Healthy Eating Can Make Your Skin Glow

You know that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is essential to staying healthy. But that's just one reason to get your recommend five servings of nutrient-packed fruits and veggies daily.

According to a new study, eating a produce-rich diet is also good for your skin and may help you develop a healthy glow as if you had been out in the sun.

Researchers at the University of Bristol found that carotenoids, or yellow and red antioxidants believed to impact the immune system and fertility, play a role in healthier skin. The study revealed that those with more glowing skin had higher levels of carotenoids.

"Most people in the West think that the best way to improve your skin color is to get a suntan," said Dr. Ian Stephen, the study's lead researcher, in a press release. "But our research shows that eating lots of fruits and vegetables is actually more effective."

Deep-colored fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, peppers and melons contain the carotenoids that not only give the skin a healthy glow but also protect the skin from damaging effects from sun exposure, according to Paula Simpson, a celebrity beauty nutritionist.

"Our study shows that not only do people use color cues to judge how healthy other individuals are, but they are accurate when they make those judgments," said Professor Dave Perrett, who heads Perception Labs at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland where the study was conducted.

Learn more about the study at AOL Health.