Poppy seeds are derived from the seed pod of the poppy flower. These seeds are harvested once the poppy flowers have wilted. The seed pods of these wilted flowers open up to a certain degree after they dry up, thus making it easier for the cultivator to draw out the seeds.
Poppy seeds have been utilized through the ages. Their usage dates back as far as the times of the Egyptians. During the middle ages, these seeds were used as a spice in several cuisines. Even today, it is used in gravies, confectionery, and bagels. Presently, poppy seeds are grown for their ornamental, medicinal, and culinary value. Poppy seeds are known to add a distinct taste and flavor to the dish. However, their culinary use is not the most important; these seeds also have several health benefits. Poppy seeds are a good source for minerals that are required for the proper functioning of organs. Some of these minerals include calcium, zinc, magnesium, and so on. Poppy seeds contain approximately 1584 grams percent of calcium. They are often considered to be ideal for pregnant and lactating mothers. Poppy seeds are also known to contain a substantial amount of protein in the form of globulin, which has an amino acid constitution similar to the whole seed protein.
Furthermore, these seeds comprise 50 percent edible oil, which is why they were extracted for usage in several cultures, right from the Egyptian era. Since they supply the body with substantial amounts of carbohydrates, they provide good amount of energy to the body. Moreover, the fatty acids from the poppy seeds help with digestion, as they supply several essential acids that help with breaking down food in the stomach. Poppy seeds, also, contain oleic acid and linoleic acid. Oleic acid is known to help in the prevention of breast cancer. Linoleic acid, on the other hand, serves to protect the person from heart disease or other such conditions. Additionally, the calories from poppy seeds are far lesser than the amount got from other herbs and spices.
Poppy seeds are also known to treat a number of nervous disorders, as it contains a comparatively lower amount of alkaloids. However, the best known use of poppy seeds is for the treatment of insomnia or sleeplessness. It proves to be a very effective relaxant. The sleep induced state, however, could also be a result of its narcotic properties. Hence, this remedy should be taken only occasionally, and never for more than 3 days in a row. For sleeplessness, you could take one teaspoon of poppy seed oil, before going to bed. An alternative way of consuming poppy seeds, for insomnia, is to take 2 teaspoons of extracted milk of the poppy seeds, mixed with sugar. This should also be consumed at bedtime. Poppy seeds have also been known to provide relief from whooping cough symptoms and asthma. It is often used for the treatment of stomach related health conditions like diarrhea, and other similar conditions. Due to its addictive properties, cultivators today have increasingly begun producing poppy seeds more suited for everyday use.
One teaspoon of poppy seeds contains 1.6 g of protein, 3.7 g of fat, 2.5 g of carbohydrates and 46 calories. Poppy seeds are also a good source of many minerals; from one tablespoon of poppy seeds you get 29% DV of manganese, and 13% DV of calcium. Other mineral content includes 8 % DV of magnesium and phosphorous, 5% DV of iron and zinc, and 2 %DV of potassium and selenium.7 % of the daily value of dietary fiber is also got from eating poppy seeds. These seeds also contain .02 g of omega-3 fatty acids and 2.48 g of omega-6 fatty acids.
Fatty acids: These seeds are a good source of fatty acids which are required for the body’s good health. These seeds are especially rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Breast cancer: Poppy seed oil contains oleic acid. Studies conducted on this acid show that it is helpful in treating breast cancer.
Source of minerals: These seeds are also a source of iodine, zinc, copper, manganese, and magnesium.
Heart disease: Poppy seeds contain linoleic acid which is useful in prevent heart disorders and heart attacks.
Narcotics: Poppy seeds are also used as narcotics to treat pain related conditions. They are also used in treating asthma, diarrhea, whooping cough, insomnia, certain digestive disorders and stomach conditions.
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