Exploring the Link: Are people who eat healthy more attractive?

October 13, 2025 •

4 min read

According to researchers from the University of St. Andrews, eating as little as two extra portions of fruits and vegetables a day can lead to a noticeable change in skin color, contributing to a perceived healthy glow. This compelling insight helps address the common question: Are people who eat healthy more attractive? The scientific consensus suggests that diet plays a significant, measurable role in enhancing features associated with physical appeal and overall wellbeing.

Quick Summary

This article examines the science behind the connection between diet and physical appeal, covering how proper nutrition affects skin color, body odor, weight, and general health perception. It details the role of specific nutrients and explores the evolutionary basis for finding health markers attractive.

Key Points

Diet and Skin Radiance: A healthy diet, especially one rich in carotenoids from fruits and vegetables, contributes to a noticeable, healthy skin tone that is perceived as attractive.
Carbohydrates Affect Appearance: Studies show that consuming refined carbohydrates can reduce facial attractiveness ratings, while a healthy diet can enhance them.
Body Odor Signaling: A diet high in fruits and vegetables can lead to a more pleasant and appealing body odor, potentially acting as an evolutionary signal of health.
Weight and Attractiveness Perception: Achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight through proper nutrition is consistently associated with higher perceived attractiveness.
Confidence and Vitality Boost: The increased energy and improved well-being from a healthy diet manifest as higher confidence and vitality, traits that are considered attractive.
Hydration's Role: Staying hydrated is crucial for skin health, contributing to a clearer complexion and overall radiance.
Holistic Benefits: The link between diet and attractiveness is not just superficial; it reflects a deeper connection between nutrition, health, and a positive overall presence.

The Scientific Evidence Behind a Diet-Driven Glow

While attractiveness can be subjective, scientific studies show that a healthy diet influences specific physiological traits that are universally perceived as healthy and, therefore, attractive. This is particularly true for skin complexion. A healthy skin tone is often a visual cue for good health, signaling vitality and a strong immune system. Researchers have found that eating fruits and vegetables rich in carotenoids—the yellow-red pigments found in foods like carrots, pumpkins, and apricots—can give the skin a healthy, yellowish glow. This effect is not a random observation; it has been linked to increased skin yellowness and redness, hues that are consistently preferred by people viewing facial images. This carotenoid-based coloration is a powerful, diet-induced signal of health and attractiveness that works without needing external products.

Beyond pigmentation, diet directly impacts skin clarity and hydration. Proper hydration from drinking enough water, along with antioxidants from a balanced diet, helps to remove free radicals and reduce overall inflammation in the body. This can result in clearer, smoother, and more radiant skin. On the other hand, a diet high in refined carbohydrates has been linked to lower facial attractiveness ratings, suggesting that what you eat has both immediate and chronic effects on your appearance.

The Impact of Diet on Body Composition and Overall Vigor

Another major factor in perceived attractiveness is body composition, which is heavily influenced by diet and exercise. Maintaining a healthy body weight is often linked to being perceived as more attractive, as it can be an indicator of a healthy lifestyle. Studies have shown that even relatively small changes in weight can be noticeable and increase facial attractiveness ratings. A diet rich in protein, fruits, and vegetables supports a healthy metabolism, helping to maintain a stable and healthy weight. Furthermore, eating healthy provides the sustained energy needed for physical activity, which contributes to a fit physique and an overall sense of vitality and confidence. These qualities of high energy and confidence are inherently attractive to others.

The Surprising Link Between Food and Body Odor

Diet can even alter your body odor, which plays an important role in human attraction. A study from Macquarie University found that women rated the body odor of men who consumed more fruits and vegetables as more pleasant, describing it as "fruity" and "sweet". In contrast, a diet high in refined carbohydrates led to less pleasant body odor. This effect is thought to have an evolutionary basis, with pleasant body odor acting as an honest signal of health and a strong immune system. This means that the pleasant scent resulting from a healthy diet might subconsciously signal to potential mates that you are a healthier and more desirable partner.

