Jordan McDowell | March 4, 2026
Consider it the new metabolic blueprint for health. There’s a new health breakthrough that emphasizes metabolic health and consists of several functional food ingredients that every manufacturer would be wise to prioritize.
This discovery involves specific functional ingredients such as soluble fibers, plant-based proteins, resistant starches, botanical extracts, medium-chain triglycerides, prebiotic fibers, magnesium compounds, and antioxidant-rich ingredients that can help promote health while lowering the risk of disease.
The main purpose of utilizing these functional food ingredients is to change our direction to being more proactive when it comes to our health. By focusing on blood sugar, hormonal balance, and energy, our bodies can become healthier overall.
The following eight primary functional ingredients will provide the sources for weight loss and nutrition by including high-fiber, high-protein, and nutrient-dense filling foods.
When we ingest soluble fiber, it slows the glucose absorption process, which results in enhancing insulin sensitivity and ultimately reducing LDL (the bad) cholesterol. A few examples of soluble fiber include: oats, barley, flaxseed, and almonds.
The benefits of soluble fibers include the following:
Consuming non-animal-based proteins provides sustained energy release, as well as a feeling of satiety, which helps with appetite control and the maintenance of muscle mass. Some examples include: lentils, chickpeas, edamame, and quinoa.
One of the underrated benefits of plant-based protein is that it promotes heart health. The fiber and antioxidants in plant-based proteins help to protect arteries and enhance cardiovascular function. Diets high in plant proteins are associated with lower cholesterol and reduced blood pressure.
Resistant starches are a type of carbohydrate that function as prebiotics by nourishing the good bacteria in your gut and supporting digestion. These resistant starches will also help with satiety and thus appetite control. Examples can include: brown rice, sweet potatoes, beans, and whole grains.
A few of the benefits of resistant starches:
These concentrated substances are extracted from plants and take on the form of liquids, pastes, or powders and are known for their therapeutic properties. These emerging natural alternatives help aid in improving insulin sensitivity and reducing blood sugar. Examples that can be found in teas and wellness capsules include: green tea extract, turmeric (curcumin) extract, ginseng extract, and ashwagandha extract.
Botanical extracts offer benefits like improved immune support, digestive aid, and stress and anxiety relief.
These triglycerides are a type of fat that is derived essentially from palm kernel and coconut oils, and are known for their distinctive metabolic properties and their inherent health benefits. Examples of medium-chained triglycerides include: dairy products, coconut cream, MCT oil, and full-fat yogurt.
A few of the noteworthy benefits provided by MCTs:
