People who follow a vegan diet are perceived as more physically attractive than meat eaters due to healthier skin tone, more pleasant body odor, and leaner body composition, according to a study published in the scientific journal Recent Progress in Nutrition.
Dietitian David Goldman from the University of Helsinki and his co-author Matthew Nagra from the University of British Columbia found that adopting a plant-based diet offers distinct aesthetic benefits alongside established advantages for weight loss and long-term health.
The researchers reported that eliminating animal products from a person's diet can enhance facial complexion, natural body scent, and overall body composition, defined as the ratio of fat mass to muscle mass.
A key factor in improving skin appearance is the consumption of carotenoids, which are yellow, orange, and red pigments found in abundance in fruits and vegetables such as cantaloupe, mangoes, bell peppers, and carrots. The study noted that these plant compounds contribute directly to a healthier and more attractive skin tone.
Carotenoids are plant-derived antioxidants that accumulate in human skin tissue after ingestion. In nutritional science, these organic pigments produce a subtle golden radiance across the skin, which human eyes naturally interpret as a sign of diet quality and physical well-being.
Goldman and Nagra noted that such a skin tone functions primarily as a visual signal by which observers judge an individual's health status, rather than acting as a direct measurement of the body's actual physiological parameters.
Body odor and physical composition
Scientific evidence compiled by the authors showed that body odor is another major element that enhances personal attractiveness under a plant-based diet. In male participants, a diet dominated by plant foods was associated with a more pleasant sweat odor compared to a diet high in meat.
Human body scent is generated when resident skin bacteria break down chemical compounds present in perspiration. Diets heavy in red meat release distinct metabolic byproducts through sweat glands, whereas plant-focused diets produce lighter chemical profiles in skin secretions that are evaluated more favorably by others.
The researchers also suggested that improving body composition through plant-based eating offers a practical way to enhance outward appearance. Plant diets are frequently linked with a lower body mass index and reduced fat mass.
Body mass index, calculated using a person's weight and height, is a standard measurement tool used by medical professionals worldwide to assess weight categories. Whole-food plant diets are naturally higher in dietary fiber and lower in saturated fats, supporting a healthier ratio of lean muscle to fat tissue over time.
University research and dietary health
The research paper represents a collaboration between academics at the University of Helsinki, Finland's largest institution of higher education, and the University of British Columbia, a major public research university located in Vancouver, Canada.
The findings form part of a broader body of scientific work investigating how daily food choices shape human appearance and disease prevention. The authors noted that previous research published in February showed that making a single change in diet was associated with a reduced risk of developing several types of cancer.
