Fat-blasting berry iced teas

Q: I always slather on sunscreen and wear a hat if I’m going to be outside, but sometimes I still get burned. Can a supplement help protect my skin if I do get some sun?

A: Yes! To ward off skin damage from the inside out and help reverse the effects of past sun exposure, we recommend supplementing with nicotinamide. This form of vitamin B3 strengthens skin cells’ protective immune response to harmful UV rays, plus boosts the production of the energy enzyme (ATP) that fuels skin cells’ ability to repair and regenerate DNA that’s been damaged by the sun. The proof: In a study in The New

England Journal of Medicine, subjects given nicotinamide saw a 35 percent reduction in symptoms of UV-related skin damage (including rough patches, flaking and sun spots) in four months. A brand that delivers the study-backed dose: Life Extension Shade Factor ($33 for 60 servings, LEF.com/ffw), which also contains antioxidants that further strengthen skin’s immune response.

Q My friend swears eating seaweed helped her lose 16 pounds in 6 weeks. Could it work for me?

A Absolutely! This edible sea vegetable is chock-full of metabolism-revving antioxidants, hormone-balancing vitamins and thyroid-nourishing iodine that work to optimize the body’s weight-loss systems. Brown seaweed varieties also contain a unique compound ( fucoxanthin) that stimulates the breakdown of fat—particularly the dangerous white fat that surrounds the organs. The payoff: Russian researchers found that subjects given a seaweed extract lost 61 percent more weight than those who got a placebo.

To get the perks, aim to enjoy at least one 1⁄2 cup serving of seaweed (like nori, kelp, wakame, hijiki and kombu) per day. Try adding it to miso soup or salads or enjoy it as a salty, crunchy snack instead of pretzels or chips. One we like: Emerald Cove Sun-Dried Wakame ($5 for 1.76 oz., Vitacost.com).