Carotenoid-rich fresh fruit and vegetable juices may have a positive effect on facial appearance and skin health when consumed regularly, according to a new study from University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus (UNMC).
Researchers compared two different health drinks—mineral water and a smoothie made from carrots and a selection of underutilized Malaysian fruits—to determine what effect a carotenoid-rich fresh fruit drink could have on skin and perceived attractiveness.
Seven smoothies were chosen for the study, each containing up to 50% underutilized fruit. During the 6-week trial, researchers recorded data from 80 volunteers—body composition, dietary intake, skin color and brightness.
Carotenoids are natural lipophilic orange and yellow pigments present in most fruit and vegetables. β-carotene is one of the most studied carotenoids, known for its function as pro-vitamin A and dietary antioxidant. The participants consumed either a smoothie a day or the equivalent volume of mineral water for a duration of six weeks. Each juice contained local Malaysian fruit such as Chiku, Kedondong, Pulasan, Dragon fruit and Star fruit.
Results have not yet been published, and await scoring by an independent group of experts. However, the relationship between skin carotenoid coloration and improved facial appearance has been studied in prior research.
“There is a lot of research out there suggesting that people who look healthier actually are healthy," said lead researcher Ian Stephen, Ph.D. "So hopefully we will be able to find out something about the health benefits of drinking a carotenoid-rich smoothie as well as how it affects our perceived attractiveness. If we discover that a smoothie a day does measurably and demonstrably improve the appearance of our skin, hopefully that will encourage people to eat and drink more healthily."
