Healthy and Delicious: 8 Surprising Sour Foods to Add to Your Diet

Sour foods are one of the most popular tastes in the world, but it’s not just because of their delicious taste! Sourness provides a balance to the other four basic tastes—sweet, salty, bitter, and umami—and can be good for your health. Whether you enjoy foods that are sour on their own or use natural sour ingredients to boost your recipes, here are eight sour foods to add to your diet for improved health and a great-tasting meal or snack every time.

#1 - Vinegar

The healthy benefits of vinegar have been known for centuries. Japanese studies suggest that acetic acid, which is responsible for vinegar’s sour taste, may help reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels when it replaces sugar in foods. Also, try some fruity vinegar for salads or marinades. According to HealthStatus, apple cider vinegar has been shown to fight bacteria associated with food poisoning.

#2 - Limes

Lime is one of my favourite sour foods. Not only is it refreshingly sour, but lime juice also adds a punch of healthy Vitamin C to most dishes that feature it. To get an idea of how many limes you’ll need, start with 1 cup per person as a general rule. For example, if you’re making guacamole for four people, use 4 cups of diced limes. If you want to make your guacamole extra sour, add more! The same goes for other recipes that call for lime zest or juice—you can always add more if needed. For example, adding extra lime zest will give your fish tacos or ceviche a tangy kick! You can even use fresh lime juice in place of vinegar in salad dressings and marinades for a unique flavour boost. And don't forget about those citrus fruits' health benefits!

#3 - Lemons

Lemons are often used in baking, but they also make a tangy addition to your diet. Lemons are loaded with vitamin C (more than oranges) and electrolytes that help hydrate your body. Plus, just one of these bad boys contains about 10 per cent of your daily fibre requirement. Use them in smoothies or on top of fish for an extra sour kick.

#4 - Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut, a fermented cabbage dish, is not only sour but it’s also a probiotic that contains cancer-fighting properties. Many holistic nutritionists believe Sauerkraut has anti-inflammatory benefits as well. Try adding a serving or two of Sauerkraut to your salad each day or experiment with making your own. You can even take it in pill form if you don’t have time for preparation and eating.

#5 - Tomatoes

Rich in vitamin C, tomatoes are a healthy addition to any diet. Tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant that gives them their red colour. Lycopene has been shown to help reduce heart disease by preventing LDL cholesterol from oxidizing. In addition, lycopene also helps your body absorb more calcium. The average adult needs about 1,000 milligrams of calcium per day. For people with a high risk of osteoporosis or those who have already been diagnosed with osteoporosis, 2,000 milligrams are recommended each day. Researchers have found that drinking tomato juice can provide us with as much as 40 per cent of our daily calcium needs—and you don’t even need to drink a full glass!

#6 - Papaya

This tropical fruit has crunchy flesh that's packed with Vitamin C, as well as a unique flavour thanks to an enzyme called papain. This enzyme breaks down protein, which may speed up metabolism by helping your body break down fats more quickly during digestion. Papaya can also help maintain healthy blood vessels and boost immunity.

#7 - Pineapple

Packed with vitamin C, pineapple is a great addition to your diet. Pineapple also has an enzyme called bromelain, which can help improve digestion by breaking down proteins in food. You can eat fresh pineapple or add it to smoothies for a little extra punch of flavour. Make sure you’re buying fresh, ripe pineapples - if you have trouble picking out ripe ones at your local grocery store, ask a produce worker for help.

#8 - Pickles

Not only are pickled low in calories, but they also have a wealth of nutrients. One serving of pickles contains three grams of fibre, which can help lower cholesterol levels in your body. They’re also great sources of vitamin C and contain antimicrobial properties that help boost your immune system.

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