In other words, our breakfasts can make us more attractive, or the opposite – less appealing.
Swap out that morning donut for some eggs, and you might just look sexier! This is the call to action from researchers at the University of Montpellier in France. The team of scientists has demonstrated that the amount of carbohydrates a person consumes is statistically linked to the attractiveness of their face, as rated by heterosexual members of the opposite sex.
To put it simply: people who eat more refined carbohydrates for breakfast may be perceived as less attractive by others. Refined carbohydrates are products that typically lose a significant portion of their nutritional value during processing. Examples include white bread, bagels, muffins, pastries, cookies, cakes, certain cereals, waffles, pancakes, pretzels, sugar, and most packaged snacks.
What the Researchers Discovered
The lead author of the study, Amandine Vizin, and her colleagues stated, “Chronic consumption of refined carbohydrates seems to influence facial attractiveness, which is an important factor in social interaction.”
The researchers involved 104 adult men and women in their study. Initially, participants were asked to complete a questionnaire about the amount of refined carbohydrates they typically consume.
During the experiment, some volunteers were fed breakfasts with a high glycemic index (that is, containing refined carbohydrates that spike blood sugar levels), while others received food with a low glycemic index.
Afterward, the appearance of the participants was evaluated by volunteers who had not eaten breakfast as part of the experiment. They were shown photographs of individuals of the opposite sex taken two hours after breakfast.
According to the evaluations, participants who had breakfasts with high glycemic index foods were rated as less attractive. This finding applied to both men and women, as reported by the Independent.
The researchers also suggested that chronic consumption of refined carbohydrates during breakfast and snacks negatively impacts external attractiveness, regardless of factors such as body mass index (BMI) and age.
Meanwhile, breakfasts featuring high-energy foods with a low glycemic index were associated with higher attractiveness ratings. Such foods include fruits, yogurt, nuts, and eggs.
The team stated that further research is needed with larger and more diverse participant samples. Scientists aim to understand how refined carbohydrates may be linked not only to attractiveness but also to other social characteristics.
The results of the study were published in the journal PLOS One.