
Researchers at York University believe we have learnt to link bronzed skin with good health. But rather than sporting a suntan, eating five portions of fruit and vegetables a day could also lead to a healthy love life. The golden glow revealed by a healthy person's skin makes them look more attractive.
By using a series of photos showing skin tone, researchers assessed the test group's preferences. The results suggest that rather than being a color we find attractive in general, yellow tells us something special when part of someone’s radiance.
I agree about finding the color yellow unappealing in other contexts. I avoid shades of yellow in the house and reject yellow-blooming plants. No bunches of daffodils for me in spring. I remember playing a game as a child. We'd hold a yellow dandelion flower to each other's throat. If it reflected on the skin, that person was healthy. I think everyone passed. Another pastime was to suck the juice from a sour sop stem below the yellow flower. The flavor made my taste buds come to life. I guess I didn't ingest enough to make me ill.

Previous research has shown that the golden glow of those who eat their greens is due to plant chemicals called carotenoids, the yellow, orange and red pigments in fruit and vegetables. When absorbed by the body and distributed in the skin, they appear yellowish gold to the naked eye. Carotenoids boost the human immune system and although most commonly associated with carrots, they are also abundant in green fruits and vegetables.
So, don't bother with potions, lotions and make-up. Fruit is cheap and readily available. Even small amounts of your five-a-day can make a difference. It is best to eat a variety of the earth's produce to get the most benefit.