The 2001 "The Wrinkle Cure" was a book written by Nicholas Perricone, a skin expert from Yale University. Dr. Perricone discusses a skin-enhancing wrinkle treatments and programs, but the most popular section in this book is that which highlights the principles of his wrinkle cure diet. The wrinkle cure diet emphasizes fresh fruits and vegetables, and encourages the consumption of healthy fats, unrefined, complex carbohydrates and quality, lean protein.
Significance
"The Wrinkle Cure" diet is a healthy eating plan focusing on enhancing general health through good nutrition. According to Perricone, eating according to these principles will improve your skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. The philosophy of this diet, according to Perricone, is that having younger, clear, fresh-looking skin is a positive bi-product of making improvements to your diet and overall health. Also, consuming processed foods, versus whole, fresh, nutrient-rich foods, accelerates the aging process.
Features - Hydration, Antioxidants, and Fats
The main features of "The Wrinkle Cure" diet include drinking lots of water and eating a wide variety of brightly colored fruits and vegetables daily. They are rich in antioxidants and help protect the skin from free radical damage. Especially recommended are bell peppers, spinach and tomatoes. According to Perricone, light-colored produce, such as bananas, does not offer the same benefits. Trans, saturated, and many polyunsaturated fats should be avoided on this diet, with the exception of omega-3 fatty acids, obtained mostly through fatty fish, as well as monounsaturated fats, from foods such as olive oil (preferably extra-virgin), and avocadoes.
Considerations - Healthy Fats, Proteins and Other Foods
Though protein quantity is not specified, you should consume only high quality, lean protein foods, such as egg whites, fish, and skinless turkey. Milk is discouraged but you are allowed limited amounts of organic yogurt and some cheeses. Only low glycemic-index (GI) carbohydrate-rich foods are encouraged, such as beans and lentils. The theory is that low GI foods cause fewer free radicals than high GI foods, and therefore cause less aging on your body, and less stress and strain on your skin. High GI foods to avoid include white bread, sugar, potatoes, refined foods such as biscuits and cakes, fruit juice.
Benefits
"The Wrinkle Cure" diet is a healthful eating plan. Lean protein foods, organic dairy products, water, healthy fats and colorful fresh fruits and vegetables are all very good-for-you options. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. High GI foods are often the least healthful overall because they are refined, high in sugar and/or fat, and low in fiber. The Wrinkle Cure diet is fiber-rich, and many of the diet recommendations and features are beneficial for reducing your risk of becoming overweight or obese, or developing diabetes, cancer, and/or heart disease.
Limitations
The aging of your skin and overall health are a product of many factors, including genetics, environment, exposure to toxins, and other elements, to name a few. Diet plays an important role in overall health. But, to say that wrinkles can be avoided or delayed based upon diet is over-simplifying a complex issue. Though this is a healthful diet, choices are limited and it may be hard to follow long-term. Meal preparation is time-consuming, and these foods are more expensive. Because this diet recommends eating only unprocessed, whole foods (ideally a good thing), meal planning takes creativity.
References
- Nutrition for Foodservice and Culinary Professionals. 6th Ed; Karen Drummond and Lisa Brefere; 2007
- I Diet Reviews: The Wrinle Cure Diet
- "The Wrinkle Cure: Unlock the Power of Cosmeceuticals for Supple, Youthful Skin," Dr. Nicholas Perricone; 2001
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