Comparison of Diets: Healthy vs. Unhealthy Effects


Aspect of Attractiveness	Healthy Diet (Rich in F&V, Lean Protein)	Unhealthy Diet (Rich in Refined Carbs, Processed Food)
Skin Tone & Clarity	Healthy, radiant, and slightly yellow/red glow from carotenoids; clearer skin due to antioxidants and hydration.	Pasty, dull complexion; increased risk of acne and breakouts due to inflammation and potential hormonal changes.
Body Composition	Supports healthy weight and body fat percentage; higher muscle retention due to protein intake.	Promotes weight gain, especially around the face and midsection; reflects a less active or health-conscious lifestyle.
Body Odor	Perceived as more pleasant, often described as fruity or sweet.	Can lead to more intense or unpleasant body odor.
Energy & Vitality	Higher, more stable energy levels; projects confidence and happiness.	Energy crashes and fatigue; can lead to low mood and reduced vitality.
Hair & Nail Health	Stronger, shinier hair and nails due to essential vitamins and minerals.	Brittle nails and dull hair due to nutrient deficiencies.

Practical Steps to Boost Your Natural Allure

To leverage the power of a nutritious diet for your appearance, consider incorporating these simple habits:

Load up on colorful fruits and vegetables: Aim for a wide variety of colors to get a broad spectrum of carotenoids and antioxidants. Red peppers, carrots, mangoes, spinach, and sweet potatoes are all great sources.
Prioritize lean protein: Include sources like chicken, fish, eggs, and legumes. Protein is essential for cell repair, including skin and hair cells.
Choose healthy fats: Opt for foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, avocados, and nuts, to reduce inflammation and support skin hydration.
Stay hydrated: Drink at least two liters of water a day to maintain skin elasticity and overall health.
Limit refined carbohydrates: Reduce your intake of sugary snacks and processed foods, which have been shown to negatively impact facial attractiveness.
Embrace whole grains: Choose unrefined grains like oatmeal and whole wheat bread over white bread and sugary cereals to stabilize energy levels.

Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Attractiveness

While the concept of attractiveness is multifaceted and includes personality, confidence, and other traits, the scientific evidence confirms that a nutritious diet is a powerful and foundational component. Eating healthy can lead to a more radiant complexion, a more toned physique, and even a more pleasant body scent, all of which are perceived as attractive signals of good health. The benefits extend beyond the superficial, promoting a sense of confidence and vitality that enhances your overall presence. By prioritizing nutrient-dense foods and staying hydrated, you invest not just in your physical health, but also in your natural and lasting attractiveness. The choice to eat healthy is a cost-effective and highly beneficial way to enhance your appearance from the inside out.

For more in-depth research on the effect of diet on facial attractiveness, you can refer to studies published in academic journals like PLOS One that provide further evidence on the subject.

Frequently Asked Questions

While some studies show changes in skin tone within a few weeks of increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, significant changes in appearance and weight take more time and consistency. The overall effect is cumulative.

Foods rich in carotenoids, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach, are great for a healthy glow. Additionally, omega-3s from fish and avocados reduce inflammation, while adequate water intake maintains hydration.

For those who are overweight, losing weight can significantly improve perceived attractiveness, but the effect is more nuanced. Attractiveness is also tied to overall vitality and skin health, both of which are enhanced by a balanced, nutritious diet.

Yes, studies have shown that a diet high in fruits and vegetables can lead to a more pleasant body odor, while a diet high in refined carbs can have the opposite effect.

While the fundamental principles are similar, some studies have noted gender-specific differences, such as varied responses to refined carbohydrate intake and preferences for different body scent profiles.

While supplements can address specific deficiencies, whole foods provide a complex array of nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants that work synergistically. Most research focuses on the effects of whole foods, not supplements alone.

Both are important and complementary. Exercise increases blood flow and works with a healthy diet to improve skin and body composition. Diet provides the fuel for exercise and the nutrients for overall physical enhancement.