Yet Another Reason To Eat Your Vegetables

From left: suntanned, neutral, veggie glow

If longevity isn’t reason enough for some to eat their vegetables, perhaps the allure of beauty poses a more persuasive argument. In a fascinating series of studies by researchers at the University of Nottingham, results illustrate that in Caucasians, the rosy skin hue that accompanies frequent vegetable consumption is considered more attractive than a tan. The culprit appears to be carotenoids – a nutrient found in some fruits, leafy greens, and root vegetables.

Investigators found that people with diets high in fruits and vegetables had demonstrably yellower skin, but the researchers were unsure if the glow from the vegetable consumption would be perceived differently from one achieved by sitting in the sun. Study participants were asked to look at several dozen different Caucasian faces and adjust the skin tones to the hues that they thought looked healthiest. The veggie glow beat out the sun tanned look a significant amount of the time.

If you need more encouragement to eat those veggies, here it is. Beyond the invaluable benefits of cancer fighting antioxidants, weight management, and reduced risk of chronic disease, now you know – vegetables make you look good too.