Health Benefits Of Poppy Seeds?

Poppy seeds are tiny black seeds that grow inside the flower heads of poppies (also known as Papaver somniferum). They’re used as food and medicine.

They’re often referred to as “popsicles” because they resemble ice pops. But unlike ice pops, poppy seeds aren’t frozen. Instead, they’re dried and ground into flour.

You may have noticed its crunchy texture if you’ve ever eaten a poppy seed muffin. Poppy seeds contain oil, which makes them oily when baked.

While most people associate poppy seeds with desserts, they have many uses. They’re great sprinkled over salads, added to pieces of grain bread and pasta, and even used in place of salt.

The essential health benefit is that they contain tryptophan, amounts of amino acid that help produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation.

12 Health Benefits of Poppy Seeds

Poppy seeds are a superfood! They’re loaded with nutrients. Plus, they’re delicious and versatile.

They add flavor to everything from salad dressings to dips to granola bars. And they’re great sprinkled over fresh fruit, mixed into yogurt, or added to smoothies.

When you add poppy seeds to your diet, you can expect to experience these benefits:

A Good Source of Calcium

Poppy seeds are a nutritious food source that contains a level of calcium. While most people use poppy seeds as a calcium supplement, they should know that not all poppy seeds are created equal.

Some brands may be lower in calcium than others. Check its label to find out if a poppy seeds brand contains enough calcium deposits. Look for “calcium content” or “calcium per serving.”

The amount of excess calcium listed on the label will tell you whether the poppy seeds are a good source of calcium.

A Good Source of Healthy Fats

Poppy seeds are a great source of healthy fats. They’re loaded with grams of protein, fiber content, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids (EFAs).

They’re also rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, including lignans, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds.

The most common variety of poppy seeds — the red variety — contains twice as many nutrients as white poppy seeds.

But did you know that poppy seeds are also a great source of healthy monounsaturated fat? Monounsaturated fats are heart-healthy because they help lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol.

Poppy seeds are also gluten-free. So they’re a superfood for anyone who wants to eat healthier.

Improvement of Fertility

Poppy seeds contain antioxidants called flavonoids. These antioxidants protect against free radicals, which damage cells and DNA.

Antioxidants are believed to improve fertility, and some studies show that they may be helpful for women trying to conceive. But, there isn’t enough evidence to say whether poppies effectively improve fertility.

If you use poppy seeds, you may notice improvements in your health and female fertility.

Helps Nourishes Your Skin

Poppy seeds are tiny, crunchy seeds that grow inside the flower of the poppy plant. They’re often used in baked goods because they add a nutty flavor and texture. But did you know poppies also nourish your skin?

Poppy seeds contain essential fatty acids (EFAs) called oleic acid and linoleic acid. EFAs help keep your dry skin healthy and hydrated. They also help prevent wrinkles and fine lines and may reduce the appearance of dark spots and age spots.

Poppy seeds also contain vitamin E, which helps protect against sun damage. Vitamin E is essential for those who spend long hours outdoors.

Great Source of Manganese

Poppy seeds are a great source of manganese because they’re loaded with complete protein and dietary fiber. They’re also a healthy snack food that kids love.

Manganese is essential for bone health growth, muscle development, energy metabolism, and immune function. Plus, it helps prevent osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s disease.

To get your daily dose of manganese, eat 1/4 cup of poppy seeds every day. This amount of manganese equals eating 5 ounces of chicken breast per week.

Manganese helps maintain bone density and muscle strength, and it may help prevent osteoporosis. It’s also necessary for proper brain function and healthy nerves.

So next time you’re baking a cake, try adding some beneficial seeds to give your human body a boost!

Great for the Eyes

Poppy seeds are ground seeds found inside the fruit of the poppy plant. They’re used as a garnish for salads and desserts and topping for homemade bread and pastries.

They’re great for the eyes because they contain vitamin E, which helps protect against dryness. Vitamin E is essential for healthy vision, especially when combined with lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoids found in many fruits and vegetables.

They’re also great for the eyes because they help reduce puffiness and dark circles. So next time you need some extra oomph, try eating a handful of poppy seeds!

Suitable for the Regulation of Blood Pressure

Poppy seeds contain L-Arginine, which helps regulate blood pressure levels. They’re often used to help lower blood pressure, especially when taken regularly over a long period.

