The world would be a very different place if our outward appearance reflected the content of our character. In such a scenario, some prized beauty of the past and lose their luster.
Also, the covers of glossy magazines and major newspapers have modest figures that really make the world a better place. For better or worse, that is an alternative reality that I do not think will ever come about. However, there is a way to improve external beauty by changing what you put on your face and plate.
Many progressive dermatologists will tell you that eating a diet rich in antioxidants can protect the skin from the harmful effects of sun and other environmental insults. There is just enough data is available in the scientific literature for them to feel comfortable mentioning such a strategy. Some really cutting edge skin experts will go so far as to recommend avoiding high-glycemic carbohydrates as a means of slowing the aging process by reducing the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). But at the end of the day, most dermatologists recommend eventually different creams, lotions, medications and procedures to improve dermal appearance. The so-called beauty with a price.
New research from the University of Nottingham shows that a healthy diet can literally attractive. The findings published in the latest edition of the Journal of Evolution and Human Behavior report pigments found in certain fruits and vegetables to give a healthy glow to the skin that differs from that reached by the sun. The natural dyes in question are known as carotenoids, which the rich colors present in a variety of foods including avocados, pumpkins, spinach and tomato production. According to the lead author of the study, Dr. Ian Stephen, “Most people think the best way to improve skin color to a brown color, but our research shows that eating lots of fruits and vegetables is actually effective.” The present study used a combination of food frequency questionnaires and photos to determine the perceived attractiveness. What’s more, this apparent phenomenon is not the exclusive domain of humans. For example, male birds with bright yellow or golden beaks and feathers are known to be attractive to female birds searching for a partner.
There is also evidence that carotenoids may appearance of the skin and the protection of health in the long term. Several recent studies show that both dietary and supplementary sources of carotenoids effective: a) decrease “crows feet” and the general facial wrinkling in women- b) reduce photo aging by protecting against ultraviolet-induced skin damage- c) improvement of elasticity of the skin, reducing wrinkles, and by using Moroccan oil.
Eating a “rainbow”-style diet that includes many colorful food with a good plan for other common skin conditions too. A particularly dramatic example is found in the June 2010 issue of the journal Allergy. In that publication, the researchers found that mothers who consumed large quantities of “green and yellow vegetables, citrus fruits, and beta-carotene” babies who were less likely to suffer from eczema had. Another ongoing research notes that adult patients with psoriasis tend to have lower levels of carotenoids in the skin. This vibrant plant pigments can even help reduce the incidence of the most feared of all skin disease: melanoma.
If the current column is enough to encourage you to search for more carotenoid-rich foods, keep this in mind: they are found in the most unlikely places. A good starting point is to eat lots of avocados, canned pumpkin, green leafy vegetables, heirloom tomatoes, organic eggs and squash. But a fact often overlooked is that the carotenoids are also present in significant quantities in herbs and spices such as basil, chili peppers, coriander, parsley and tarragon. You can also increase the bioavailability of these powerful antioxidants to increase by preparing them with acidulants and spices including lemon juice, onions and turmeric. And do not forget the fat. Carotenoids are, after all, fat soluble. So eat them with some extra virgin olive oil or other healthy fats makes much sense. I do not know about you but for me, this sounds much more attractive than baking in the sun for hours or getting a facelift.
