10 trending nutritional ingredients

When you get right down to it, it’s all about the ingredients. The cilantro that makes my burrito pop. The peppers that make my tongue dance. The tequila!

But enough about my dinner.

With nutritional ingredients, it’s all about the health benefit. Is it a potent antioxidant? Will it help me feel younger? Look younger?

We’ve made a list (and checked it twice) of 10 trending nutritional ingredients that are showing up on store shelves in greater number, and in a greater number of product types.

Check 'em out!

Probiotics: Good bacteria

What: Beneficial bacteria that populate the gastrointestinal tract from mouth to colon and outnumber the quantity of actual human cells in the body by a factor of perhaps as much as 1,000-to-1.

Why: From obvious benefit to gut health – diarrhea, constipation, bloating – to immunity (70 percent of the body’s innate immunity is housed in the intestinal tract), and now even cognitive function and sports performance. Is there anything these bugs can’t do?

Where: Remember when probiotics were to be found only in yogurt or supplements? Now they’re in chocolate bars, tea bags, ice cream, even breakfast cereals.

Vitamin K2: Hearts and bones

What: Compound found in real cheese and natto, the Japanese funky fermented soybeans.

Why: K2 works by activating two critical proteins – osteocalcin, which brings calcium to bones, and matrix GLA, which takes calcium out of arteries. A 2015 study found it actually improves arterial flexibility – and atherosclerosis is the No. 1 cardio killer.

Where: Supplements, most commonly bone health, menopause or cardio.

Curcumin: Good as gold

What: Polyphenol that gives the spice turmeric its rich yellow color. Think of turmeric as the apple tree, but curcumin as the apples.

Why: 2,000 published research papers every year show it as a big-time anti-inflammatory – the root of all chronic degenerative diseases. Studies show it may help everything from arthritis to triglycerides, allergies to IBS.

Where: Because of its color, supplements first. But because of technologies that keep the health benefit but remove the color, look for it in beverages and foods.

Caffeine: Good morning!

What: Alkaloid most commonly associated with coffee and energy drinks.

Why: There’s a reason coffee is America’s favorite drink – and it’s not because we have an inherent love of dark, bitter drinks. It’s the caffeine! Caffeine improves mood. Caffeine improves performance! Alertness!! Reduces dementia risk!!! Quickens reactions – and the accuracy of reactions!!!! Concentration!!!!! Short-term memory!!!!!! It’s safe at up to 1,000 mg/day. Which is quite enough.

Where: Drinks. Drink! But it’s also finding its way into snacks and candies.

Collagen: Beauty from within

What: The most abundant protein in our bodies, residing mostly in connective tissue in skin and joints.

Why: Enables our skin to stretch and move without sagging or developing wrinkles. As we age, collagen production natural slows – hello wrinkles and stiff joints. Type 1 and 3 for beauty benefits. Type II is used for joints.

Where: Supplements, but innovative formats allow you to also consume it in chews and powders.

Adaptogens: Help you adapt

What: Herbs that help the body adapt to different stressors. Used in Ayurveda for thousands of years. Not to be confused with stimulants, which are fast-acting. Top botanicals include ashwagandha, schizandra, rhodiola, maca.

Why: Stress reduction, endurance and strength, memory and mood. For example, a 2012 human study in India found 300 mg ashwaghanda twice daily for 60 days led to decreased stress, depression and anxiety.

Where: Supplements, including tinctures.

The pros and pros of protein

What: The only macronutrient to never get called on the carpet. While dairy and soy sources lead the way, plant proteins are the protein du jour – peas, rice, hemp.

Why: Everybody knows protein maintains muscle mass and strength, helps manage weight, increases energy. That’s a big reason for its popularity – it’s an easy sell.

Where: Once found exclusively in tubs of powder for the gym rat set, protein today is everywhere – and advertised as gluten-free, non-GMO, organic, allergen-free, sustainable.

Magnesium: Master mineral

What: Calcium is the billion-dollar mineral, but by 2020 magnesium is projected to catch right up.

Why: It’s a co-factor for hundreds of metabolic actions, from helping the body absorb calcium to relaxing muscles. Moreso than cholesterol or fat intake, it’s low magnesium levels that are the greatest indicator of all aspects of heart disease. Also notable for stress and sleep.

Where: It’s a large molecule, so taking 400 mg/day is unrealistic in a multi, but powders and standalones make it possible.

Omega-3s: The alpha ingredient

What: Essential fatty acid found in fish oil and other marine sources, and also algae and plant sources like ahiflower.

Why: It has an official qualified health claim from the FDA for cardio health, and is a prescribed drug at high dosage levels for lowering triglyceride levels. But it’s the ultimate Swiss Army Knife ingredient – good for all ages and all things.

Where: Supplements for proper dosage levels, which is why high concentrates of DHA and EPA are trending. And the tiny crustacean krill is big. But you can find 32 mg doses in milk and eggs (a paltry portion of the 500 mg that’s recommended).

Natural colors and flavors

What: In processed foods, colors and flavors that come from real sources, not synthesized in a chemistry lab (like we’ve grown up on in the latter half of the 20^th century).

Why: The natural evolution is here! Plus, the European Union now requires that food labels indicate if a product contains any one of six synthetic dyes used in foods with the warning, “May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.”

Where: Kraft Mac & Cheese made the switch. So did Pizza Hut and Nestle. When the big boys are on board, you know the paradigm switch is on (not that any of us were buying those products, but still).