[[File:Poppy seeds.jpg|thumb|350px|left|Poppy Seeds]]Other Names : Papaver somniferum, Papaver Seeds, Poppy Seeds, Poppy, Opium Poppy, Poppyseed oil, Abou en Noum, Abu el Noom, Abu el-Num, Adormidera, Afyun, Ahiphenam, Amapola, Amapola Real, Anfiao, Aphioni, Aphukam, Bhainzi, Birkes, Blauwmaanzaad, Breadseed Poppy, Dormideira, Edible-Seeded Poppy, Garden Poppy, Garten Mohn, Graine de pavot, Hashhash, Herba Dormidora, Keshi, Khishkhash, Maankop, Maanzaad, Mak, Mak Lekarski, Mak Sety, Medicinal Poppy, Mohn, Oeillette, Oilseed Poppy, Oopiumjunikko, Opievallmo, Opium Poppy, Opiummohn, Opiumpapawer, Opiumvallmo, Opiumvalmue, Papaver somniferum, Papavero da Oppio, Papavero Domestico, Papavero Sonnifero, Papoula, Paragtarbuti, Pavot Officinal, Pavot Somnifère, Pavot A Opium, Pavot de Jardin, Pintacoques, Pioniunikko, Pionvallmo, Schlafmohn, Semilla de amapola, Slaapbol, Slaappapver, Small Opium Poppy, Small-Flower Opium Poppy, Uniko, Vallmo, Valmúafræ, Valmue, Valmue Frø, Vrtni Mak, White Poppy, Wild Poppy, Yanggwibi, Ying Su, Za Zang.<br>
See also :
*[[Papaver Somniferum (Homeopathy)]]
* [[Corn Poppy]] (Papaver rhoeas)
* [[Opium Poppy]]
* [[omegaOmega-6 fatty acidacids]]
==Variations==
There are different types of poppy seeds. Some popular types are:
==Health Benefits and Uses of Poppy Seed==
Seed can be consumed raw or cooked
In a 100 gram amount, poppy seeds provide 525 Calories and are a rich source of thiamin, folate, and several essential minerals, including calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus and zinc (table). Poppy seeds are composed of 6% waterHighly nutritious, 28the seed contains about 22.7% carbohydratesprotein, 4248% fat, and 219.8% proteincarbohydrate, 7.1% ash. It is also a good source of lecithin. The seeds are rather small, but there are large numbers of them contained in capsules 3cm or more in diameter and so they are easy to harvest and utilize. The seeds are perfectly safe to eat, containing very little if any of the narcotic principles. However, although the seeds contain no narcotic alkaloids, analysis of the urine following their ingestion may produce similar results to the analysis of the urine of morphine or heroin addicts.* Poppyseed have high concentration of minerals, vitamins, dietary fibers and electrolytes that assist human body as well as circulatory system.
*The most vital benefit of poppy seeds is the avoidance of heart disease. The seeds contain linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid that is necessary for the health of the heart. Keep in mind that too much omega-6 fatty acids can damage your health. That is why balance is crucial.
* the iron and phosphorus in the seeds maintain the health of the bones. The two minerals are essential for the maintenance of the bones and muscles.
* Papaver seed also contains calcium and magnesium that regulates brain activity and helps in the development of neurons. The seeds can also treat insomnia.
* Poppy Seeds Improve female fertility : Studies have shown that flushing of the fallopian tubes with poppyseed oil can increase fertility.
* Boost Energy : This characteristic of the seeds can be attributed to their high content or complex carbohydrates – the macro nutrients that your body needs for energy.macro nutrients that your body needs for energy.
* Improve the health of the brain : The brain needs essential nutrients such as calcium, iron and copper minerals. These minerals help regulate neurotransmitters and improve brain function. Poppy seeds may also reduce the risk of cognitive disorders. In this respect, further research is ongoing. The seeds also help absorb calcium, which can lead to fatigue.
* Boost the immune system : The zinc in poppy seeds can contribute to an enhanced immune system. The seeds also improve the production of immune cells in the body. And the iron in the seeds also helps in this aspect. The zinc in the seeds also helps prevent lower respiratory ailments.
* Diabetes treatment : Since poppy seed contains a lot of fiber, they can have a preference as a supplement to a diabetic diet. And the manganese in the seeds can also help in the treatment of diabetes. However, we have more research in this aspect. Consult your doctor before taking poppy seeds for this purpose.
