Hanukkah 2023: Ofer Ben Natan's Croissant Donut, Pop & Pop Bakery, Tel Aviv/Yaniv Garnot
If you were looking for another reason to drop the croissant from your hands, now, a new study has found that beyond the known health risks of refined carbohydrates, chronic consumption of them may harm the attractiveness and appearance of the face in both men and women.
The Western diet rich in refined carbohydrates such as flour and white sugar has been linked to health problems such as obesity and diabetes.
In addition to these medical problems, preliminary evidence suggests that a high consumption of refined carbohydrates may affect the attractiveness of the person who eats them.
Researchers from the University of Montpellier in France studied 104 French adults to investigate how chronic consumption affected perceived facial attractiveness.
"Attractiveness, and especially facial attractiveness, is an important trait that affects a variety of key social outcomes such as mate selection or partner exchange decisions. This is why we investigated the connection," said Dr. Claire Barticut, author of the study.
Hanukkah 2023: Ofer Ben Natan's Croissant Donut, Pop & Pop Bakery, Tel Aviv/Walla! System, Yaniv Garnot
To investigate the connection, the researchers provided some participants with a high-glycemic breakfast, rich in refined carbohydrates that would raise blood sugar, while others were given a low-glycemic option.
Next, heterosexual volunteers were asked to rate the facial attractiveness of opposite-sex participants based on photos taken two hours after their breakfast.
Participants' usual carbohydrate intake was assessed using a questionnaire.
"Statistical analysis showed that consumption of a high-glycemic breakfast was associated with lower subsequent attractiveness ratings for both men and women. Chronic consumption of refined carbohydrates during breakfast was also associated with lower attractiveness ratings, although consumption of energy-dense foods was associated with higher attractiveness ratings higher," it says.
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"Facial attractiveness, an important determinant of social interactions, appears to be affected by immediate and chronic consumption of refined carbohydrates in men and women," the authors wrote.
"Our findings serve as a compelling reminder of the far-reaching impact of dietary choices not only on health but also on traits of particular social importance such as facial attractiveness. Investigating how refined carbohydrate consumption may affect other traits influenced by sex hormones may provide important insights. The complex interplay between nutrition, biology, and social behavior," Barticat said.
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