Hitting the breakfast buffet? A new study may sway your decisions.
Eating a meaty full English breakfast makes men more attractive, researchers from the University of Montpellier claim.
However, carb-rich croissants and muffins make women seem ugly, scientists say.
Scientists found the first meal of the day has a vital impact on sex hormones in the body, affecting how attractive someone appears to the opposite sex.
‘Our findings serve as a compelling reminder of the far-reaching impact of dietary choices not only on health, but also on traits with social importance such as facial attractiveness,’ said Claire Berticat, lead author of the study.
Scientists found the first meal of the day has a vital impact on sex hormones in the body, affecting how attractive someone appears to the opposite sex
Starchy or sugary afternoon snacks, such as crisps or biscuits, can also make men look more attractive due to the glucose boost – but not women.
This is because high blood sugar levels, known as hyperglycaemia, have an ageing effect on the skin and may suppress hormones used to woo men.
The study, conducted at the University of Montpellier in France, measured the facial attractiveness of individuals two hours after eating different types of breakfast.
A fatty, protein-rich fry-up of bacon, sausages, and eggs was found to boost the attractiveness of men and, to a lesser extent, women.
But refined carbohydrates, like those found in pastries and cakes, had the opposite effect on women alone – the ‘glycemic load’ from these foods made them look unattractive.
Researcher Claire Berticat said: ‘Consumption of refined carbohydrates, whether immediate or chronic, affects facial attractiveness.
‘We observed differences in how men and women responded to different meals.
‘For men, an increase in energy intake during breakfast also increased attractiveness.
‘However, the reduced attractiveness resulting from an increase in glycemic load during breakfast was restricted to women.
‘Investigating how refined carbohydrate consumption may influence other traits influenced by sexual hormones could provide valuable insights into the complex interplay between diet, biology, and social behaviour.’
The study pointed out that obesity in men often leads to lowered testosterone levels, while in women it can cause an excess of sex hormones known as hyperandrogenism.
Excess consumption of carb-rich foods can lead to various health conditions including obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