* Helps to Prevent Cancer : According to a report published in TIME Magazine , the genes of opium poppies have shown great promise in the development of a cancer drug. The medicine noscapine (produced from the derivatives of the poppy bulbs) was found to fight tumors and even to reduce breast and prostate cancer cells. It can also stop the proliferation of cancer cells. According to another Indian study , poppy seed can increase the activity of a carcinogen-detoxifying enzyme called glutathione-S-transferase (GST) by up to 78%. This activity of poppy seed, according to the study, is high enough to consider the food as potent for the treatment of cancer.
* Help to treat kidney stones : Poppy seeds contain potassium, and minerals known as protect against and even treat kidney stones. According to a report from the University of Maryland Medical Center, individuals with hyperoxaluria (an excessive urinary excretion of oxalate that increases the risk of calcium oxalate kidney) should limit the amount of poppy seed in their diet – because the seeds are high in oxalic acid .an excessive urinary excretion of oxalate that increases the risk of calcium oxalate kidney) should limit the amount of poppy seed in their diet – because the seeds are high in oxalic acid.
* Treat eczema and inflammation : Papaver seed is effective in the treatment of eczema due to the high content of linolenic acid. Poppy seed can be ground into water or milk, along with lime juice, into a smooth paste. Applying this paste externally helps to treat burns and itching in the skin. It also works as an effective painkiller by relieving the pain by relieving skin inflammation.
* Dandruff is a common problem that, if left untreated, can lead to hair loss. For the treatment of rose you can apply mixture of soaked poppy seeds, curds and teaspoon or white pepper to the scalp.rose you can apply a mixture of soaked poppy seeds, curds and a teaspoon of white pepper to the scalp. Let the mixture stand for half an hour and then rinse. Regular use of this package will significantly reduce the return of dandruff.
* Diagnosing vesicoenteric fistula : Research shows that the poppy seed test can be used to diagnose a condition called vesicoenteric fistula. For this test, people who might have vesicoenteric fistula eat 35-250 grams of poppy seed mixed in a yogurt or beverage. The person's urine is monitored for 48 hours afterwards. If poppy seed is seen in the urine, the person is diagnosed with vesicoenteric fistula.
* Much used as a flavouring in cakes, bread, fruit salads etc., it imparts a very nice nutty flavour. The crushed and sweetened seeds are used as a filling in crepes, strudels, pastries etc. Highly nutritious, the seed contains about 22.7% protein, 48% fat, 9.8% carbohydrate, 7.1% ash. It is also a good source of lecithin. The seeds are rather small, but there are large numbers of them contained in capsules 3cm or more in diameter and so they are easy to harvest and utilize. The seeds are perfectly safe to eat, containing very little if any of the narcotic principles. However, although the seeds contain no narcotic alkaloids, analysis of the urine following their ingestion may produce similar results to the analysis of the urine of morphine or heroin addicts.
* Poppyseed have high concentration of minerals, vitamins, dietary fibers and electrolytes that assist human body as well as circulatory system.
* It also possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help to promote immunity as well as cell damage.
* Poppyseed Oil : Poppy seeds are notable for being especially high in tocopherols other than [[Vitamin E]] (alpha-tocopherol). Poppyseed oil from one source has been reported to contain 30.9 mg gamma-tocopherol per 100 g. It also contains alpha and gamma tocotrienols, but not others. Compared to other vegetable oils, poppyseed oil has a moderate amount of phytosterols: higher than soybean oil and peanut oil, lower than safflower oil, sesame oil, wheat germ oil, corn oil, and rice bran oil. Sterols in poppyseed oil consist almost entirely of campesterol, stigmasterol, sitosterol and delta 5-avenasterol. Poppyseed oil is high in linoleic acid. Although not generally higher than safflower oil, it can be as high as 74.5%. Other triglycerides present in notable quantities are oleic acid and palmitic acid. It is less likely than some other oils to become rancid. It is more stable than safflower oil and linseed oil. Poppyseed oil is a carrier oil, having little or no odor and a pleasant taste. The primary aroma compound responsible for its flavor is 2-pentylfuran; also present are the volatile compounds 1-pentanol, 1-hexanal, 1-hexanol, and caproic acid.