A Reason to Reduce Carbs
There’s no denying that we all love to indulge in a selection of carbs from time to time, whether it be bread, pasta, potatoes, or even refined sugary snacks.
Source: Freepik
While we know a diet high in refined carbs is terrible for overall health, a new study suggests they may also be detrimental to our looks.
Do Carbs Make You Ugly?
A recent study performed at the University of Montpellier in France has made a connection between carbohydrate consumption and an individual’s facial attractiveness.
Source: Freepik
Western diets consist heavily of highly processed carbohydrates, which have been linked to cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes. Now, preliminary evidence gained from the French study suggests it may also affect a person’s attractiveness.
French University Performs Experiment
The French university conducted an experiment involving 104 males and females to test their theory.
Source: Freepik
The study saw one group of participants eat a breakfast of refined carbohydrates, whereas the other half received a low-glycemic meal.
Participants Are Rated by the Opposite Sex
Two hours after the meal, the participants were photographed, and additional heterosexual volunteers rated their physical attractiveness.
Source: Freepik
In an attempt to reduce cultural heterogeneity, only volunteers with four European grandparents were asked to partake in the experiment.
Higher Carbs Lead to Lower Facial Attractiveness
Once the researchers collected and analyzed the data, they concluded that eating carbohydrates did, in fact, lead to lower facial attractiveness ratings.
Source: Freepik
Meanwhile, those who consumed less refined, high-energy foods scored higher attractiveness ratings.
Carbs Can Affect Level of Attractiveness
At the end of the study, the researchers commented on the effects of carbs on physical attractiveness.
Source: Freepik
They wrote, “Facial attractiveness, an important factor of social interactions, seems to be impacted by immediate and chronic refined carbohydrate consumption in men and women.”
Further Studies Need to Be Completed
The researchers also suggested that the results were accurate even after accounting for other factors that could have lowered scores, including BMI, actual age, facial hair, and smoking habits.
Source: Freepik
They suggested that more extensive studies with more diverse groups are needed to better understand the link between overindulging in refined carbohydrates and physical attraction.
Junk Food Is Detrimental for Health
But if the thought of being ugly is motivating enough, a new study suggests there are over 30 long-term health problems associated with refined carbs.
Source: Freepik
Overindulgence in carbs is thought to lead to disturbances in sleep, depression, and even early cardiovascular disease, which could lead to death.
Ultra-Processed Foods Lead to Early Death
The study’s author, Dr. Melissa Lane, explained that overexposure to ultra-processed foods leads to various health problems.
Source: Freepik
“Overall, direct associations were found between exposure to ultra-processed foods and 32 (71%) health parameters spanning mortality, cancer, and mental, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and metabolic health outcomes,” she said (via 9 News).
Urgent Need to Reduce Refined Carbs
According to Dr. Lane, the study’s results suggest that the risks associated with a diet high in refined carbohydrates should be a sign that the Western food system must urgently change.
Source: Freepik
She wrote, “These findings support urgent mechanistic research and public health actions that seek to target and minimize ultra-processed food consumption for improved population health” (via The New York Post).
Refined Carbs Negatively Affect Your Looks and Health
In recent years, data from several studies has made a clear association between a diet high in refined carbs and poor health.
Source: Freepik
However, if the health scares aren’t enough to force you to reduce refined carbohydrates, maybe the French study suggesting that carbohydrates lower physical attractiveness might be enough to tempt you.