Pucker up for health

If sour and bitter foods make you cringe, take heart: these pungent flavors help ward off disease.

Researchers at the University of Washington recently completed a study that indicated that foods such as Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, mustard greens and red wine contain important cancer-fighting nutrients. The chemicals that give these foods their taste are also responsible for their health benefits.

"Many people don't like to eat vegetables, and the feeling is mutual," noted lead researcher Adam Drewnowski, Ph.D. "Plants protect themselves against being eaten by secreting natural pesticides and other bitter-tasting toxins. In small amounts, the phenols, flavonoids, isoflavones and other compounds are proving to be good for us."

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