Summary: A new study reveals a statistical connection between the consumption of refined carbohydrates and decreased facial attractiveness, as judged by heterosexual volunteers of the opposite sex. Participants who consumed a high-glycemic breakfast, rich in refined carbohydrates, were rated as less attractive than those who had a low-glycemic meal.
This research, involving 104 French adults, adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that diet, specifically the intake of refined carbohydrates found in the Western diet, may impact non-medical traits such as attractiveness. The study also observed sex-specific differences in how snack consumption affects attractiveness, highlighting the complex relationship between diet and social perceptions.
Key Facts:
Source: PLOS
In a new study, participants levels of consumption of refined carbohydrates were statistically linked with their facial attractiveness as rated by heterosexual volunteers of the opposite sex.
Visine and colleagues at the University of Montpellier, France, present these findings in the open-access journalPLOS ONEon March 6, 2024.
The Western diet consists of high levels of refined carbohydratesfoods processed in ways that typically remove much of their nutritional value, such as white flour, table sugar, and ingredients in many packaged snacks.
Prior research has linked increased consumption of refined carbohydrates with adverse health effects, such as obesity, type II diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
Preliminary evidence has suggested that consuming high levels of refined carbohydrates might also affect non-medical traits, such as a persons attractiveness.
To further explore this possibility, Visine and colleagues conducted a study involving 104 French male and female adults.
The researchers gave some of the participants a high-glycemic breakfastone with refined carbohydrates known to boost blood sugar levelswhile others received a low-glycemic breakfast.
The participants also completed a questionnaire to evaluate their typical habits of consumption of refined carbohydrates. Additional heterosexual volunteers were then asked to rate the facial attractiveness of opposite-sex participants as captured in photos taken two hours after the provided breakfast.
Only participants and volunteers with four grandparents of European origin were included in this research, to reduce cultural heterogeneity.
Statistical analysis showed that consuming the high-glycemic breakfast was associated with lower subsequent facial attractiveness ratings for both men and women.
Chronic consumption of refined carbohydrates during breakfast and snacks was also associated with lower attractiveness ratings, although consumption of high-energy foods at these times was associated with higher attractiveness ratings.
The researchers noted some sex differences: for afternoon snacking in men specifically, high-energy intake was instead associated with lower attractiveness ratings, while high-glycemic intake was linked to higher attractiveness ratings.
All results held true after statistically accounting for other factors that could affect attractiveness, such as actual age, perceived age, BMI, smoking habits, and facial hairiness.
Further research, including for larger and more diverse sample sizes, is needed to deepen understanding of exactly how refined carbohydrates may be linked to attractiveness and other social traits.
The authors add: Facial attractiveness, an important factor of social interactions, seems to be impacted by immediate and chronic refined carbohydrate consumption in men and women.
Funding:This work was supported by Agence Nationale pour la Recherche HUMANWAY project (ANR-12- BSV7-0008-01). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.
Author: Hanna Abdallah Source: PLOS Contact: Hanna Abdallah PLOS Image: The image is credited to Neuroscience News
Original Research: Open access. Chronic and immediate refined carbohydrate consumption and facial attractiveness by Visine A et al. PLOS ONE
Abstract
Chronic and immediate refined carbohydrate consumption and facial attractiveness
The Western diet has undergone a massive switch since the second half of the 20thcentury, with the massive increase of the consumption of refined carbohydrate associated with many adverse health effects.
The physiological mechanisms linked to this consumption, such as hyperglycaemia and hyperinsulinemia, may impact non medical traits such as facial attractiveness.
To explore this issue, the relationship between facial attractiveness and immediate and chronic refined carbohydrate consumption estimated by glycemic load was studied for 104 French subjects.
Facial attractiveness was assessed by opposite sex raters using pictures taken two hours after a controlled breakfast. Chronic consumption was assessed considering three high glycemic risk meals: breakfast, afternoon snacking and between-meal snacking.
Immediate consumption of a high glycemic breakfast decreased facial attractiveness for men and women while controlling for several control variables, including energy intake. Chronic refined carbohydrate consumption had different effects on attractiveness depending on the meal and/or the sex.
Chronic refined carbohydrate consumption, estimated by the glycemic load, during the three studied meals reduced attractiveness, while a high energy intake increased it.
Nevertheless, the effect was reversed for men concerning the afternoon snack, for which a high energy intake reduced attractiveness and a high glycemic load increased it.
These effects were maintained when potential confounders for facial attractiveness were controlled such as age, age departure from actual age, masculinity/femininity (perceived and measured), BMI, physical activity, parental home ownership, smoking, couple status, hormonal contraceptive use (for women), and facial hairiness (for men).
Results were possibly mediated by an increase in age appearance for women and a decrease in perceived masculinity for men. The physiological differences between the three meals studied and the interpretation of the results from an adaptive/maladaptive point of view in relation to our new dietary environment are discussed.
