3 Sour Foods With Major Health Benefits

Yogurt gets a lot of attention for its high levels of good-for-you bacteria, but kefir, a creamy dairy drink, can contain up to six times more probiotics. "The live cultures of bacteria and yeast responsible for its health benefits are also what give kefir its tanginess," says Sass. Extensive research has found that regular consumption of the probiotics found in kefir may ease hay fever symptoms (probiotic bacteria can stabilize the gut's environment and promote the release of antiallergic immune factors) as well as inhibit the growth of bad bacteria like E. coli, potentially helping to prevent infections. Kefir can take getting used to—some find it too sour—so try mixing it with fresh berries, adding a little honey or masking the tartness by blending it into fruit smoothies.