15 Amazing Benefits of Poppy Seeds (Khus Khus)

Introduction

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:

• White Poppy seeds – Also known as Indian/Asian Poppy seeds
• Oriental Poppy seeds – Also known as Opium Poppy
• Blue Poppy seeds – Also known as European Poppy seeds

Nutrition Facts of Poppy Seeds

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 100g Khus Khus:

• 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)

Health Benefits of Poppy Seeds

Here are some popular benefits of Poppy seeds:

1. Improvement of Fertility

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.

2. Fights Insomnia

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.

3. Bone Strenght

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.

4. Improves Digestion

Poppy seeds are a rich source of insoluble fibre and help in strengthening the digestive system and treating constipation effectively.

5. Improves Cardiovascular Health

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. 

6. Efficient Cure of Mouth Ulcers

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.

7. Regulation of Blood Pressure

Oleic acid, an essential component in Poppy seeds, is known to reduce blood pressure levels.

8. Great for the Eyes

The zinc and antioxidant content in Poppy seeds help to improve vision and protect against eye diseases such as Macular Degeneration.

Also Read: Simple Eye Care Tips For A Healthy Vision

9. Improves Cognitive Functions

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. 

10. Helps in Treating Kidney Stones

The potassium content in Poppy seeds helps in treating kidney stones and also prevents their re-occurrence.

11. Good for Thyroid

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 Most Effective Foods To Fight Thyroid!

12. Diabetes Treatment

Poppy seeds occupy an integral place in a diabetic’s diet. The manganese in the seeds helps in the treatment of diabetes.

13. Natural Analgesic

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.

14. Helps in Dandruff Treatment

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.

15. Promotes Mental Health

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

How to Incorporate Poppy Seeds into My Diet?

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:

Osto 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 of poppy seeds with 1-2 green chillies, add water if necessary.
• Fry finely sliced onions and cubed potatoes in oil.
• Add in the poppy seed paste along with salt and half a teaspoon of sugar.
• Mix well, then add half a cup of water and let it simmer for a few minutes.

The Risks and Side Effects of Poppy Seeds

• Poppy seeds should be sourced from trusted retailers. Poppy seeds can contain opioid compounds if they are not processed properly or harvested properly. Poppy seeds with high opioid levels can cause the effects of the opioid to be felt in the body. This can be potentially harmful. 
• The use of poppy seeds for the treatment of insomnia should be monitored. It should be in very limited quantities since there is a likelihood of the development of dependency. 
• Consumption of poppy seeds should be done in moderation. Overconsumption of poppy seeds can result in a positive drug test for opioids.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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