This is from Dr.  Perricone's newsletter ( I have left out his ad for his
good but very expensive potions):

Summer Time Skin Toning
Seasonal strategies with food and topicals
by NIcholas V. Perricone, M.D.


As a dermatologist whose special concern is anti-aging, much of my research
focuses on the face, which often reveals the first signs of aging. Because
our faces are so very visible, I have made it my life's work to help us all
put our "best face forward."

In addition to affecting the face, dietary habits that accelerate internal
aging produce other overt changes, including loss of muscle tone and
deposition of body fat: particularly in the abdomen, legs, and arms. This
excess body fat is directly attributable to two factors:

  a.. Loss of insulin sensitivity
  b.. Increased production of cortisol-known as the "death" hormone-and a
corresponding decrease in levels of the "youth" hormones, including
testosterone, estrogen, and human growth hormone.
Fortunately, some simple dietary changes can help. First and foremost, try
to be a faithful follower of the Perricone Prescription food
recommendations. Poor dietary choices actually cause the loss of insulin
sensitivity and the rise in cortisol levels.

For example, coffee and a muffin for breakfast will greatly contribute to an
aging face and body. How can common breakfast foods do so much harm?

  a.. The sugars and simple starches in foods like muffins and bread cause a
rapid rise in blood sugar levels, prompting an increase in blood insulin
levels. High insulin levels cause "glycation"-a process in which the sugar
molecules attach to protein-rich tissues like collagen. The result? Wrinkled
skin. In addition, high insulin levels cause the body to store fat rather
than burn it.
  b.. Coffee raises levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which accelerates
aging and disease.
Spices for Life
Who would have thought that by just swizzling a stick of cinnamon in your
tea, you could help keep your body healthy and your skin smooth? It turns ou
t that many everyday herbs and spices possess unequalled anti-oxidant,
anti-inflammatory, anti-aging effects: a story I will tell in greater depth
in my next book, The Perricone Promise (Warner Books, October 2004).

For example, in addition to its delightful fragrance, cinnamon exerts
powerful anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory effects, while also helping to
stabilize blood sugar levels. Just one gram per day (¼ to ½ teaspoon) yields
a 20 percent drop in blood sugar, and reduces blood cholesterol and
triglyceride levels as well.

This is tremendously important, since one of the keys to stopping the signs
of aging on face and body is the regulation of blood sugar.

The seeds of the less well known but equally aromatic and essential herb,
fenugreek, also possess wonderful anti-aging properties. A recent study
found that an amino acid in fenugreek seeds (4-hydroxyisoleucine) can reduce
insulin resistance-a marker and early warning sign of diabetes. In addition,
this amino acid improves insulin sensitivity: a very valuable therapeutic
effect in diabetes treatment and in an anti-aging regimen. Fenugreek
possesses anti-glycating abilities-very important in preventing wrinkled
skin on face and body.

Certain other spices-including ginger and turmeric, the brilliant yellow
spice that gives curry powder its wonderful color-possess powerful
anti-inflammatory properties, and are proven to help sensitize cortisol
receptor sites in the body. Make liberal use of these spices when cooking.
(Ginger, turmeric and fenugreek are also available as dietary supplements.)