Do Snacks at World Cup Games Really Cause Pimples? Experts Say No

A Hebrew-language health segment asks whether eating nuts and seeds while watching long football matches, such as World Cup games, causes acne or harms the skin. Dr. Amir Koren, a dermatologist at Ichilov Medical Center, and Yael Dror, a clinical and sports dietitian who heads the nutrition department at the Medics sports medicine center in Haifa, say the common belief is mostly a myth.

Koren said that based on current research, there is no scientific proof that nuts and seeds damage facial skin. He noted that acne is a complex condition involving inflammation, hair follicles, sebaceous glands, hormones, bacteria that live on the skin, and a mix of hormonal, environmental and dietary factors. He added that some foods can affect the skin, but not necessarily nuts, and even some kinds, such as almonds, may be beneficial.

Dror said nuts, almonds, peanuts and sunflower seeds are nutritionally valuable and are part of the Mediterranean diet, with omega 3, protein and fatty acids. The problem, she said, is usually quantity, especially when the snacks are heavily salted, which can contribute to high blood pressure, fluid retention and excess fat intake. A small handful is about 30 grams, or 150 to 200 calories, and people often eat far more while watching an exciting match. She warned that 200 grams during one game can reach about 1,200 calories.

She suggested alternatives such as edamame, carrot sticks, cherry tomatoes, cut vegetables and lightly pickled vegetables without too much salt. Dror also advised setting limits, such as pre-portioning a bowl and deciding how much to eat each half instead of snacking continuously. Because many matches air late at night, she said eating after midnight disrupts the body clock, hormones and sleep quality. Koren concluded that skin health is better supported by eating in balance, avoiding bad fats and sleeping well.