Coffee, meet your match.
Every morning, Dr. Nicholas Perricone starts his day with a cup of green tea supercharged with three powerhouse ingredients that he says boost energy, slim the body and promote longevity.
“I’ve always believed that simple, consistent habits add up to profound results,” the 77-year-old celebrity nutritionist and dermatologist told The Post.
“This morning ritual is my way of stacking science-backed ingredients to support both immediate clarity and long-term health,” Perricone said. “It’s not about a quick fix, but about creating daily practices that nurture the body and mind over decades.”
The anti-aging guru — who has won a following among stars like Jennifer Lopez, Christie Brinkley, and Kate Hudson — spilled the tea on his regimen in his new book, “The Beauty Molecule: Introducing Neuroceuticals, the Breakthrough for Ageless Beauty.”
“I’ve tried just about everything in the name of health over the years, but this simple routine is something I look forward to every morning,” Perricone said in an interview. “It’s warming, nourishing and restorative.”
But even before the extras, Perricone said green tea packs plenty of power on its own.
The beverage “provides a steady, calm energy” without the jitters of coffee, thanks to an amino acid called L-theanine, he explained, which sharpens focus and cognitive function while keeping the mind relaxed.
Green tea is also loaded with antioxidants, including polyphenols called catechins, which help protect cells from free radical damage and reduce oxidative stress.
That has been linked to a lower risk of chronic conditions like cancer, heart disease and stroke, along with less inflammation and better insulin sensitivity — a key factor in staving off type 2 diabetes.
Green tea can also rev up metabolism, making it easier to shed extra body fat.
Ingredient #1: C8 medium-chain triglycerides
Perricone then take things a step further. Instead of milk or sugar, he adds a splash of C8 medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs).
Found naturally in coconut and palm kernel oil, these fats have smaller molecules than most others, so the body digests them faster and converts them into energy more quickly.
Perricone said C8 MCTs help “fuel his brain,” and research suggests they may also support weight management and gut health.
Ingredient #2: olive oil
Next up: a teaspoon of extra-virgin olive oil, which Perricone said activates the body’s sirtuin genes, which play a key role in cellular repair, rejuvenation and longevity.
Studies also link extra-virgin olive oil to stronger heart health, better digestion, stroke prevention, sharper cognitive function and even potential protection against Alzheimer’s disease.
Ingredient #3: cinnamon
Finally, Perricone sprinkles in ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon, which stabilizes blood sugar and reduces inflammation. It may also boost memory, aid weight loss and support the immune system.
“It’s a small ritual, but it sets the tone for a day of focus and balance,” Perricone said. “Beyond science, it’s become a meditative pause … a reminder that taking care of ourselves can be both effective and enjoyable.”
