If your skin begins turning orange, you may feel like the star of a sci-fi flick, but there's most likely a more down-to - earth explanation. Carrots, cantaloupe and other soil-grown foods are chock-full of beta-carotene, and when eaten in abundance they can sometimes cause people to develop an orange skin tone. The orange and red pigments in apricots, mangoes, oranges, pumpkin, squash, sweet potatoes and similar products create an excessive amount of beta-carotene in the bloodstream, which in turn builds up in the areas of the body with thicker skin — hands, knees, elbows, feet and the folds around the nose — and exhibits a titian hue. This is so-called carotenemia. The condition is more visible on those who have light skin, but people of any skin color can be affected.

Carotenemia isn't terribly common, even for people who are fruit and vegetable enthusiasts. It's usually the result of a restricted diet that includes large quantities of a specific fruit or vegetable that is high in red, orange and yellow pigment; this pigment also is known as beta-carotene. While orange, yellow and red fruits and veggies are the primary source of carotenosis, it also can be caused by other colors of foods such as cabbage, spinach, kiwi, asparagus and apples. So, if you're looking for a healthy glow, keep eating those fruits and veggies — as long as there is a variety of them.