Top 5 Most Common Superfoods

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird, it's a plane, it's Superfood! Superfood is a popular term used to describe foods that are low in calories and high in nutrients. These antioxidant-rich foods help reduce the risk of fatal diseases like cancer, while still allowing us to meet our daily nutritional requirements. These are all perfect for including in our meal management systems, and fit easily into whichever gym bag fits your style best, from our sports duffle bags to our gym totes. Check out our picks for the top five most common superfoods.

Apples

We've all heard the saying "An apple a day keeps the doctor away," but did you know these superfoods can also help reduce the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease? Apples are packed with two powerful antioxidants, quercetin and catechin, that help protect your cells from damage. The skin of the apple contains approximately five times the amount of antioxidants that the flesh does, so be sure to eat the peel. Apples and their skins are also loaded with a lot of fiber (about twice as much as other common fruits like grapefruits, grapes, and peaches), which can help you shed unwanted pounds.

Avocados

While they're high in fat, avocados contain a large percentage of health-promoting monounsaturated fats. In fact, avocados have a number of health benefits. They are known to help prevent unwanted inflammation, support cardiovascular health, promote blood sugar regulation, and have even been linked to reducing the risk of certain cancers. These superfoods come loaded with fiber, antioxidants (like lutein), and an incredible array of phytonutrients (beneficial natural chemicals found in plants). Just make sure you don't bruise them when you place a couple into your meal management system for the day!

Eggs

Eggs are hands-down the best source of protein on the planet, consistently outranking alternative sources such as milk, beef, whey, and soy in the quality of protein they provide. In addition to containing all nine essential amino acids, eggs also provide you with several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, iron, calcium, and potassium. Many people avoid eating the yolks because they are afraid of the cholesterol, but egg yolks contain choline, an essential nutrient that helps protect heart and brain function and prevents cholesterol and fat from accumulating in the liver. Yum!

Flaxseeds

These tiny seeds are packed with big nutritional value. Flax is loaded with fiber, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseeds' high concentration of alpha-linolenic acid puts them ahead of other sources of omega-3 fatty acids like fish and nuts. The seeds also contain lignans, an antioxidant linked to reducing the risk of breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men. Additionally, the strong fiber content of flaxseeds helps support your digestive health.

Salmon

Of all the different types of fish, salmon has received the most praise for its nutritional value. Salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals (including potassium, selenium, and Vitamin B). But it's the concentration of omega-3 fatty acids in salmon that make it a superfood. Omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to a reduced risk of cancer, stroke, heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, and type 2 diabetes. The omega-3 fatty acids also help keep inflammation down and your joints properly lubricated. Don't forget that portion size matters, even when it comes to superfoods. You can take more liberties when eating simply prepared vegetables, but you should maintain sensible portion sizes when eating other superfoods. Eating right is a way of life and your success is largely dependent on your dedication. That's why we created a line of meal management bags designed to help you eat right wherever your day takes you. Choose the right one for you today and open yourself to a whole new world of nutritional success! And now that you've read all about our choices for the most common superfoods, make sure to check back for the companion post of our picks for the most uncommon superfoods.