If you hate the way your tummy looks,and are worried because studies have linked a big belly to an increased risk of health problems like heart disease and diabetes, here is some good news: These supplements can help whittle your waistline!
Vitamin C turns fat into energy.
"The body needs adequate amounts of C to turn fat into energy, which is why the higher your level of vitamin C, the smaller your waist," says nutrition professor Carol S. Johnston, Ph.D., of Arizona State University. Johnston's research shows that women who get lots of vitamin C daily burn 30% more fat during exercise than those who don't. Aim for 500 mg a day.
Green tea extract burns fat!
"Powerful compounds called catechins in green tea increase your body's fat-burning capabilities and particularly target stubborn belly fat," says Fred Pescatore, M.D., author of The Harnptons Diet. New research shows that people who drink regular tea fortified with green tea extract lose an incredible 450% more ab flab than those who drink a placebo brew. Aim for 200 mg. a day. It's also a cancer-protector! One cup of green tea packs more cancer-fighting antioxidants than a serving of broccoli or spinach!
DHEA cuts A flab by 10%
Wonder why your middle thickens with the years? Turns out, our levels of the hormone DHEA - which helps control the pound-producing stress hormone, cortisol - starts to drop at about age 20. Raise your levels of .DHEA with a daily supplement, how-ever, and a recent study at Washington University suggests that you'll effortlessly reduce ab flab by 10%!
Aim for 5 mg. daily. As always, check with your doctor before taking any new supplement.