Poppy seeds also go by the name KhusKhus. Poppy seeds were referred to as sedatives in Egyptian Civilization while otherwise it has been used as a sleeping aid and to promote fertility. They are of three kinds- blue poppy seeds, white poppy seeds, and oriental poppy seeds. Poppy seeds benefit(1) the health in numerous ways as it is rich in essential minerals, namely iron, and phosphorus that is hugely beneficial for good bone health and muscle growth.
Poppy Seed Nutrition Facts
The nutritional values of poppy seeds are as follows
| Calories in poppy seeds | 525 Kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 28.12 g |
| Protein | 17.99g |
| Total Fat | 4156 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.5 g |
| Folates | 82 |
| Niacin | 0.896 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.324 mg |
| Pyridoxine | 0.247 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.100 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.854 mg |
| Vitamin A | 0 IU |
| Vitamin C | 1 mg |
| Vitamin E | 1.77 mg |
| Vitamin K | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 26 mg |
| Potassium | 719 mg |
| Calcium | 1438 mg |
| Copper | 01.627 mg |
| Iron | 9.76 mg |
| Magnesium | 347 mg |
| Manganese | 8.707 mg |
| Phosphorus | 870 mg |
| Selenium | 13.5 ug |
| Zinc | 7.9 mg |
The surprising health Benefits of Poppy Seeds
1. Boosts Fertility in Women
Poppy seeds benefit in boosting fertility in women. It is said that eating poppy seeds helps to remove the mucus from the fallopian tubes that help in pregnancy. It also increases libido and improves sexual health and brings and increases sexual desire.
A study has revealed that when fallopian tubes(2) are flushed with poppy seed oil, it boosts fertility. This oil dissolves any debris in the tubes, thus increasing the chances of pregnancy. This technique is known as hysterosalpingography.
Poppy seeds consist of lignans that play in role in improving sexual health.
[Read:Â Yoga to Boost Fertility in Women]
2. Improves Digestion
Poppy seeds are a storehouse of insoluble fiber that helps indigestion. It treats constipation and improves its symptoms as it increases the bulk of stool. Poppy seeds benefit people suffering from gastrointestinal problems or IBS.
3. Promotes Better Sleep
Poppy seeds are a natural alternative to tranquilizers that are meant to regularise sleep troubles. Adding poppy seeds benefits your diet in treating insomnia. A study revealed that drinking a poppy seed beverage helped in reducing the cortisol levels in the body. It helps the body to calm down and lowers the stress levels in the body.
Drinking poppy seed tea before bedtime helps to enjoy uninterrupted sleep.
4. Prevents Mouth Ulcers
Poppy seeds benefit in treating mouth ulcers. Eating poppy seeds has a cooling effect on the body, and it plays a vital role in healing ulcers in the mouth. To enhance its taste, you can add dry coconut, powdered sugar, and crushed and grounded poppy seeds. Make a pellet and suck to get instant relief from the pain of mouth ulcers.
[Read:Â Home Remedies for Mouth Ulcer]
5. Boosts Energy in the Body
The quality of the seeds can be linked to their high content of complex carbohydrates. They are the macronutrients your body needs for energy. These seeds help in absorbing calcium, which, when disrupted, leads to fatigue.
6. Improves Cognitive Functioning
Poppy seeds benefit in improving brain health. The brain requires nutrients like iron, calcium, and copper – which are the main components of poppy seeds. These act as neurotransmitters and improve brain function.
7. Strengthens Immunity
Once you make poppy seeds a part of your diet, you can be assured about the growth in your immunity. The poppy seed nutrients found in poppy seeds, especially zinc, improves the immune system. It also helps in keeping respiratory problems at bay.
[Read:Â Boost Your Immune System Effectively]
8. Improves cardiac health
The poppy seeds have a high composition of dietary fiber that helps to reduce the cholesterol levels and improves heart health. A study mentioned that cholesterol content decreased with the amount of an increase of poppy seed oil in a particular dish. This factor signifies that adding poppy seed oil to a meal makes it healthy. To utilize the poppy seeds benefits to maintain proper heart health, make sure it becomes a part of your diet.
9. Improves Kidney Health
Poppy seeds are rich in potassium, that protects and treats kidney stones. A report made by the University of Maryland Medical Center, people suffering from hyperoxaluria were asked to intake controlled amounts of poppy seed in their diet as the seeds are high in oxalic acid.
10. Prevents Cancer
Noscapine that is produced from derivates of poppy seed is known to fight tumors and reduce the chances of breast and prostate cancer. It also prevents cancer cell proliferation.
How to use it?
Poppy seeds appear tasteless when consumed raw. They should ideally be heated- they obtain a nutty, spicy-sweet flavor. Roasting or baking makes them smell milder and sweet while deep frying makes them crunchier.
How Much to Use?
Poppy seeds are known to impart their rich nutty flavor to the recipes.
- Before consuming, the seeds must be soaked in warm water or milk for 15 minutes.
- These seeds can be grounded with other spices to add to dishes to improve their taste.
[Read: Cure Cancer with Natural Treatments]
Side-effects to remember
- Poppy seeds can cause symptoms of allergies in some people like hives, vomiting, swelling in eyes, and breathing difficulty.
- Moderation is the key to anything; overconsumption of poppy seeds can be troublesome during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Poppy seeds are available in all supermarkets or grocery stores, although surprisingly it is banned in many countries. Poppy seeds benefit in medicines as well, and are these seeds are processed to be used in cough medicines and as pain relievers.
They also used to treat skin diseases in Ayurveda.
FAQs
1. Are Poppy Seeds Banned in India?
Poppy seeds are banned in many countries like Dubai, USA, Australia, etc., but it is not yet banned in India.
2. Are Poppy Seeds Suitable for the Kidney?
Poppy seeds have a Zinc and antioxidant content that helps to protect you from various diseases. Still, it’s richness in potassium helps to maintain a healthy kidney and treats kidney stones.
