Poppy seeds, popularly known as khus khus, belong to the oilseed family. It is known as Posto in Bengali and Gasagasalu in Telugu. Its seeds are obtained from a plant called poppies. It is mainly grown in Central European countries. It is commonly used in the preparation of a variety of regional cuisines. At the same time, the oil made from its seeds is used in making soap, perfume, and other cosmetic products.
Poppy seeds are considered more beneficial than many foods. Therefore, it is considered very good for your health. Poppy seeds are rich in many medicinal properties. The nutrients present in it work to protect against serious diseases and maintain good health. This seed is beneficial in treating diseases like digestion, weak immunity, high cholesterol, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, ulcers, and inflammation. Poppy seeds are also rich in omega-6, protein, fiber, calcium, antioxidants, and fatty acids. Hence, it can be used for weight loss, healthy pregnancy, and boosting fertility.
Benefits of poppy seeds
Aids in digestion-
Consumption of poppy seeds is beneficial for digestive health. Poppy seeds are rich in special nutrients like fiber. It works to get rid of gas, constipation, acidity, and other stomach related problems. Therefore, its regular consumption is good for the digestive system.
For mouth ulcers-
The medicinal properties of poppy seeds work to get rid of mouth ulcers. The sita (cool) properties present in poppy seeds provide a more calming effect on the heat of the stomach. It also relieves pain. Apart from this, poppy seeds have antibacterial properties, which help in destroying the bacteria in the mouth. It effectively treats mouth ulcers and other oral problems.
For fertility-
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids present in poppy seeds work to increase sperm cells in men, which improves their fertility. At the same time, according to researchers in the Netherlands and Australia, flushing the fallopian tubes with oil made from poppy seeds helps with fertility. The fallopian tube is the passage through which the egg travels from the ovary to the uterus. According to other research, vitamin-E works to improve reproductive health. Therefore, it is important for women going through the reproductive period to include vitamin-E rich foods in their diet, in which poppy seeds are also included.
Useful for bones-
Poppy seeds are helpful in maintaining strong bones because nutrients like calcium, zinc, and copper are found in them. All these elements are known to develop and strengthen bones. It is believed in research that the intake of copper and zinc, along with calcium, plays an effective role in preventing spinal cord damage.
Beneficial for brain health-
By including poppy seeds in the right amount in your diet, the body gets nutrients like rich protein, calcium, zinc, and copper. Poppy seeds are also useful for maintaining good mental health. All these elements work to balance neuronal function and also enhance memory. Therefore, to maintain mental health, people must include poppy seeds in their diet.
Effective in boosting immunity-
Poppy seeds contain iron and zinc, which work to increase the immunity of the body. The iron present in it works to carry oxygen in the body and improve the immune system. Zinc also plays an important role in the growth and development of new cells.
Beneficial for the respiratory system-
Zinc, found in poppy seeds, plays an important role in the respiratory system. It acts as a cytoprotective, which means it removes inflammation and toxins in the respiratory tract. According to a study, zinc is considered an important element for lung health and is effective in treating asthma.
Beneficial for heart health-
Consumption of poppy seeds is beneficial for heart health as they are rich in dietary fiber, which helps in reducing bad cholesterol. Thus, it cleans the heart vessels and contributes to heart health. Apart from this, omega-6 fatty acids found in poppy seeds also protect against heart disease.
Helpful in increasing energy-
It is very important to eat nutritious food to increase the flow of energy in the body, which gives energy and vigor to the body. Therefore, adding poppy seeds to a healthy diet is a good option. Elements like carbohydrates found in it provide energy to the body. At the same time, nutritious foods like calcium, zinc, iron, and magnesium are found in poppy seeds, which help in giving energy to the body.
Useful for diabetes-
Consumption of poppy seeds is very useful for people suffering from diabetes. Poppy seeds are rich in fiber, which works effectively against type 2 diabetes. Apart from this, poppy seeds are also rich in magnesium. According to a study, magnesium deficiency increases the risk of developing diabetes. In such a situation, the chances of getting diabetes are reduced by taking magnesium supplements.
For cancer-
According to a report, poppy seeds increase carcinogen-detoxifying enzymes called glutathione-S-transferase (GST). These properties help prevent cancer. Apart from this, poppy seeds destroy cancer cells without harming normal healthy cells. Therefore, consuming poppy seeds is considered a good option for the growth of healthy cells and destroying cancer cells.
Benefits for skin
Beneficial for eczema and inflammation-
Poppy seeds are rich in linoleic acid, which helps relieve eczema and inflammation. For this, soak some poppy seeds in water for 3-4 hours. After that, make a paste by mixing half a teaspoon of lemon juice into it. Now apply this paste to the affected area. By doing this, the skin gets rid of itching, swelling, and pain.
Provide moisturize-
A paste made from poppy seeds acts as a natural moisturizer. Due to this, the skin becomes soft and youthful. For this, grind two spoons of poppy seeds with one cup of milk and make a paste. Now apply this paste on the face and, after some time, wash the face with cold water. By doing this, the moisture in the skin remains intact and the skin starts glowing.
For face cleansing-
The use of poppy seeds is also good for cleaning the skin. Use poppy seeds as a scrub for this. Prepare a mixture by mixing the poppy seeds well with curd. Then rub this mixture gently on your face and neck. Do this for about 10 minutes. After that, wash your face and neck with cold water.
Benefits for hair
For hair growth-
Poppy seeds are beneficial for hair growth. For this, mix a spoonful of onion paste and some poppy seeds in a cup of milk and keep it for some time. Now make a paste of this mixture and apply this paste on the scalp and hair and leave it for some time. Wash your hair again with shampoo. Repeat this 2-3 times a week.
Helpful in dandruff removal-
The use of poppy seeds is also beneficial for removing dandruff because it is rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins, which work to make hair healthy. For this, prepare a mixture by mixing the poppy seeds well with curd. Now apply this mixture to the scalp and then shampoo your hair. Doing this 2-3 times a week gives relief from dandruff.
Side effects of poppy seeds
Poppy seeds are a nutritious food item and its use helps in getting rid of many diseases of the body. But consuming too much of it can cause the following health problems:
- Allergic reactions.
- Vomiting or nausea.
- Lethargy.
- Constipation, etc.
