Can eating fruits and vegetables change skin color? Keep these things in mind while eating

It may sound strange, but the color of your skin is also affected by the food you eat. This is indicated in many researches in nutrition science. There are some fruits and vegetables which, if eaten excessively, can cause temporary changes in skin color.

This is due to the natural pigments present in such vegetables and fruits, especially carotenoids. These elements accumulate in the body and affect the upper layer of the skin, the epidermis, and can cause pale yellow, orange or pink tones. However, it is completely safe and temporary.

skin color changing foods

Carrot
According to a report published in the American Journal of Dermatology, eating large amounts of carrots daily for several weeks can cause a condition called “carotenemia,” in which the skin starts turning a light yellow-orange color. This effect is first seen on the palms and soles of the feet and gradually disappears when the consumption of carrots is reduced.

sweet potatoes
Other carotene-rich foods like sweet potatoes and pumpkins also have a similar effect. In many studies it has been described as “healthy glow effect”. However, this change emerges only when these vegetables are consumed excessively and for a long time.

Tomato
Lycopene, found in tomatoes and red capsicum, can cause slight pinkish or redness in the skin. A joint study by the University of Manchester and Newcastle University found that lycopene not only protects the skin from UV damage but can also give the skin a light red tone in case of excessive intake.

Beetroot
Regular consumption of beetroot can bring a pinkish glow to the skin due to pigments like betaine and anthocyanin.

green leafy vegetable
Lutein and zeaxanthin in green leafy vegetables such as spinach can also cause a slight yellowish warmth in the skin when taken in large amounts, while the presence of chlorophyll can give the skin a “warm tint.”

keep this in mind
All these changes are temporary and completely safe. But people often mistake this for jaundice, whereas there is a big difference between it and jaundice. In carotenemia the white part of the eyes never turns yellow. This is simply due to excess accumulation of natural pigments in the body. This can be avoided by taking a balanced and varied diet.