Tag Archives: Dr Perricone

Dark Chocolate

A Chocolate Hybrid

by • 1 Comment

Dr. Perricone is a big believer in the health benefits of dark chocolate as part of the anti-inflammatory lifestyle. Thanks to cocoa’s high flavanoid and antioxidant count, he recommends a 1 oz serving size of dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa). But even as a “healthy” treat, chocolate is still high in fat and overall calorie count.

Could there be a healthier way to enjoy chocolate? This week, at the American Chemical Society’s annual meeting, a team of Scientists from the University of Warwick in the U.K announced that they’ve developed a technology that enables chocolate to be “infused” with fruit juice (it also works with diet drinks, vitamin waters and even liquor) to reduce fat levels by 50%. This method, known as  “Pickering Emulsion”, reduces fat levels by adding liquid filler “micro-bubbles” to the chocolate, giving it a decadent and rich texture.

This new fruit juice-chocolate hybrid is said to take on a hint of it’s original juice flavor, but that seems like a small price to pay, provided the sugar content isn’t astronomical. It seems that it could be a nutritional win if they used a good-quality chocolate such as Neuhaus (which Dr. Perricone loves) that’s 70% or more cooca, and a low sugar liquid, such as unsweetened coconut water, aloe water, almond milk etc.

However, it seems prudent to be skeptical of information that comes from an American Chemical Society meeting. What do you think? Are you excited for a lower fat treat or is chocolate the next Franken-food?  

Dr. Nicholas Perricone

Dr. Perricone Q&A with Elle.com

by • 1 Comment

ELLE.com sat down with Dr. Perricone to hear his take on healthy eating for better skin.

ELLE: You’re known for eating incredibly healthy. What are some of the foods you recommend for better skin?

Nicholas Perricone: There are so many good super-foods that benefit the skin. Some of my favorites are:

Fish: Wild salmon and other cold water fish (sardines, herring, trout, etc…) are great sources of protein, necessary to maintain and repair the body, including the skin, on a cellular level. They are rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 essential fatty acids, which keeps skin radiant, supple and wrinkle free. Wild salmon’s pink or red color, owes its pigment to astaxanthin, a super carotenoid anti-oxidant with potent anti-inflammatory properties. What does that mean for your skin? Astaxanthin improves the elasticity and reduces the appearance of fine lines.

Olives and olive oils: We need a source of good fats in our diet to help us absorb nutrients from our vegetables and fruits, keep our cells supple, our skin glowing and wrinkle-free, our brains sharp, and our mood upbeat. We also need fat to burn fat. Extra virgin olive oil contains oleic acid, which helps us to absorb the omega-3s and other vitamins and nutrients from our foods.
Watercress: Watercress has high potassium content and therefore it is considered useful in treating acidity and purifying the blood. By cleansing the blood, watercress has been useful in treating skin eruptions, eczema, acne, rashes, and other skin infections.

Turmeric: is a superb anti-inflammatory thanks to its superior antioxidant properties and its high levels of the super antioxidant curcumin. It also increases blood levels of the enzyme glutathione S-transferase, an important antioxidant and vital in the body’s detoxification system, to keep skin clear, firm, toned, and radiant.

Blueberries: Like all of the foods on this list, blueberries are an outstanding source of many phytochemicals including the anthocyanins that act as antioxidants (in addition to many other benefits). They work around the clock to protect skin from premature aging and damage and protect the cell from DNA damage. Blueberries also have great anti-inflammatory properties—remember inflammation is not just linked to disease—it is a major cause of wrinkling and sagging in the skin.

Dark Chocolate: A chemical from cocoa protects skin from the damaging effects of sun exposure and prevents the skin from aging. Go for extra dark chocolate—at least 70 to 85% cocoa content. By weight, cocoa has more antioxidants than blueberries, green tea, and red wine! Chocolate and cocoa protect the cardiovascular system, significantly reducing the incidence of atherosclerosis.

Cantaloupe: Vitamin C, beta-carotene and other carotenoids, and vitamin A have all been shown to prevent sun damage and to improve skin quality. Cantaloupe is also wonderfully hydrating to the skin.

Coconut: They help strengthen the skin’s connective tissues to help keep skin soft, smooth and supple. Both coconut oil and coconut water increase skin radiance and antioxidant protection to prevent infection and fight off free radical.

Avocados: Avocados are antioxidant powerhouses—but as you will discover, they have truly unique regenerative properties. Avocados contain oleic acid, the chief fatty acid in olive oil, which has been shown to dramatically cut the levels of a gene involved in the development of breast cancer.

