Unlike women, men eat less when blue light is shone on food

A new study has revealed that men tend to eat "significantly" less when the food would be lit with a blue colored light but women are not affected by the light.

Researchers at the University of Arkansas in the United States stated that the reason for the change in behavior appeared to be that the food looks less delicious with a blue light shone on it, what they called the "hedonic impression of the food's appearance," the Independent reported.

Since naturally blue-coloured foods are rare, humans may have a doubt as to whether they are safe to eat, researchers further explained.

Researchers hypothesised that the difference in reaction between men and women to the light was because women have a better sense of smell, meaning men are "more dependent on visual cues" when deciding whether to eat something or not.

 

The scientists noted that it did not affect the "willingness to eat" by the men or its perceived flavor. The results could have implications for combating obesity.

The study is published in the scientific journal Appetite.