Since ancient times, people have employed the poppy plant, or Papaver smoniferum, as traditional medicine. Its flowers, which are native to the Eastern Mediterranean, are mostly white and yellow. Depending on where they are grown, these blossoms yield small, spherical, bluish, black, or light to dark grey seeds. Poppy seeds are utilized in traditional foods and baked items all throughout the world. Both the seeds and their oil are thought to provide a number of health advantages, from treating asthma and sleeplessness to healing headaches and coughing. Let’s explore the many health benefits of Poppy Seeds.
1. Poppy Seeds Health Facts: They are Rich In Nutrients And Antioxidants
Poppy seeds, like most seeds, are a good source of fiber, plant lipids, and a number of other nutrients. Manganese, a trace mineral critical for bone health and blood coagulation, is particularly abundant in poppy seeds. The body can better metabolize lipids, carbohydrates, and amino acids thanks to this mineral. (Source)
They also contain a lot of copper, a mineral important for the production of connective tissue and the transportation of iron. Poppyseed oil, which is particularly high in omega-6 and omega-9 fats, can be made from the seeds using cold pressing. Alpha-linolenic acid, an essential omega-3 lipid, is also present in modest levels (ALA). (Source)
Diets high in these fats have generally been linked to better overall health and a lower risk of heart disease: Having said that, diets with a high omega-6 to omega-3 ratio may raise the risk of inflammation and disease.
2. Poppy Seeds Benefits: It May Contain Pain-Relieving Compounds
Morphine, codeine, thebaine, and other opium alkaloids with painkilling, sedative, and sleep-inducing characteristics are found in the poppy plant. Pharmaceutical medications created for these purposes frequently contain these substances. (Source)
Thus, before reaching supermarket shelves, poppy seeds are usually cleaned to get rid of any opium alkaloids with which they may have come into contact. However, it’s possible to find and purchase unwashed poppy seeds that contain higher levels of these opioids.
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3. Health Benefits of Poppy Seeds: It May Boost Heart And Skin Health
Poppyseed oil is particularly rich in mono- and polyunsaturated fats, which may be beneficial for your heart and skin. Research suggests that diets rich in unsaturated fats may reduce your risk of heart attacks and stroke by up to 17%. Replacing saturated fats in your diet with unsaturated fats may be particularly advantageous.
Keep in mind that diets with a high omega-6 to omega-3 ratio may increase your risk of inflammation and disease, including poppyseed oil, on a regular basis. Additional research suggests that the fats in poppyseed oil may also support wound healing, as well as prevent scaly lesions when applied directly to the skin.
Poppy seeds are often said to offer various other benefits, including promoting digestion, boosting skin and hair health, and treating headaches, coughs, and asthma. Although direct studies are lacking, some research links individual poppy seed nutrients or compounds to some of these effects. May aid digestion. Poppy seeds are rich in fiber, which may improve gut health and reduce constipation. (Source)
Nutritional Facts Of Poppy Seeds
Poppy seeds nutritional value per 100g is as follows:
- Energy 552 kcal
- Protein 17.24 g
- Total lipid (fat) 44.83 g
- Carbohydrate, by difference 24.14 g
- Fiber, total dietary 10.3 g
- Sugars, total including NLEA 13.79 g
- Calcium, Ca 1379 mg
- Sodium, Na 17 mg
- Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid 0 mg
- Vitamin A, IU 0 IU
- Fatty acids, total saturated 6.9 g
- Fatty acids, total trans 0 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg (Source)
Side Effects Of Poppy Seeds
Unwashed poppy seeds, poppy seed teas, and goods promoted as all-natural painkillers or sleep aids may contain opioid levels that are enough to lead to addiction, overdose, and even death. (Source) Therefore, their use is strongly discouraged unless you’re under medical supervision. Likewise, poppyseed oil may harbour varying amounts of opioid compounds, depending on the seeds used to make it though scientists have yet to examine this issue. Poppy seed oil is generally considered safe when applied to the skin.
These are some of the health facts and health benefits of poppy seeds. Explore more such spices nutrients and nutritional value in the Healthy Food section on Health Views Online.
