The amazing health benefits that you can reap from consuming poppy seeds

Wednesday, September 11, 2013 by: Yanjun
Tags: health benefits, poppy seeds, natural medicine

(NaturalNews) Poppy seeds are a type of oilseed that comes from the opium poppy. They have been around since ancient times and were first grown by the Sumerians. Today, poppy seeds are frequently used to add flavor to bread, cake, seafood and many other foods. Many people do not know that there are a number of health benefits that can be reaped from eating poppy seeds.

Below are some of those benefits:

Stronger Bones And Teeth

One teaspoon of poppy seeds contains four percent of the recommended daily intake of phosphorous and calcium. Phosphorous and calcium are two nutrients that help keep the teeth and bones strong. Therefore, if you eat poppy seeds on a regular basis, you will be able to keep your teeth and bones healthy.

Reduce Your Risk Of Heart Disease

Heart disease is the top killer of men and women in the United States. Poppy seeds can possibly protect against heart disease. They are a great source of oleic acid, which helps lower cholesterol and blood pressure. High blood pressure and high cholesterol both increase the risk of heart disease. Poppy seeds are also an excellent source of fiber. In fact, a 100 gram serving of poppy seeds contains more than half of the daily recommended intake of fiber. Studies have shown that high-fiber diets can reduce the risk of heart disease.

Furthermore, poppy seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids also help reduce the risk of heart disease.

May Protect Against Cancer

There was a study done by Dr. Javier M. of NW University in Chicago that examined the effects that oleic acid has on cancerous cells. The results of the study showed that oleic acid helps block HER-2/neu, which is a gene that can potentially increase the risk of cancer. Because poppy seeds are filled with oleic acid, they may also help protect against cancer.

Increase Energy

Poppy seeds are high in complex carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are a macronutrient that your body needs for energy. They also help your body absorb calcium.

Promotes Healthy Digestion

The fiber in poppy seeds helps keep food moving through the digestive tract. This helps prevent constipation. It also helps prevent diverticulosis, which is a condition that occurs when the pockets in the intestines become infected and rupture. Studies have shown that high-fiber diets may reduce the risk of diverticulosis by as much as 40 percent.

Helps Support A Healthy Immune System

One teaspoon of poppy seeds contains two to four percent of your recommended daily intake of iron. Iron helps support a healthy immune system. It also helps transport oxygen throughout the body.

Prevent Kidney Stones

A kidney stone is a hard mass that forms in the kidneys. It is made up of urates, oxalates and phosphates. Poppy seeds are high in potassium, which is a nutrient that may protect against kidney stones.

If you are looking for a simple way to improve your health, then you should definitely consider adding poppy seeds to your diet. They can help protect against kidney stones, heart disease and digestive problems. Poppy seeds can also help increase your energy and support a healthy immune system.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.nutrition-and-you.com

http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com

http://www.diethealthclub.com

About the author:
Sofiya has written articles on most health-related topics, including traditional medicine, alternative and naturopathic and natural treatments,health insurance, wellness, medical marijuana, diets and fitness.