Introduction
Sour cream is a popular dairy product that is often used as a topping for tacos, baked potatoes, and other dishes. While it may seem like a harmless addition to your meal, there are actually some surprising effects of eating sour cream that you should be aware of. From its potential to help with digestion to its ability to reduce inflammation, sour cream can have a positive impact on your health. In this article, we’ll explore four surprising effects of eating sour cream that you may not have known about.
4 Surprising Effects of Eating Sour Cream
Sour cream is a popular dairy product that is made from cream that has been fermented with lactic acid bacteria. It has a thick, creamy texture and a tangy flavor that makes it a great addition to many dishes. But did you know that eating sour cream can have some surprising effects on your health? Here are four of them.
1. Improved Digestion
Sour cream is a great source of probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that help to improve digestion. These probiotics can help to break down food more efficiently, which can reduce bloating and other digestive issues. They can also help to boost your immune system and protect against harmful bacteria.
2. Lower Cholesterol
Sour cream is also a good source of monounsaturated fats, which can help to lower your cholesterol levels. These fats can help to reduce the amount of bad cholesterol in your blood, which can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.
3. Improved Bone Health
Sour cream is also a good source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth. Eating sour cream can help to increase your calcium intake, which can help to reduce your risk of osteoporosis and other bone-related diseases.
4. Weight Loss
Sour cream is low in calories and fat, which makes it a great choice for those looking to lose weight. Eating sour cream can help to reduce your calorie intake, which can help you to reach your weight loss goals.
Eating sour cream can have some surprising effects on your health. From improved digestion to lower cholesterol and improved bone health, there are many benefits to adding sour cream to your diet. So, the next time you’re looking for a tasty and nutritious snack, consider adding some sour cream to your plate!
Made either through bacterial fermentation (it sounds weird, but it’s the same process that gives us yogurt!) or by adding an acid (like vinegar) to light cream, sour cream can be used as a topper on numerous dishes—like baked potatoes, tacos, or soups—to give them an extra bit of tanginess and creaminess. It can also be a great base for a flavorful dip recipe.
Whatever the reason behind your purchase of a tub, you should know what happens to your body when you eat a dollop or two (or more) of this sour dairy product. We spoke with Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, LDN, CLEC, CPT, author of The First Time Mom’s Pregnancy Cookbook, The 7 Ingredient Healthy Pregnancy Cookbook, and Fueling Male Fertility, regarding the side effects of sour cream. Little did we know, some side effects may actually be quite surprising.
When you hear “heart health” and “sour cream” in the same sentence, you probably wouldn’t associate the two with a positive effect. However, sour cream may actually be good for your heart.
“Eating a reasonable serving of sour cream may surprisingly support heart health,” says Manaker. “Data shows that eating dairy fat may be linked to a lower risk of heart disease.”
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Just a small serving of sour creams may do wonders in keeping you fuller longer.
“Including some fat in your meal can help promote satiety,” explains Manaker. “And since sour cream is a source of dairy fat, including a dollop on your dish may help give your dish some extra staying power.”
You can even opt for sour creams that are reduced fat or light to lower the calorie count if you’re watching your weight or fat intake.
According to Manaker, some varieties of sour cream have added live cultures, which may help support gut health.
When you’re grocery shopping, it may be hard to decipher the “healthier gut” sour creams. How can you tell?
“If the label indicates that probiotics are added to your sour cream choice, it may support gut health,” says Manaker.
Although some sour creams may help your gut, this dairy product may do some more damage. Especially for those who can’t stomach it.
“On the other hand, some people do not tolerate all dairy products,” says Manaker. “If you have a difficult time digesting dairy foods, eating sour cream may cause some tummy distress, unfortunately.”
Kayla Garritano