ELLE: It sounds like a lot of those are fresh, natural foods. What are the foods that will do the most damage to your skin?
NP: Foods that are high in sugar or saturated fats can cause inflammation, which will only accelerate aging. Those foods include: bacon (except turkey bacon), bagels, breads, candy, cereals (except slow-cooking oatmeal), cornstarch, corn syrup, doughnuts, fast food, flour, fried foods, hot dogs, ice cream, frozen yogurt, jam and jelly, margarine, molasses, muffins, noodles, pancakes, pasta, pita break, popcorn, potatoes, relish, rice, soda, white sugar.

Cheese 2

Say Cheese

by • Comment

Contrary to popular belief, you can have cheese on the anti inflammatory diet (in fact, Dr. Perricone is a big fan of cheese. One of his personal favorites is Shelburne Farms three-year cheddar).

Cheese is an excellent source of vitamin K2, which is thought by some to combat the risk of cardiovascular disease. Cheese contains between 7.5 and 15 micrograms of of Vitamin K2 per ounce. Researchers are not clear on what causes the K2 levels to vary across varieties, but the evidence suggests that K2 is highly effective at directing calcium to your bones where it is needed and away from your arteries, where it does not belong.

However, the type and amount does matter. Always look for:

  • Hard cheese over soft varieties. Opt for Romano, Parmesean, Pecorino, feta and goat cheese.
  • Goat cheese is actually easier on the human digestive system, lower in calories and fat than its bovine counterparts.
  • Cheese made from milk that is free of the hormones rbST/rbGH
  • If buying raw cheese, go for full-fat, unprocessed milk from pasture-fed cows, sheeps, or goats.
  • Keep servings to an ounce
  • If possible, enjoy a vegetable with your cheese as the fat from the cheese can enhance vitamin absorption.

How do you incorporate cheese into the anti inflammatory lifestyle?

Keeping Fit with Dr. Perricone

by • Comment

Dr. Nicholas Perricone This week, thefashionspot caught up with Dr. Perricone and he shared some of his favorite ways to stay in shape:

“I enjoy a wide variety of physical exercises. In a typical week, I’ll lift weights three times for one hour, I’ll do Hatha Yoga for 30 minutes three times a weeks, and run three times a week (on non-weight lifting days — 30 minutes for each run). I particularly love running on the beach with my dogs Peanut and Remy.”

What do all Dr. Perricone’s exercises have in common? They do not go past the 30 minute mark. Dr. Perricone suggests doing exercise for no more than 30 minutes to avoid the release of pro-inflammatory chemicals that can come with overworking the body.

How do you stay in shape?

Dr. P new image

Age Spots- Help!

by • Comment

Question: I wear a daily SPF and haven’t tanned since my twenties. Why are my age spots becoming more noticeable?

The aging process results in the increased activity of pigment cells known as melanocytes, as well as a thickening of the superficial layer of the skin (the stratum corneum) which is made up of dead skin cells. Melanocytes begin to burn out when you reach your late 30s and 40s, making it more difficult for your skin to fight sun damage, which can result in uneven pigmentation.

The combination of a thickened and rough stratum corneum, in conjunction with the increased population of melanocyte pigment cells results in dull skin with more obvious discoloration.

This is exactly the opposite of the radiant skin seen on the youthful face. Chronic sub-clinical inflammation is a major contributing factor, which is why I strongly recommend taking antioxidant supplements, following the anti-inflammatory diet and applying topicals with anti-inflammatory properties. All of which will work synergistically to restore a more youthful brightness and radiance to the skin.

 

3tierd_greens

Fatigue Fighting Foods

by • 2 Comments

Foods that make us feel energized also give us glowing, supple skin. Here are 4 energizing foods recommended by Dr. Perricone as part of the anti-inflammatory diet:

  • Nuts are rich in protein which is not only important for maintaining skin’s suppleness, but they also contain magnesium, a mineral that is critical in the process of converting sugar into energy. Research suggests magnesium deficiency can lead to low energy. Brazil nuts, walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts are great options.
  • Another nutrient that may boost energy levels is folate. Like omega-3 fatty acids, folate is found in leafy green vegetables, including spinach and romaine lettuce.
  • Fiber helps maintain stable levels of energy by slowing digestion throughout the day. Increase your fiber intake by eating almost any type of legume including black beans, pinto beans, chick peas and quinoa. Whole fruits and vegetables are also excellent sources of fiber.
  • Research suggests that tea’s combination of caffeine and the amino acid L-theanine can improve alertness, reaction time, and memory. Best options for energy are green and black tea varieties which contain natural levels of caffeine.

