Eating this type of food would affect our potential for seduction.
Our diet has seen a massive increase in the consumption of refined carbohydrates for several years. These are processed foods from which nutrients and fiber have been removed. Research has established adverse health effects linked to these refined carbohydrates that increase the amount of sugar in the blood such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. A new French study published in the journal PlosOne this time puts forward the idea that the consumption of refined carbohydrates can affect our power of attractiveness.
To achieve their result, researchers from the University of Montpellier followed 104 subjects, men and women. Some ate a menu rich in refined carbohydrates at three high-glycemic risk meals: breakfast, afternoon snack and snacking between meals. Others an alternative with a low glycemic index, that is to say, little raising the level of sugar in the blood. They completed a questionnaire to assess their refined carbohydrate consumption habits. Two hours after the meal, photos of the subjects were taken and distributed. The volunteers were then asked to rate their mutual attraction. Several criteria likely to influence the attractiveness of a person were taken into account:real ageperceived age,BMIsmoking habits, hairiness facial (for men) or physical activity.
“Men preferred women with a lower glycemic load at breakfast”
Results: Those who ate refined carbohydrates obtained lower facial attractiveness scores and were like this considered less attractive. “L’facial attractiveness, important factor in social interactions, appears to be influenced by the immediate and chronic consumption of refined carbohydrates in men and women. women“ share the researchers in a press release. Among foods rich in refined carbohydrates: white bread, white rice, non-wholemeal pasta, white flour, breakfast cereals, pastries, industrial cakes and even sodas.
The researchers also observed a difference in results between the sexes: “Men preferred women with a lower glycemic load at breakfast and afternoon snacks, and women preferred men with higher glycemic load at afternoon snacks and lower energy intake.” The scientists would now like to deepen their study by expanding and diversifying the sample of people observed, to understand why refined carbohydrates are linked to a person’s attractiveness.