Did you know there were Health Benefits to Sour Cream?
For you Smetana Haters out there, jokes on you! There are health benefits to Sour Cream! Yes, benefitS (multiple, not one).
Sour Cream is a versatile dairy product that has been a staple in kitchens around the world for centuries. While it is commonly used as a condiment or ingredient to enhance the flavor and texture of various dishes, its nutritional value and potential health benefits are often overlooked.
Here’s the list of Health Benefits:
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Rich Source of Nutrients:
Sour Cream is packed with essential nutrients that contribute to overall health. It is a good source of calcium, which is crucial for maintaining strong bones and teeth. Additionally, Sour Cream contains vitamins such as B12, riboflavin, and phosphorus, all of which play vital roles in various bodily functions.
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Probiotic Powerhouse:
One of the lesser-known benefits of Sour Cream is its probiotic content. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that support gut health by maintaining a balanced microbial environment. The fermentation process involved in Sour Cream production introduces these probiotics, promoting a healthy digestive system and potentially boosting the immune system.
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Weight Management:
Contrary to popular belief, moderate consumption of Sour Cream can be part of a healthy diet and may even aid in weight management. The combination of fats and proteins in Sour Cream helps induce a feeling of satiety, reducing the likelihood of overeating. Moreover, the fats in Sour Cream are rich in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has been associated with weight loss and improved body composition.
I can attest to this, as I was able to lose weight multiple times, just by eating Smetana…with nutritious foods like vegetables, clean protein, and even fruits/berries. Also, it’s worth noting I did other things to lose weight, such as daily exercise. The main point here with my personal experience was that I was able to do lost weight without giving up Smetana!
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Skin Health:
Sour Cream contains lactic acid, which is a gentle exfoliant that can promote healthier skin. Lactic acid helps remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and improve skin texture. Incorporating Sour Cream into DIY face masks or skincare routines may contribute to a more radiant complexion.
If you have a sunburn and have no lotion and/or aloe vera, but have Smetana, you can use Sour Cream to apply it to your sunburn. This is a centuries old remedy for sunburns in Russia, and I’m sure in other heavy-Smetana consuming cultures too ;)
Smetana, often regarded as a simple kitchen ingredient, possesses a range of surprising health benefits supported by scientific research. From providing essential nutrients to promoting gut health and even contributing to weight management, Sour Cream deserves recognition for its potential positive impact on overall well-being.
As with any food and/or any remedy, moderation is key, and individuals should consider their dietary preferences and health conditions when incorporating Sour Cream into their diets or for other health applications.
Sources:
Micha R, Peñalvo JL, Cudhea F, Imamura F, Rehm CD, Mozaffarian D. Association Between Dietary Factors and Mortality From Heart Disease, Stroke, and Type 2 Diabetes. JAMA. 2017;317(9):912–924. doi:10.1001/jama.2017.0947
Gibson GR, Hutkins R, Sanders ME, et al. Expert consensus document: The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) consensus statement on the definition and scope of prebiotics. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2017;14(8):491-502. doi:10.1038/nrgastro.2017.75
Whigham LD, Watras AC, Schoeller DA. Efficacy of conjugated linoleic acid for reducing fat mass: a meta-analysis in humans. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007;85(5):1203-11. doi:10.1093/ajcn/85.5.1203
Rawlings AV. Moisturization and skin barrier function. Dermatol Ther. 2004;17 Suppl 1:43-8. doi:10.1111/j.1396-0296.2004.04S1004.x