Photo: Yuri Manei

Are attractive people healthier?

It turns out beauty may be more than skin deep. Attractive people actually have better immune systems, according to a new study published by the academic journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

nypost.com - Attractive people have better immune systems, new research reveals

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It turns out beauty may be more than skin deep.

Attractive people actually have better immune systems, according to a new study published by the academic journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B. For the study — which was published on Wednesday — researchers recruited 79 women and 80 men at Texas Christian University, asking them to have their photos taken and their blood tested. The participants were photographed from the neck up. They were ordered to keep a “neutral facial expression” and the women were not allowed to wear makeup. Each participant subsequently had 85 milliliters of blood drawn for testing. Afterward, 492 other volunteers were asked to rate the facial attractiveness of the participants based on the photographs that were taken. The researchers then collated those ratings and cross-examined them with the results of the blood tests. Researchers were not surprised by the findings. They theorized it was because humans are biologically programmed to seek out a healthier mate. Getty Images/Tetra images RF While facial attractiveness is “sometimes punctuated by idiosyncrasies,” the academics noted it is “often consistent across time and space. “Features such as clear skin, prominent cheekbones, bright eyes and full, red lips have been deemed attractive throughout recorded human history,” they wrote in the study. They theorized that there would be some correlation between a person’s attractiveness and their level of immunity, as humans may be biologically programmed to seek out a healthier mate. Sure enough, the findings affirmed their beliefs, with the more-attractive participants’ blood found to have higher rates of phagocytosis — “the process by which specific white blood cells ingest foreign particles.” Medical researchers have previously asserted that “phagocytes play a central role in innate immunity by eliminating bacteria, fungi and malignant cells.” Therefore, the study’s authors stated, “perceptions of attractiveness may play a more important role in guiding the choice of partners with high-functioning immune systems.” Summer Mengelkoch, who led the study, told the Daily Mail: “People who go out to a bar looking to talk to someone attractive are often dismissed as being shallow and told, ‘It is not all about looks.’ But they are really just following their instincts to find a high-quality mate.” However, the researcher noted that advances in modern medicine mean it’s now no longer as important to pick a partner with high levels of natural immunity. “Infections are not as deadly as they used to be, so perhaps it’s OK if people lower their standards and start to give people who are less attractive a shot,” she stated.

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What truly makes someone attractive?

Good looks, ambition, and a good sense of humor are common qualities that people seek out. But there are other factors you're likely unaware of that play an important part in who you're attracted to. Past experiences, proximity, and biology all have a role in determining who catches our attention and who doesn't.

insider.com - Why you're attracted to certain people, and not others - Insider

When it comes to love, most people have an idea of what they're looking for in a partner. Good looks, ambition, and a good sense of humor are common qualities that people seek out. But there are other factors you're likely unaware of that play an important part in who you're attracted to. Past experiences, proximity, and biology all have a role in determining who catches our attention and who doesn't. Top editors give you the stories you want — delivered right to your inbox each weekday. Loading Something is loading. Thanks for signing up! Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. download the app Email address By clicking ‘Sign up’, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider as well as other partner offers and accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

When we fall for someone, it's tough to stop gushing about our new crush's good looks, sense of humor, and those undeniable love sparks. But why is it that we're just naturally attracted to some people and not others?

Sure, love is mysterious, but, in some ways, attraction is not. Science actually has an explanation for why we are attracted to certain people and why we don't give others the time of day. INSIDER spoke to several experts to find out what it is that draws us towards certain people in terms of our biological makeup. It's worth noting that much of the research about attraction tends to focus on heterosexual relationships, but obviously that's not the limit of attraction or love.

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