Pulse Diet for Skin Health
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests whether a diet rich in polyphenols, found in pulses like lentils and beans, can improve skin health. Researchers aim to understand how this diet, known as the Pulse Diet, affects the skin's microbiome, lipid levels, and inflammation compared to a control group consuming rice. Women with Fitzpatrick skin type 2 or 3, a BMI between 18.5 and 29.9, and a minimum weight of 110 pounds may be suitable candidates, particularly if they do not frequently consume fruit or use tanning beds. Participants will follow one of the two diets for 14 weeks. The goal is to determine if adding more pulses to a diet can enhance skin health. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research on diet and skin health.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial requires that you stop taking any medication that might influence the outcome of the study.
Is there any evidence suggesting that the Pulse Diet is likely to be safe for humans?
Research shows that beans, such as lentils, kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans, are generally safe to eat. Rich in nutrients, they can help lower the risk of long-term diseases. However, beans can sometimes cause gas or bloating, a common issue that can usually be managed by gradually increasing consumption.
Concerns about lectins in beans are often exaggerated, as studies have shown. Proper cooking eliminates lectins, ensuring safety. Reports of harmful elements like cadmium and arsenic in beans relate to specific growing conditions and are not a common issue for most beans available in stores.
Overall, beans are safe and nutritious, making them a good choice for a healthy diet.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
The Pulse Diet is unique because it focuses on skin health through dietary intervention, specifically by incorporating pulses like lentils and beans. Unlike traditional skin treatments that often rely on topical creams or medications, this diet-based approach leverages the natural benefits of pulses, which are rich in nutrients and antioxidants that may enhance skin health from within. Researchers are excited about this treatment because it offers a non-invasive, holistic alternative to improve skin conditions, potentially providing benefits beyond just the skin, like improved overall nutrition and gut health.
What evidence suggests that the Pulse Diet could be effective for improving skin health?
Research has shown that eating foods like lentils and beans, which are high in polyphenols, can improve skin health. These foods may help reduce wrinkles, skin redness from sun exposure, and skin dryness. They also combat harmful processes like oxidative stress and inflammation that can damage the skin. Studies have found that these foods can alter the skin's natural bacteria and fats, which are important for maintaining healthy skin. Adding these foods to one's diet is also linked to better overall nutrition and a higher intake of essential nutrients. Participants in this trial will follow either the Pulse Diet, which includes these foods, or a Control Rice Diet to evaluate their effects on skin health.36789
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for healthy women aged 45-65 with a BMI of 18.5-29.9 and body weight over 110 pounds, who have Fitzpatrick skin type 2 or 3. It's not specified who can't join the trial.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants consume either a pulse-rich diet or a control rice diet for 14 weeks
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Pulse Diet
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Florida
Lead Sponsor