Eat Your Way to a Healthy Glow

The study, carried out by Ian Stephen from Bristol University, claimed that pale complexions can be enhanced in one month by people who follow a five-a-day diet. He told Marieclaire.co.uk that carotenoid pigments in plants could be the reason that fruit and vegetables help deliver an attractive glow to the skin.

Dr Sarah Schenker, a dietician with The Nutrition Society, said that one possible reason for the “glowing look” is the beta carotene content, which is a form of Vitamin A. She said that beta carotene is found in most bright coloured vegetables and fruits such as peppers, tomatoes and melons.

Schenker said that she has previously seen eating high supplements of beta carotene lead to orange-looking skin, however, she said that if eaten at a much lower level, it could give the skin a glow.

Although studies found vegetables and fruit can cause the skin to have a “tanned look”, Schenker warned nothing conclusive can be drawn from this yet.

“We can’t get too excited because we need a lot more research and evidence,” she said. “We need more information about how vitamins directly affect the skin.”

While there is still debate on whether vegetables and fruits do give skin a glow, there are many other benefits they have on skin.

Both vegetables and fruit have high water content, which makes them low in calories and can make skin appear more healthy and hydrated.

Schenker also said along with beta carotene, vegetables and fruits contain Vitamin C and E, which are important for skin health.

All three act as antioxidants, which help prevent skin damage and maintain tissue stabilisation.

Those that took part in the study were given a diet of five fresh fruit and vegetables every day for a month. Before and after photos were then rated for attractiveness and results revealed that the “after” faces were consistently ranked higher.

Find more ways to give your skin a healthy glow.