6 Health Benefits Of Poppy Seeds- Uses And Side Effects 2022

Poppy seeds, like most seeds, are rich in fiber, plant fats, and a variety of other nutrients.Today we discuss Health Benefits Of Poppy Seeds and why its ass

For generations, the poppy plant (Papaver smoniferum) has been used as a herbal remedy. It is native to the Eastern Mediterranean and has flowers in various colors, notably white and yellow.

The seeds produced by these blooms are small, round, and bluish, black, or light to dark gray, depending on their cultivation location.

Poppy seeds are widely used in various baked items and traditional cuisines worldwide. Both the seeds and their oil are reported to provide multiple health benefits, including treating headaches and coughs and the cure for asthma and sleeplessness.

Nonetheless, you may wonder how these statements hold up under scientific scrutiny.

The following are six newly discovered benefits of poppy seeds.

Table of Contents

1. May protect against some infections: Health Benefits Of Poppy Seeds

These seeds’ antioxidants may help protect your body from cellular damage and various ailments.

2. Could contain analgesic compounds

Morphine, codeine, thebaine, and other opium alkaloids are found in the poppy plant and are known for their pain-relieving, relaxing, and sleep-inducing qualities. These compounds are frequently found in pharmaceuticals used for these purposes.

These alkaloids are often found in the milky white liquid in poppy pods, also known as poppy latex.

Although poppy seeds do not contain opium compounds naturally, they may get tainted during harvesting or as a result of insect damage.

Thus, poppy seeds are typically cleaned before reaching supermarket shelves to remove any opium alkaloids that may have come into touch with them.

However, unwashed poppy seeds containing larger quantities of these opioids can be found and purchased. In addition, unwashed poppy seeds are frequently touted as a natural substitute for various prescription medications.

On the other hand, Unwashed poppy seeds pose many health concerns, and the most serious is unintentional death. As such, they should be ingested only under the guidance of a physician.

Poppy seeds that have not been unwashed may contain morphine, codeine, or thebaine. While these compounds may have pain-relieving qualities, eating unwashed poppy seeds is dangerous and should be done only under medical supervision.

3. Nutrient- and antioxidant-dense

Poppy seeds, like most seeds, are rich in fiber, plant fats, and a variety of other nutrients. One tablespoon (9 grams) contains the following:

46 calories
1.6 grams protein
3.7 grams fat
Carbohydrates: 2.5 g
1.7 grams fiber
Manganese: 26% of Daily Value (DV)
Copper: 16% of the DV
Calcium: 10% of the DV
Magnesium: 7% of the DV
Phosphorus: 6% of the daily value
Zinc: 6% of the DV
Thiamine: 6% of the DV
Iron: 5% of the DV

Manganese is particularly rich in poppy seeds, a trace mineral necessary for bone health and blood coagulation. In addition, this mineral aids in using amino acids, fats, and carbohydrates by the body.

They’re also high in copper, a mineral required to form connective tissue and iron transport.

Cold pressing the seeds results in poppyseed oil, particularly rich in omega-6 and omega-9 fats. Additionally, it includes trace levels of the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).

Generally, research indicates that diets high in these fats promote overall health and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Nonetheless, diets heavy in omega-6 fatty acids may be associated with elevated inflammation and disease risk. Therefore, you should avoid consuming substantial poppyseed oil or other omega-6-rich oils.

Finally, poppy seeds and their oil are high in polyphenols, an antioxidant that may help lower your risk of developing illnesses such as heart disease.

Poppy seeds are a rich source of fiber, healthy fats, and various minerals, exceptionally high in manganese.

4. May be beneficial for digestion.

Poppy seeds are high in fiber, which may help with digestive health and constipation.

5. May help with fertility.

According to some research, women who have had products derived from poppyseed oil flushed through their fallopian tubes may benefit from increased fertility.

6. May benefit the heart and skin

Poppyseed oil contains a high concentration of mono- and polyunsaturated fats, which may benefit your heart and skin.