Although poppy seeds aren’t eaten, they’re often added to baked goods and sprinkled over salads. So, next time you eat a salad, try spreading a few poppy seeds on top.

Improves Digestion

Poppy seeds are also known to improve digestion. It makes them a great food to eat when you feel bloated or constipated.

If you’ve ever had a stomach upset after eating poppy seeds, you may be surprised to learn that this is a reason.

Poppy seeds contain trypsin inhibitors, enzymes that block the action of digestive enzymes. It causes food to sit in the stomach longer than usual, which leads to indigestion.

When you eat poppy seeds, they bind to the trypsin inhibitors, making them inactive. It allows the body to digest food, preventing indigestion.

Helps Fights insomnia

Poppy seeds contain tryptophan, a restful sleep aid. Tryptophan helps produce serotonin, a hormone that promotes relaxation and sleepiness.

Try adding poppy seeds to your next salad, cookie, or soup. The benefits of this simple food additive may be what you need to combat sleepless nights.

Natural Analgesic

Poppy seeds are natural analgesics. They contain natural painkillers called opiates, which help reduce pain and inflammation.

Poppy seeds may be helpful when taken for mild stomach aches, headaches, and menstrual cramps. But, since they contain opiates, they should only be used as a last resort for severe pain.

If you’re looking for a natural alternative to over-the-counter medications, try adding some poppy seeds to your diet.

Boost Your Energy Levels

Poppy seeds help boost energy levels and improve moods. Poppy seeds are a great source of energy-boosting essential minerals.

They’re also packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. So not only does eating poppy seeds help boost your energy levels, but they also help reduce inflammation in the body.

If you’re looking for a healthy snack, try adding poppy seeds to your favorite smoothie recipe. Or sprinkle them over oatmeal or granola.

Nutrition Facts of Poppy Seeds

1. Poppy seeds contain caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant that helps us stay alert during long hours of studying, working, or playing sports. So consider adding some poppy seeds to your diet to boost energy.

2. Poppy seeds also contain anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to treat arthritis and gout.

3. Poppy seed oil contains antioxidants that protect against heart disease and cancer.

4. Poppy seeds come in two varieties: black and white. Black poppy seeds are sweeter than white poppy seeds. Both types are delicious, sprinkled over salads, oatmeal, yogurt, and baked goods.

Oatmeal Topped with Poppy Seeds Recipe 

The recipe calls for instant oats, which are quick-cooking oats that have been precooked and dried.

• The best way to cook them would be to place them into hot water, and then cover them and let them sit until all the cup of water has evaporated.
• Then, remove from heat, and stir well.
• If you want the oats to be extra crunchy, you could toast them first.
• Place the oats onto a cookie sheet, and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes.’
• Served!

Are There Any Risks and Side Effects in Taking Poppy Seeds?

Yes, there are some risks associated with taking poppy seeds. Poppy seeds are nutritious and delicious, but they’re not safe to eat every day. 

Here are ten things to be aware of when consuming poppy seeds.

1. One risk is that they can cause allergic reactions, including hives and asthma attacks.

2. Another risk is that they can interfere with medications used to treat hypertension.

3. They contain small amounts of cyanide, which may cause health problems.

4. The most common side effects include constipation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, dry mouth, and allergic reactions.

5. People who take anticoagulant medications should avoid taking poppy seeds because they may interact with these drugs.

6. Poppy seeds may interfere with blood clotting.

7. Poppy seeds may affect the way certain medicines work.

8. Poppy seeds may trigger heartburn.

9. Poppy seeds may irritate the digestive tract.

10. Poppy seeds may aggravate asthma symptoms.

If you’re thinking of adding poppies to your carb diet, consider these risks and side effects. And if you suffer from any of these conditions, consult your doctor before trying poppy seeds.

Final Thoughts

Poppy seeds provide various nutrients, but they also contain some harmful substances, including caffeine, sugar, and gluten. You should avoid consuming too many poppy seeds if you have any medical conditions.

When eating poppy seeds, avoid consuming them raw because they may cause indigestion.

Moreover, these benefits are for humans only; poppy seeds are poisonous to dogs and other animals as well. So, don’t feed them to any animal without suggesting with an expert.