Sour cream is a dairy condiment that thickens when exposed to lactic acid bacteria during fermentation. It can be used in many recipes as an accompaniment.
Consuming yogurt with other healthy foods in moderation isn’t necessarily unhealthy; however, it does contain a lot of fat and sodium.
So if you’re trying to cut back on calories, use it sparingly or choose a low-fat version instead.
Sour Cream Nutrition Facts
- Total calories, 198.
- Total fat, 19.4 grams.
- Saturated fat, 10.1 grams.
- Cholesterol, 59 milligrams.
- Sodium, 31 milligrams.
- Carbohydrates, 4.63 grams.
- Protein, 2.44 grams.
- Calcium, 101 milligrams.
Calcium
Sour cream is a fermented dairy product that contains high levels of calcium and phosphorus, two essential minerals for bone and tooth health.
Sour cream is also packed with essential vitamins and nutrients like vitamin B12, potassium, and riboflavin. A delicious way to increase your daily servings of these essential minerals and vitamins is by adding some sour cream to your food plate!
Sour cream, though a high-fat food, can contribute to weight gain if not eaten in moderation and not included in a low calorie diet. Fortunately, reduced-fat and light varieties of sour cream exist for those seeking less sodium intake.
Sour cream is an excellent source of vitamin A, which helps prevent and treat age-related macular degeneration. It also enhances eye health and strengthens connective tissue.
Furthermore, it contains riboflavin, selenium, and vitamin E which may slow cataract progression as well as improve immune function.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is an essential mineral your body requires for DNA production and cell membranes. It also facilitates nerve cell communication, as well as helping your bones grow and repair themselves.
Phosphorus is essential for activating vitamin B12, which keeps your nerves and muscles functioning optimally. Fat-free sour cream provides 16 percent of the daily recommended amount of phosphorus as well as significant amounts of selenium and riboflavin.
It is also an excellent source of calcium. A half-cup serving contains 109 milligrams, or about 13% of the recommended adult intake for this mineral.
Additionally, spinach is an excellent source of vitamins A, D and K – fat-soluble vitamins which have been known to reduce your risk for diseases like diabetes and cancer.
Sodium
Sour cream is made with high-fat milk, making it a relatively high-calorie food. On the plus side, it’s low in carbohydrates and packed with probiotics which can aid digestion and immune health.
It’s also packed with fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A, D, E and K – making it a nutritious addition to any diet – especially one that emphasizes low carbohydrates or ketogenic eating patterns.
Be wary: Sour cream contains saturated fat which may raise LDL cholesterol and place you at greater risk for heart disease. To minimize your risk, limit your saturated fat consumption to no more than 7% of your total calories.
Sour cream is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be easily added to many recipes. It’s ideal for thickening soups and sauces, creating dips, spreads and frostings, as well as giving baked goods a creamy texture.
In some cases, it even serves in place of butter in certain baked goods recipes.
Vitamin E
Grocery stores carry a range of sour cream products, such as full-fat, light and fat-free varieties. You may also find flavored versions with ingredients like chives or onions.
Regular sour cream contains high amounts of saturated fat and should be consumed in moderation. Furthermore, it provides a substantial number of calories which could contribute to weight gain.
Sour cream is an excellent source of calcium and phosphorus for strong bones and teeth. Additionally, it contains vitamin B12 as well as other essential nutrients that promote good health.
Vitamin E in sour cream is an antioxidant that shields your body from free radicals and may even improve cellular health, according to the American Optometric Association (AOA). According to their research, this could potentially help prevent age-related macular degeneration as well.
Unfortunately, sour cream isn’t a particularly nutritious source of protein. Each serving only provides a few grams, which may not be enough to meet your daily requirements.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Sour Cream?
It is high in dairy fat, which is healthy and protective against disease. It is also rich in essential nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin B12.
Vitamin B12 is essential for DNA synthesis, red blood cell production, and brain function.
Sour cream may also help the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins and harbor probiotics to boost digestion and immune health.
Sour cream can promote strong bones and teeth due to its high calcium and phosphorus content. It may also help prevent vitamin B12 deficiency, which can lead to anemia and neurological problems. Additionally, sour cream can play a minimal role in specific health outcomes such as heart health and weight maintenance.
It is important to note that sour cream is high in calories and fat, so serving sizes should be moderate. However, it can be included in a healthy diet in small amounts and can even help you eat more nutrient-dense foods like veggies and legumes.
Homemade sour cream can be made using store-bought cultured buttermilk and heavy cream.
Can Sour Cream Be Used As A Substitute For Other Dairy Products
Yes, sour cream can be used as a substitute for other dairy products in certain recipes. For example, it can be used as a replacement for milk in baking recipes or added as a flavor supplement.
Additionally, sour cream can be substituted for other dairy products such as buttermilk, yogurt, or cream in certain recipes.
However, it is important to note that sour cream has a distinct flavor and texture, so it may not be the best substitute for all dairy products in all recipes.
The best substitute to use will depend on what kind of food you are making and what dairy product you are replacing.
