Everyday Foods With Surprising Health Benefits

3. Sweet potatoes

This creamy, vibrant orange (although some may vary in color like beige or purple) root vegetable is also versatile — it can be fried, roasted, boiled, sauteed, mashed, baked or air fried. Sweet potatoes contain tons of fiber, vitamin C, potassium and beta-carotene (a natural orange pigment found in plants that the body converts into vitamin A). One large sweet potato contains 400% of the daily recommended intake for vitamin A. According to Mayo Clinic, vitamin A helps you maintain optimal vision and supports a healthy immune system.

4. Pasta

Whole grain spaghetti with mushrooms, broccoli and tomatoes

You’re probably excited to see another fan favorite on this list. Pasta is made from wheat, which is a grain — one of the basic food groups in a balanced diet. Some types of pasta are stripped of their nutrients during the refining process. However, most are fortified with folate, iron and vitamin B. If you’re looking for a refined-free option, try whole grain pasta — which has been proven to satiate you for longer — or pasta made of vegetables. Chickpea pasta has become popular recently and is rich in fiber and protein, making it an excellent choice for those following a vegan or vegetarian diet.