Known by various names across different states of India, Khus Khus or Poppy seeds are the well-known ingredient that finds a place in numerous Indian cuisines. Since they are good for diabetes, they are used in many recipes for diabetes, too. While they have a peculiar nutty taste, they are highly recommended when you need to add a nice aroma to any cuisine.
Different variants of Poppy seeds are readily available. From these, the popular types are:
Did You Know?
Poppy seeds are a rich source of dietary fibre. This helps you feel full for longer periods of time. It also contains 9.7 mg magnesium in one teaspoon, which is useful for good bone health and blood clotting. The iron and calcium content of poppy seeds play a significant role in the development and health of the nervous system.
A quick guide on the nutritional content of Khus Khus:
Khus Khus contents per 100g | Amount |
Calories | 525 |
Carbohydrates | 28.13g |
Fibre | 19.5g |
Fats | 41.56g |
Protein | 21.22g |
Thiamine | 74% of the daily recommended intake |
Folate | 21% of the daily recommended intake |
Vitamin B6 | 19% of the daily recommended intake |
Vitamin E | 12% of the daily recommended intake |
Choline | 11% of the daily recommended intake |
Riboflavin | 8% of the daily recommended intake |
Calcium | 144% of the daily recommended intake |
Phosphorus | 124% of the daily recommended intake |
Manganese | 109% of the daily recommended intake |
Magnesium | 98% of the daily recommended intake |
Iron | 75% of the daily recommended intake |
Did you know that poppy seed oil has a high content of linoleic acid, making up around 62% of its fatty acid profile? It also contains significant amounts of other beneficial fatty acids such as oleic acid (24%), palmitic acid (10%), stearic acid (2%), and linolenic acid (1%).
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)\
Here are some popular benefits of Poppy seeds:
Poppy seeds play a pivotal role in boosting female fertility. They are known to remove mucus from the fallopian tubes and aid in achieving pregnancy. They also enhance sexual desire and improve sexual health by boosting libido.
Opium Poppy is effective in inducing sleep. Known to create a calming effect, the seeds help in bringing down stress levels. They can be consumed in the form of tea or made into a paste and mixed with warm milk to enjoy a blessed slumber. Also, read 4 ways to treat insomnia.
Being rich in copper and calcium, Poppy seeds help in improving bone health. The manganese in the seeds helps in the production of the protein collagen that protects the bones from severe damage. Also, read the best foods for healthy bones.
Poppy seeds are a rich source of insoluble fibre and help in strengthening the digestive system and treating constipation effectively.
Poppy seeds have an abundance of dietary fibres present in them. They play a role in reducing the levels of harmful cholesterol in the body and keeping the levels of good cholesterol up. Poppy seeds are also rich in iron and improve the circulation of blood. Blood pressure levels are kept under control with the use of poppy seeds and they also contain Omega-3 fatty acids which are beneficial in reducing the chances of cardiovascular diseases.
Since they have a cooling effect on the body, poppy seeds are known to be a great treatment for mouth ulcers. However, only limited research is known to back this ideology.
Oleic acid, an essential component in Poppy seeds, is known to reduce blood pressure levels.
The zinc and antioxidant content in Poppy seeds help to improve vision and protect against eye diseases such as Macular Degeneration. Also, read eye care tips for healthy vision.
Poppy seeds are rich in iron. This helps purify the blood and increase haemoglobin levels in the blood. Consumption of poppy seeds can improve the circulation of blood which results in an optimal supply of oxygen to every part of the body including your brain. This can help neurotransmitters function efficiently and improve the cognitive functioning of the brain.
The potassium content in Poppy seeds helps in treating kidney stones and also prevents their re-occurrence. Also, read 5 symptoms of kidney stones.
Zinc is a pivotal element for thyroid glands, and thanks to their rich zinc content, Poppy seeds play a crucial role in proper thyroid functioning. Also, read 8 best foods for thyroid patients.
Poppy seeds occupy an integral place in a diabetic’s diet. The manganese in the seeds helps in the treatment of diabetes.
For generations, Poppy seeds have been a tried and tested option to relieve pain. Many ancient medical practitioners have used the analgesic properties of Poppy seeds to comfort their patients from pain and discomfort. Some reports also suggest the consumption of Poppy tea, made by mixing the seeds in hot water, to reduce pain. The pain-relieving property is significantly high in the Opium variant of the Poppy seeds.
Prepare a paste of soaked Poppy seeds, white pepper, and hung curd and apply to your hair. Leave for half an hour and wash off. Use regularly to prevent the occurrence of dandruff. Read more on the home remedies for dandruff.
Dry poppy seeds contain very small levels of opium alkaloids which have some beneficial effects on the human body. It helps soothe nervous irritability and act as a painkiller. Poppyseed drink also decreases the levels of cortisol in the body and help reduce stress levels.
Incorporating poppy cake into your diet may provide additional nutritional benefits. It is a valuable byproduct of poppy seed processing that offers new food options. This natural ingredient is minimally processed and has the potential to be used by food manufacturers in the development of new products. It can be particularly beneficial as a functional ingredient, such as in bakery products, due to its high fiber content and being a gluten-free source of high-quality protein.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Poppy seeds are found in bakery products, like bagels and muffins. They can also be added to salads as dressing and can be eaten with vegetables. Use poppy seeds as a topping, to add some crunch to cheese or on toast.
Here are a few quick recipes to add this wonderful seed to your diet:
Posto Bata | – Grind 1 teaspoon of poppy seeds with one green chilli (or use a mixer)- Add to a bowl with 2 teaspoons of chopped onion, salt and mustard oil– Mix and mash thoroughly, then have it with rice |
Aloo Posto | – Grind 1 tablespoon poppy seeds with 1-2 green chillies, add water if necessary- Fry the finely sliced onions and cubed potatoes in oil- Add in the poppy seed paste along with salt, half a teaspoon of sugar- Mix well then add half a cup of water and let it simmer for a few minutes |
Also Read: Benefits of Maca Root for Females: Research-Backed Insights into Its Effectiveness
Khus Khus is called poppy seeds in English. It may also go by a slightly different variation in India, namely, Khas Khas.
Yes, Khus Khus can be consumed daily either by eating the seeds directly, making a paste of it and adding it to a glass of milk or by steeping the seeds in hot water to make Khus Khus tea. Apart from its calming effects as well as its benefits to the digestive system, Khus Khus is an excellent way to boost your dietary fibre.
Khus Khus is a good source of the mineral magnesium which our body needs for many cellular processes. Magnesium is also involved in decreasing the levels of the stress hormone cortisol. By reducing this hormone due to its magnesium content, Khus Khus can help with longer and deeper sleep.
While respectable and legitimate producers will have little to no opioid content, if you buy Khus Khus from untrustworthy sources then the same is not true. Be sure to limit your daily consumption to avoid any potential health issues.
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