All NFL players eat salmon, sweet potatoes, and hummus, one player said. A nutritionist says they're onto something.

• Former tight end Reggie Kelly says all NFL players keep certain foods on hand for basic nutrition.
• The foods are salmon, sweet potatoes, and hummus.

Salmon, sweet potatoes, and hummus are mainstays in the fridges of every NFL player, former Atlanta Falcons tight end Reggie Kelly said.

Kelly told Eat This, Not That these foods were staples for players, especially during the season, in part because they are all dense in essential nutrients that keep the athletes in peak condition for games and practice.

The registered dietitian Bonnie Taub-Dix, the creator of BetterThanDieting.com, said they were onto something - if she were stuck on a desert island, she would be OK if those were the only foods she had.

Each of these dishes offers important nutritional benefits that are good for everyone, Taub-Dix added, and are good options for athletes.

Salmon is good for maintaining muscle and preventing injury

One serving of salmon can account for 41% of a person's recommended daily intake of protein. That serving is also rich in essential vitamins like B3, B5, B6, B12, D, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, and potassium.

These nutrients can help fight inflammation, Taub-Dix said, which is critical for NFL players in preventing injuries and maintaining physical endurance through an entire game.

Sweet potatoes provide fuel

One sweet potato contains 26 grams of carbohydrates, which deliver a boost of energy, and 3.9 grams of fiber, which helps balance energy levels.

Regular potatoes can be a source of carbs and some vitamins as well, but sweet potatoes are much denser in vitamins and potassium for the amount of calories and carbs they offer.

For example, sweet potatoes are among the best sources of vitamin A - one sweet potato contains 400% of the daily recommended dose of vitamin A - which is vital for the immune system and eye health, according to WebMD.

One sweet potato isn't going to sharpen your eyes immediately, but vision is important for NFL players, who need to react quickly on the field, and Taub-Dix said incorporating them into your diet would help your eyes in the long run.

"Both types of potatoes are very nutritious, but sweets are much higher in vitamin A - important for sharp vision," Taub-Dix said. "If you're an athlete, and you're not a sweet lover, then fuel up on any potatoes for an excellent source of energy from carbs, fiber, and a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants."

Hummus is a good source of protein and can help regulate blood sugar

The main ingredient in hummus is garbanzo beans - also known as chickpeas - which are legumes, alongside kidney beans and peanuts. They are blended with tahini (a sesame paste), lemon, garlic, salt, and oil or water to make a puree.

Chickpeas are a good source of protein, carbs, fiber, and healthy fats. They are also high in calcium, which is key for bone health - especially important for injury-prone NFL players.

The food can also help regulate blood sugar because of its low glycemic index, which prompts the body to digest the chickpeas slowly and maintain the energy boost for longer, according to WebMD.