SUGAR BLOCKER

OTHERWISE KNOWN AS: Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) FOUND IN: Green tea

HOW IT WORKS: A 2007 study found that green tea’s all-star antioxidant EGCG can benefit insulin sensitivity, while a 2013 analysis of 17 studies showed that the tea can improve blood sugar. That’s an important task, since insulin resistance can increase risk for Type 2 diabetes. Nielsen says green tea’s EGCG may also lower bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol, which is key to a healthy cardiovascular system. “They haven’t determined an optimal dose yet, but consuming two or three cups of green tea a day is a good idea,” she says.