To: blam
I wouldn't be surprised to hear that human skin color has less to do with vitamin D than it does with notions of what's attractive. Europeans may have white skin simply because their ancestors found fair complexions more attractive. Conversely, Africans may have dark skin because their ancestors found dark skin more appealing. The added benefit of producing more vitamin D if you're a fair-skinned European would also figure into appearance; the healthier you are, the better looking you are.
8 posted on
01/30/2004 8:14:51 AM PST by
Redcloak
(Cat: The other white meat.)
To: Redcloak
"I wouldn't be surprised to hear that human skin color has less to do with vitamin D than it does with notions of what's attractive. Europeans may have white skin simply because their ancestors found fair complexions more attractive. Conversely, Africans may have dark skin because their ancestors found dark skin more appealing. The added benefit of producing more vitamin D if you're a fair-skinned European would also figure into appearance; the healthier you are, the better looking you are." Yup, you get it.
In Europe, white was beautiful because it was an indication of good health. In Africa, Black was beautiful for the same reason. The darkest of Africans only get skin cancer on their palms and lower lips where the skin is the lightest...while Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. Lack of vitamin D causes scurvvy and numerous other disfiguring diseases. When Europeans covered up to keep warm, they severely decreased their intake (mfg) of vitamin D.
Eskimos didn't turn white because their diet is high in seafood which provides adequate vitamin D.
13 posted on
01/30/2004 8:38:06 AM PST by
blam
To: Redcloak
than it does with notions of what's attractive
I don't think so, have you ever been to a hotter country like the middle east? White skin burns very quickly out there unless we put on suntan lotion. A darker skin works better in a sunner climate. In a cold climate, well, we're not really "white", we're actually colourless, lackign melanin
14 posted on
01/30/2004 8:38:09 AM PST by
Cronos
(W2004!)
To: Redcloak
I read somewhere sometime ago that the differances in the races was due purely to human selection.....
17 posted on
01/30/2004 8:42:09 AM PST by
cherry
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