Which energizing foods do you enjoy most?

Twinkie

Food Additives to Avoid

by • 2 Comments

Recently, the fast food industry has come under attack for some very unpleasant facts about what might be lurking in your hamburger. It doesn’t end with just a burger. Here are some of the top food additives to avoid.

Hidden Sugars – Sugar comes in many forms. Therefore it is very important to learn to recognize that there are many forms of sugar; in fact, the word “sugar” may or may not appear on the label at all. Look for: white sugar, cane sugar, brown sugar, confectioner’s sugar, invert sugar, raw sugar, beet sugar, turbinado sugar, corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, dextrin, honey, maple, evaporated cane juice, malt, molasses, dextrose, fructose, sucrose, fruit juice concentrate, glucose, maltose.

Artificial coloring – synthetic food dyes are unnecessary and are either toxic or possible carcinogens, which mean that they may promote cancer.

Aspartame and all artificial sweeteners, including saccharin – these are dangerous excitotoxins with many negative effects.

BHT and BHA – used to preserve fats and oils. Studies indicate that they may be carcinogenic.

Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) – used in citrus flavored sodas and banned in more than 100 countries. It has been linked to damage in the major organ systems. Apparently the FDA does not require that it be listed on labels – so avoid any citrus flavored sodas (such as lemon or lime) as it is a good bet that BVO is included.

Carrageenan – stabilizer and thickening agent; found in everything from ice cream to yogurt. May be a carcinogen and is linked to toxic hazards, including ulcers and cancer; In addition to suppressing immune function, carrageenan causes intestinal ulcers and inflammatory bowel disease in animals and some research indicates that carrageenan is associated with causing cancer in humans.

Partially hydrogenated vegetable oils – these are the infamous trans fats directly linked to heart disease. The FDA published a paper stating that if people in the US stopped eating trans fat there would be 30,000 to 100,000 less deaths per year from CHD. Trans fats are also linked to breast and colon cancer, atherosclerosis, elevated cholesterol, depressed immune system, and allergies.

Nitrates – form powerful cancer-causing agents in stomach; are found in smoked foods such as deli foods, cured meats, bacon, hot dogs, pepperoni, sausage, etc.

MSG – A dangerous excitotoxin that may cause headaches, itching, nausea, nervous system and reproductive disorders, high blood pressure; pregnant, lactating mothers, infants, small children should avoid MSG; allergic reactions common; may be hidden in infant formula, low fat milk, candy, chewing gum, drinks, over-the-counter medications. Look for the following ingredients that contain MSG:

Monosodium Glutamate Calcium Caseinate
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Sodium Caseinate
Hydrolyzed Protein Yeast Extract
Hydrolyzed Plant Protein Textured Protein (Including TVP)
Plant Protein Extract Autolyzed Yeast
Hydrolyzed Oat Flour Corn Oil

Neotame – related to aspartame, but allegedly more toxic.

Olestra – this fat substitute causes gastrointestinal distress.  Also lowers absorption of carotenoids, nutrients that lower our risk of cancer and other fat-soluble nutrients.

Potassium bromate – bromate causes cancer.  Potassium bromate is used in bread making.

Sulfites – can cause dangerous allergic reactions – often found in wine as well as salad bars.

What food additives do you avoid?

Dr. Perricone explains his 3-tiered philosophy for healthy aging and beautiful skin

by • 7 Comments

Dr. Perricone’s 3-tiered philosophy for healthy aging and beautiful skin is the foundation of his holistic approach. This program consists of an anti-inflammatory diet, supplements and topicals. Each tier counteracts inflammation at the cellular level.

We invite you to listen as Dr. Perricone explains this innovative philosophy and offers solutions to that will change how you look and feel.

Dr. Perricone Live – “Total Health Transformation”

by • Comment

Dr. Perricone will be appearing live on  Detriot CNN radio! Take a look at the details below to catch the live show. Don’t worry if you miss it, or you don’t live in Detroit. We will post the recording on this blog.

Total Health Transformation Interview Series

11AM-11:30AM

Saturday, March 28th, 2009

Station WDTW 1310 – Home of Air America

Host Lateefah Wooten – Health Advocate