See more here:
Refined Carb Intake's Effect on Facial Attractiveness - Neuroscience News
- Unlocking Flow: The Neuroscience of Creative Bliss - Neuroscience News - April 15th, 2024 [April 15th, 2024]
- Revolutionizing Glioblastoma Treatment - Neuroscience News - April 15th, 2024 [April 15th, 2024]
- Decoding spontaneous thoughts from the brain via machine learning - EurekAlert - April 15th, 2024 [April 15th, 2024]
- Reducing Toxic AI Responses - Neuroscience News - April 15th, 2024 [April 15th, 2024]
- Advancing the neuroscience of human pregnancy - Nature.com - April 15th, 2024 [April 15th, 2024]
- Angela Bryan Awarded Hazel Barnes Prize | Psychology and Neuroscience - University of Colorado Boulder - April 15th, 2024 [April 15th, 2024]
- How Old Are You in Your Head? The Neuroscience of Subjective Age Reveals How to Stay Mentally Young - Inc. - April 15th, 2024 [April 15th, 2024]
- Biohaven Showcases Innovative Neuroscience Portfolio with 20 Presentations at the 2024 American Academy of ... - PR Newswire - April 15th, 2024 [April 15th, 2024]
- Those Who Use Willpower Deemed More Trustworthy - Neuroscience News - April 15th, 2024 [April 15th, 2024]
- How Sex and Gender Shape Our Cognition - Neuroscience News - April 15th, 2024 [April 15th, 2024]
- War's Toll on the Brain: Widespread PTSD and Anxiety Among Ukrainians - Neuroscience News - April 15th, 2024 [April 15th, 2024]
- Paints and Pesticides Linked to ALS Risk - Neuroscience News - April 15th, 2024 [April 15th, 2024]
- AI STORIES: A New Vision for AI and Narratives - Neuroscience News - April 15th, 2024 [April 15th, 2024]
- Neuroscience Breakthrough Unveils How We Learn and Remember - SciTechDaily - April 15th, 2024 [April 15th, 2024]
- Pregnancy's Toll: Accelerated Aging in Young Mothers - Neuroscience News - April 15th, 2024 [April 15th, 2024]
- Learning and Memory Formation's Molecular Basis - Neuroscience News - April 15th, 2024 [April 15th, 2024]
- Acetaminophen in Pregnancy Not Linked to Autism, ADHD Risk - Neuroscience News - April 15th, 2024 [April 15th, 2024]
- Childhood Loneliness Linked to Later Psychosis - Neuroscience News - April 15th, 2024 [April 15th, 2024]
- Vigil Neuroscience, Inc. (NASDAQ:VIGL) Expected to Post Q1 2024 Earnings of ($0.58) Per Share - Defense World - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- International Brain Research Organisation (IBRO) Diversity Grants 2024 Opportunity Desk - Opportunity Desk - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- Hereditary Alzheimer's Transmitted Via Bone Marrow Transplants - Neuroscience News - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- Household Chemicals Linked to Brain Health Risks - Neuroscience News - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- Cheers to Longevity: Couples Who Drink Together, Live Longer - Neuroscience News - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- Sleeplessness Makes You Feel Up To Ten Years Older - Neuroscience News - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- Aging Brain Cells Have Prolonged Death Process - Neuroscience News - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- Anxiety Drives Wishful Thinking to Risky Levels - Neuroscience News - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- Prolonged Progestogen Use Linked to Brain Tumor Risk - Neuroscience News - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- The Genetic Secrets of Neuron Formation - Neuroscience News - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- Vigil Neuroscience Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Financial Results and Provides Business Update - Yahoo Finance - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- Big research, little time: Medical neuroscience student wins 3 Minute Thesis finals - Dal News - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- The new NeuroAI - Nature.com - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- Exploring Aphantasia: The Mind Without a Mental Picture - Neuroscience News - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- Altered Brain pH Linked to Cognitive Disorders - Neuroscience News - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- Emotion vs. Reason: Rethinking Decision-Making - Neuroscience News - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- DNA Damage and Inflammation Key to Memory Formation - Neuroscience News - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- Embracing Neurodiversity: Beyond Stigma to Strength - Neuroscience News - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- Devil in the Details: The Visual World of Prosopometamorphopsia - Neuroscience News - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute receives $2M grant for ultrasound drug addiction treatments - Health Imaging - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- Empathy Begins in Infancy - Neuroscience News - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- Mapping Brain Activity with Brain-Computer Interface Technology - Neuroscience News - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- Want Better Mental Focus? Neuroscience