According to recent research, diets high in unsaturated fats may help reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke by up to 17%. However, substituting unsaturated fats for saturated fats in your diet may be very beneficial.

Bear in mind that diets high in omega-6 fatty acids and low in omega-3 fatty acids may raise your risk of inflammation and disease. However, it may be prudent to avoid consuming high amounts of omega-6-rich oils daily, especially poppyseed oil.

Additional research indicates that when applied directly to the skin, the fats in poppyseed oil may aid in wound healing and prevent scaly sores.

However, research is still needed.

Poppyseed oil may assist in lowering your risk of developing heart disease. Additionally, it may aid in wound healing and help avoid scaly skin diseases, although additional research is essential.

Further alleged benefits

Poppy seeds are frequently touted for their additional benefits, including aiding digestion, improving skin and hair health, and curing headaches, coughs, and asthma.

Although direct studies are hard to come, some research suggests that certain nutrients or compounds in poppy seeds may contribute to some of these effects.

While these findings are noteworthy, research is still needed.

Poppy seeds and poppy seed oil may aid in digestion, reduce disease risk, and aid in producing fertility-enhancing medical goods. Nonetheless, additional research is required.

Potential risks

Poppy seeds are generally regarded safe when purchased from reputable sources and consumed in tiny amounts, such as those found in muffins or bagels.

Having said as much, there are several risks to mind.

Typically marketed as a sleep aid.

Poppy latex contains opioid compounds that are well-known for their sedative qualities.

As a result, some suggest that poppy tea or heated milk laced with poppy seeds is a natural cure for insomnia.

Bear in mind that poppy seeds do not contain these opium compounds naturally; however, they might get tainted during harvesting or due to pest damage.

Since most commercially accessible poppy seeds are cleaned before sale, any goods purchased at your neighbourhood supermarket are unlikely to offer any insomnia-fighting properties.

While unwashed poppy seeds with a higher opioid content are available, their usage is dangerous. For example, teas and infusions produced from them may contain fatal quantities of morphine, and their use has been related to multiple accidental deaths.

Poppy seeds that have not been washed may also develop a dependency similar to other chemicals. As a result, their usage as a sleep aid is severely discouraged.

Drug screenings

Consumption of these seeds may produce a positive drug test. For example, after consuming poppy seeds, trace levels of codeine and morphine may remain detectable in urine for up to 48 hours (.

The precise amount required to trigger a positive drug test is determined by the testing laboratory’s thresholds and the concentration of opium left after the seeds have been washed.

The more poppy seeds you consume, the greater your chance of testing positive for opium compounds.

Adverse effects and health risks

Poppy seeds that have not been unwashed, poppy seed beverages, and poppy-containing goods promoted as natural pain remedies or sleep aids may contain sufficient opioids to cause addiction, overdose, and even death.

As a result, their usage is strongly discouraged unless medically necessary.

Similarly, poppyseed oil may contain varying levels of opioid compounds, depending on the seeds used to produce it – though scientists have not yet investigated this possibility.

Poppyseed oil is generally regarded as safe when applied to the skin, but if you develop redness, itching, or pain while using it, it is advised to quit using it.

Poppy seeds are generally considered to be harmless when used in moderation. They may, however, result in a positive drug test. Additionally, unwashed poppy seeds should never be consumed due to the risk of addiction and accidental death.

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Summary

Poppy seeds are rich in beneficial plant compounds and nutrients such as manganese.

These seeds and their oil may help with fertility and digestion, while additional research is needed on a number of their alleged benefits.

Poppy seeds that have not been unwashed may also retain trace levels of opium compounds recognized for their analgesic, relaxing, and sleep-inducing qualities.

Nonetheless, it would be best to never eat unwashed poppy seeds due to the associated health concerns.

Poppy seeds seen in supermarkets and baked goods are largely regarded as safe, containing little opium compounds.

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