfast. This effect was observed in both male and female participants. The researchers suggested that this was related to the physiological effects of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), such as changes in blood flow to the skin and complexion that occur after consuming foods with a high glycemic index.
When examining chronic consumption of refined carbohydrates by measuring glycemic load, researchers found that higher energy intake at breakfast was associated with greater attractiveness for both men and women, suggesting that foods high in fat and Protein content that does not cause rapid reactions could have a positive effect on chronic consumption of refined carbohydrates. positive influence on allure.
In contrast, chronic consumption of refined carbohydrates, particularly during afternoon snacks and between meals, was generally associated with decreased attractiveness.This effect was thought to be due to the long-term physiological consequences of high and sustained glycemic load, such as: B.Hyperinsulinemia, which can affect sex hormone levels and thus also secondary sexual characteristics.
However, the effect of refined carbohydrate intake on attractiveness varied depending on the specific meal and gender of the participants. For example, while high energy intake at breakfast increased attractiveness in both sexes, the glycemic load of afternoon snacks had the opposite effect in men and women. Men with a higher glycemic load of this afternoon snack were perceived as more attractive, while for women, a lower glycemic load of this meal was associated with greater attractiveness“The different effects of different meals on attractiveness highlight the complexity of the influence of diet on physiology. The fact that the eco-physiology of food intake evolves throughout the day (physiology, needs, environment, cultural habits, etc.) could be an interesting explanation for further research".
Importantly, the study took into account a number of potential confounding factors, including physical activity, BMI, smoking and, in women, hormonal contraceptive use.These variables significantly influenced attractiveness ratings, highlighting the complexity of attractiveness and the importance of considering a wide range of factors when examining the influence of diet on physical appearance.
However, this study, like all others, has some limitations, e.g. B. the fact that factors such as skin colour, menstrual cycle, sleep quality and general nutritional quality are not taken into account.
“Our results convincingly remind us of the remarkable influence of food choices not only on health, but also on characteristics of particular social importance, such as facial attractiveness,” said Berticat. “Investigating how refined carbohydrate intake may influence other traits influenced by sex hormones can provide valuable insights into the complex interplay between nutrition, biology and social behaviour".