Just Found This Simple, Joyful Activity Helps Your Brain Concentrate - Inc. - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- The neuroscience of groove: Why certain rhythms make us want to dance - PsyPost - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- High Rates of Suicidal Ideation in Rural Black Men - Neuroscience News - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- Harmony in Chaos: How BPD Influences Music Tastes - Neuroscience News - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute receives $2M Grant - WDTV - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- Study Links Diet, Diabetes, and Alzheimers - Neuroscience News - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- Neuroscience and Society Series: Aligning Science with the Public's Values - The Hastings Center - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- Hardwiring Your Brain: The Neuroscience Of Behaviour Change | TheHealthSite.com - TheHealthSite - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- Linking Childhood Adversity to Adult Mental Health - Neuroscience News - March 11th, 2024 [March 11th, 2024]
- Overnight neuronal plasticity and adaptation to emotional distress - Nature.com - March 11th, 2024 [March 11th, 2024]
- Less Obesity and Depression in NPD Individuals - Neuroscience News - March 11th, 2024 [March 11th, 2024]
- Unlocking Creative Flow: How the Brain Enters the Zone - Neuroscience News - March 11th, 2024 [March 11th, 2024]
- Self-Control, Not Impulsivity, Paves the Way to Power - Neuroscience News - March 11th, 2024 [March 11th, 2024]
- 3D Maps Reveal Molecular Complexities of the Brain - Neuroscience News - March 11th, 2024 [March 11th, 2024]
- Loneliness Linked to Personality Disorders - Neuroscience News - March 11th, 2024 [March 11th, 2024]
- Gen Z's Climate Anxiety: A Call for Action and Hope - Neuroscience News - March 11th, 2024 [March 11th, 2024]
- Decoding Emotions: Beyond Senses in the Human Brain - Neuroscience News - March 11th, 2024 [March 11th, 2024]
- Brain Circuit Balances Speech and Breath - Neuroscience News - March 11th, 2024 [March 11th, 2024]
- Schizophrenia and Aging Share Brain Changes - Neuroscience News - March 11th, 2024 [March 11th, 2024]
- Monitoring Spinal Cord Activity During Surgery in Real-Time - Neuroscience News - March 11th, 2024 [March 11th, 2024]
- Scientists team up with jazz musicians to reveal the neuroscience of creative flow - PsyPost - March 11th, 2024 [March 11th, 2024]
- Peer Pressure Persists Through Adulthood - Neuroscience News - March 11th, 2024 [March 11th, 2024]
- Mary Bartlett Bunge, 92, Dies; Pioneer in Spinal Injury Treatment - The New York Times - March 11th, 2024 [March 11th, 2024]
- Rethinking Reminiscence: Theater's Ageism Dilemma Unveiled - Neuroscience News - March 11th, 2024 [March 11th, 2024]
- PTSD: Virtual Reality and Magnetic Stimulation Provide Relief - Neuroscience News - March 11th, 2024 [March 11th, 2024]
- The Partisan Morality Divide: When Politics Shapes Right and Wrong - Neuroscience News - March 11th, 2024 [March 11th, 2024]
- Biological Sciences Professor Terrence Sejnowski Wins Brain Prize - University of California San Diego - March 11th, 2024 [March 11th, 2024]
- Pioneering work in computational and theoretical neuroscience is awarded the world's largest brain research prize - afp.com - March 11th, 2024 [March 11th, 2024]
- Substance Abuse Beyond Dopamine and Impulsivity - Neuroscience News - March 11th, 2024 [March 11th, 2024]
- Pioneering work in computational and theoretical neuroscience is awarded the world's largest brain research prize - Business Wire - March 11th, 2024 [March 11th, 2024]
- Dal study of football players sheds light on how concussions affect the brain - Yahoo Canada Sports - March 11th, 2024 [March 11th, 2024]
- Hebrew University's Haim Sompolinsky awarded prestigious Brain Prize for pioneering neuroscience research - The Times of Israel - March 11th, 2024 [March 11th, 2024]
- Harvard neuroscientist Haim Sompolinsky awarded Brain Prize - EurekAlert - March 11th, 2024 [March 11th, 2024]
- Rhythm in the Brain: Music Exposure Influences Rhythmic Interpretation - Neuroscience News - March 11th, 2024 [March 11th, 2024]
- Physicist Haim Sompolinsky first Israeli to win largest brain science research prize - The Times of Israel - March 11th, 2024 [March 11th, 2024]
- Prestigious 2024 Brain Prize awarded to Hebrew University's Prof. Haim Sompolinsky by Lundbeck Foundation - EurekAlert - March 11th, 2024 [March 11th, 2024]
- Pioneering work in computational and theoretical neuroscience is awarded the world's largest brain research prize - EurekAlert - March 11th, 2024 [March 11th, 2024]
- Role of AI in Neuroscience Research and Understanding of the Human Brain - Medriva - February 13th, 2024 [February 13th, 2024]
- Healis selected to present at key biotechnology and neuroscience investor conferences in Amsterdam, New York, - EIN News - February 13th, 2024 [February 13th, 2024]
- Brain's Method for Preserving Cognition in Aging Revealed - Neuroscience News - February 13th, 2024 [February 13th, 2024]