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Why You Should Consume Poppy Seeds?

By Ajanta Sen

Apart from its gastronomic benefits, poppy seeds are famous since ages and have been used by both the ancient as well as modern generations. However, do you know why you should consume poppy seeds?

Poppy seeds contain some special chemical compounds that can avert diseases, have the antioxidant properties and have the ability to perk up your health in general.

The poppy plants are cultivated throughout the world and are widely used for seasoning, as spice and in garnishing.

These seeds are also very popular as thickening agents and can be used in baking and to prepare a variety of deserts. When these seeds are crushed, toasted or mixed with some other ingredients, they enhance the flavour and consistency of that food.

Poppy seeds are compressed to extract the oil from the seeds and thereafter this oil is used in making food for animals and birds.

Besides their various benefits in cooking, these seeds are also used in therapeutic as well as Ayurvedic treatment to treat a variety of conditions and diseases.

The reason to consume poppy seeds is also because they have a high nutritional value. There is a plethora of health benefits of eating poppy seeds such as in treating irritation, toothache, inflammation, whopping cough, asthma, dysentery, diarrhoea, nausea, earache, fever, joint pains, etc.

Some of the other health benefits of consuming poppy seeds are given below, do have a look:

Constipation

Constipation

Poppy seeds are rich in fibre and hence they can improve your digestion and avert constipation. This is one of the various reasons why you should consume poppy seeds.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis

Poppy seeds are rich in calcium and hence they help to make your bones stronger and also avert the growth of osteoporosis. This is why you should consume poppy seeds on a regular basis.

 Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer

The oleic acid present in poppy seeds helps to slow down the gene that activates breast cancer cells. This is one of the numerous health benefits of eating poppy seeds.

 Insomnia

Insomnia

Poppy seeds also present a soothing effect which helps you to doze off quite easily if you are an insomniac. Having it regularly can help you get back to your normal sleeping pattern.

 Heart Rate And BP

Heart Rate And BP

Poppy seeds contain potassium that helps to control your blood pressure and heart rate. This is why you should consume poppy seeds.

Heart Attack

Heart Attack

Apart from potassium, poppy seeds include linoleum acid as well, which can lower the risk of heart diseases and heart attacks.

 Stroke

Stroke

Poppy seeds abound with fatty acids and hence they can help prevent the artery diseases and also aid in lowering the risk of strokes.

Nervous Disorders

Nervous Disorders

One of the many reasons why you should consume poppy seeds is because they are a natural supplier of alkaloids that are enormously useful to treat nervous disorders.

Kidney Stones

Kidney Stones

Poppy seeds also include oxalates which can help you to diminish the body's calcium absorption and hence help in the prevention of kidney stones. This is one of the most important health benefits of eating poppy seeds.

Immune System

Immune System

Poppy seeds are loaded with zinc and iron that help in boosting your body's immune system. Iron combines your blood with oxygen, whereas the zinc helps to encourage the cell production in your body which fights bacteria.

 Boosts Energy

Boosts Energy

Poppy seeds are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, iron and carbohydrate and hence they can boost the energy levels of your body. This is how consuming poppy seeds helps.

 Red Blood Cells

Red Blood Cells

Being a rich source of copper, these poppy seeds help your system to make more red blood cells. This is also one of the various health benefits of eating poppy seeds.

Story first published: Monday, August 22, 2016, 18:13 [IST]
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