Dr. Oz Says Seeds Simply Excellent For Health And Diet

When television's Dr. Oz speaks, people listen. And why not? Dr. Oz has quite the medical pedigree as Vice Chair and Professor of Surgery at Columbia University. And he has a good bedside manner, we think.

We recently heard Dr. Oz mention the value of seeds for excellent health and dietary benefits.

Could something as small and inconspicuous-looking as a poppy seed, chia seed, or sunflower seed have any real nutritional value?

Apparently so, and even the basic sprinkling of these little seeds on salads, vegetables, and other foods on a daily basis, can reap rewards for you in the long run.

Let's take a look at 3 good seeds. We found some wonderful facts from Buzzle.com:

Poppy seeds. Yeah, we all have heard about the failed urine tests because of opium that would turn up in the results. Remember the Seinfeld episode and the poppy seed muffin? It's true...you can flunk a urine test after eating an innocent poppy seed bagel or poppy seed roll.

"Poppy seeds are considered to be an excellent source of vital minerals like magnesium, zinc, calcium, etc. that are needed for the smooth functioning of all human organs. As they provide the body with a good source of carbohydrates, they add loads of energy in the body. Their fatty acids aid in digestion as well as supplying other important acids required to break down food in the stomach. Poppy seeds contain linoleic acid and oleic acid. Linoleic acid protects the heart from many heart diseases and conditions, while oleic acid is known to help in prevention of breast cancer."

There are 45 Calories in 1 Tablespoon of poppy seeds.

Chia seeds. We wrote an article about this valuable little seed last year, in the form of FitFlax, a popular and crunchy food. FitFlax is ready to eat and consists of whole seeds made of roasted golden flax with chia. Together, the chia and flax seeds can do wonders:

Lower blood pressure + cholesterol

Increase metabolic rate

Promote lean muscle mass
Reduce Body Fat
Promote healthy skin

Reduce cravings for sweets + junk foods

Promote regularity + colon health

Stabilize blood sugarHigh in soluble + insoluble fiber

Improve cardiovascular health

Reduce risk of cancer.

It tastes like sesame seeds, and it is gluten-free. Yummy on peanut butter and crackers. 76 Calories in 1 1/2 Tablespoons.

Sunflower Seeds. Think of these as 'good for your heart' seeds. "The most important health benefit of sunflower seeds is imparted by the polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats that it contains. These components protect the heart against various heart diseases like blockage of arteries, by lowering cholesterol and eliminating bad cholesterol or low density lipoprotein. More than 90% of the fat, that sunflower seeds contain is unsaturated fat which help maintain high density lipoprotein."

Sunflower seeds contain: Vitamin E, proteins, selenium, magnesium, folates, fibers, and other important nutrients. These tasty seeds can be baked in pancakes, breads, sprinkled on salads and vegetables. And they can be stored for a long time.

We think Dr. Oz is right about the health and dietary benefits of seeds. Just a sprinkle a day can keep you slim and fit.