The Perricone Promise

Narrated by Lloyd Sherr with professional clarity, the exciting message in this lesson is that controlling stress and diet can reduce the rate at which our organs age and improve the way we look and feel. Sugar causes inflammation at the cellular level, which leads to a devastating cascade of chemicals that damage our physical, emotional, and cognitive functioning. The culprits that drive sugar addiction are often cravings and unhappiness, which the author says are influenced by substance P, a hormone we can control with a variety of lifestyle and nutritional changes. Printable recipes and other helpful information on one of the CDs serve as added motivation for taking control and turning back our biological clock. T.W. (c) AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine

September 27, 2004
Dermatologist and bestselling author Perricone (The Perricone Prescription
, etc.) takes his extensive knowledge of skin care and aging to a deeper level in his latest volume, explaining the science behind his theory that aging is intimately tied to inflammation. Perricone claims that certain peptides and neuropeptides (proteinlike substances found within the body) are key to maintaining health and longevity, and our food choices can boost their positive power. How one ages, Perricone says, largely depends on what one eats; the wrong choices have a crucial impact on wrinkles, degenerative diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's, and can accelerate aging. Although Perricone doesn't offer a magic potion, he does claim his 28-day plan will decelerate the aging process by fighting inflammation. While the author's rather pricey topical products ($95 for a "face firming activator") are part of this complex program, the bulk of the text focuses on affordable options, such as purchasing "rainbow foods" (fresh fruits and vegetables), liberally using such healthy spices as oregano and basil, and consuming "superfoods" like barley, beans and hot peppers. Perricone also recommends natural supplements, including coenzyme Q10 and vitamin C ester, and provides a detailed plan that combines diet, exercise, supplements and topicals. Though the science-based text is sometimes weighty, readers seeking the logic behind their skin and health-care decisions won't be disappointed by the promises Perricone makes. Agent, Anne Sellaro. (Oct. 27)

Forecast:
Perricone is well-known and media savvy, and his products are sold in upscale stores. A hefty ad campaign (including print, TV, billboard and transit ads) should result in robust sales.