What’s up doc? Getting a tan from carrots, that’s what.

Image courtesy of Futurity.org

Quick: Which skin tone do you prefer, the left or the right? (The middle one is the natural color.)

If you prefer the one on the right, you’re not alone.

According to researchers in the U.K. at the University of Nottingham, eating a diet rich in carotenoids gives skin a tan-like glow. We sort of knew this, but they took it a step further.

Here’s what they found: When compared to suntanned skin, observers actually prefer the look of those who eat a lot of carrots and tomatoes. Pretty great, huh? It’s just one more argument to completely skip harmful tanning beds and long hours at the beach unless you want to look like a baseball glove.

“If you want a healthier and more attractive skin color, you are better off eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables than lying in the sun,” says Ian Stephen, study leader and a researcher.

Go have a look at the article here. Pretty amazing!

So if you’re looking for a golden glow, especially in the dead of winter, it could be easier (and healthier) than you think.