A group of scientists has found evidence that a bad diet is linked to pimples, otherwise known as 'acne'.
The scientists studied the diets of the Kitivan Islanders of Papua New Guinea and the Ache hunter-gatherers of Paraguay, who live traditional tribal lifestyles. They didn't find a single person with pimples in either group!
In 'western' societies such as Australia, acne affects between 79 and 95 per cent of teenagers – almost everyone!
The scientists said they believed pimples were due to foods such as bread, cakes, sugars and soft drinks. These foods may increase the supply of a chemical in our bodies which causes extra oil to be produced by our skin. The oil clogs tiny holes or 'pores' in our skin, causing the infections that we see as pimples.
The Kitivans' diet consists mainly of fruit, fish and 'tubers'. The Ache people's diet includes meat, peanuts and a native root called 'sweet manioc'.
The scientists said that if we eat fruits, most meats, fish and vegetables (excluding potatoes) our skin may improve. Eating two serves of fruit and five of vegetables a day will also supply the vitamins and minerals that can make our entire bodies healthier.
- Kristin Owen is a Melbourne-based journalist.
Reference:
Cordain L, Lindeberg S, Hurtado M, Hill K, Eaton SB, Brand-Miller J (2002) Acne vulgaris: a disease of Western civilization. Archives of Dermatology 138: 1584-1590.
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