This Study Says Your Breakfast Choice Could Affect Your Attractiveness

It is no secret that how we sleep at night affects the way we look in the morning. But did you know that what you eat at breakfast could also be affecting your appearance? A recent study published in Plos One (a peer reviewed open access journal), found that a breakfast high in refined carbohydrates could reduce your attractiveness.

So, should you rethink your morning meal choices? What should you eat for breakfast? Continue reading as our aesthetic clinic in Singapore dives a little deeper into the association between a refined carbs breakfast and perceived facial attractiveness. 

What does the study involve?

The study, which was conducted by researchers in France, involved 104 participants (52 male and 52 female adults), aged 20 to 30. They were randomly given or assigned a 500-calorie breakfast that contained either a high level of refined or unrefined carbohydrates. 

What’s for breakfast? – The refined carbs meal included a French baguette made from industrially milled flour, jam, apple or orange juice, and tea or coffee with sugar if requested. The unrefined carbs breakfast, on the other hand, included stoneground wholemeal bread with butter and cheese, an apple or orange, and beverages without sugar. 

Rating of the attractiveness – The researchers took headshots of each participant, as well as measured their blood sugar levels after they had eaten their breakfast. The pictures were then given to a group of people who would rate or estimate the age of the subjects, how attractive they look, or how masculine and feminine they seem. 

The findings

Refined carbohydrates cause blood sugar spikes and are said to have a high glycemic index. They have also gone through a manufacturing process that eliminates most of their nutritional value.

High glycemic breakfasts lower attractiveness ratings – The scientists from the University of Montpellier found a statistical relationship between the amount of carbs consumed and perceived attractiveness. The research article said, “immediate consumption of a high glycemic breakfast decreased facial attractiveness for men and women.” Healthier breakfast, meanwhile, increased attractiveness levels.

Carbohydrates and lower attractiveness – Chronic consumption of refined carbs (at breakfast and snacks), according to the study, was associated with lower attractiveness ratings, regardless of other factors such as age and body mass index (BMI).

High-energy foods affect attractiveness ratings – High-energy foods, the research found, were linked to higher attractiveness ratings. However, for afternoon snacking in men, high-energy intake was linked to decreased attractiveness while high-glycemic intake was associated with higher attractiveness. 

Further research, of course, is required due to the limited sample size and other factors excluded in the study.

For further reading: How Does Your Diet Affect Your Skin?

So, what should you eat for breakfast?

Regardless of what the study found, it is still important to eat a balanced breakfast. If you’re looking to start your day right, a healthy morning meal, which has protein, fiber, healthy fats, and micronutrients, is a great way to do it. Nutritious breakfast choices include: 

• Eggs
• Oats
• Whole grain toast
• Chia seeds
• Greek yogurt
• Fresh fruits
• Smoothie
• Green tea

Benefits of a nutritious breakfast include: 

• Provides lasting energy
• Helps you keep full for hours
• Replenishes nutrients in the body
• Helps control/manage your weight
• Boosts your brainpower
• Helps you make better food choices later in the day

For further reading: Limit These Foods for Clear, Healthy Skin

How Cutis can help

If there is something you wish to improve or enhance in your appearance, our aesthetic clinic in Singapore might be able to help. This is especially true for skin concerns such as aging, dullness, pigmentation, and rough skin texture. We also have non-surgical body procedures for contouring and sculpting your physique. 

Don’t hesitate to contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics to learn more or schedule a consultation with one of our aesthetic doctors. 

Sources:

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0298984#sec021

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2024/mar/06/people-who-eat-breakfast-high-in-refined-carbs-rated-less-attractive-study-finds