A  study at the University of Bristol in England confirmed our long-held suspicions: people who eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables (specifically vegetables rich in the class of antioxidants known as carotenoids) are considered more attractive than those who don’t- even if they’re rocking a sun-kissed tan.

In this study, volunteers were shown a series of photographs of both men and women; some of whom were sun-tanned and others were on a specially prescribed fruit and vegetable diet that was especially rich in beta carotene. Then, the volunteers were asked to rate the attractiveness of the people’s skin. Interestingly, the volunteers consistently chose the skin tone of the people following the beta carotene rich diet over those who had a traditional sun tan.

Perhaps its because skin color is determined by melanin and beta carotene. Melanin levels fluctuate based on individual’s sun exposure, increasing as the exposure does. But beta carotene is a yellow/orange pigment that is only assimilated in the body through diet as your body doesn’t create it. To get it, you must eat it.

The beauty benefit of beta carotene is an overall warming to the skin color. So perhaps its time to ditch the bronzer and pick up some orange veggies; especially if you get a blueish undertone to your skin. The good news is that fall is a great time for beta carotene rich fruits and veggies like:

• Winter squash
• Cantaloupe
• Sweet potatoes
• Pumpkin
• Chilis
• Dark leafy greens such as watercress kale, collards, swiss chard, dandelion, spinach etc. (although not orange, they actually have very high levels of beta carotene. The chlorophyll that makes them green overpowers the orange hue).

How do you get your glow?