Poppy Seed

Other Names : Papaver somniferum, Poppy
See also : Papaver Somniferum (Homeopathy)

• Eating large quantities of poppy seeds can cause a phytobezoar which can block the bowels. But, if the seeds are consumed in moderation as an ingredient in cooked or baked foods, phytobezoar formation is very unlikely.
• Allergy (type 1 hypersensitivity) to poppy seeds is rare, but has been reported and can cause anaphylaxis.
• Although the drug opium is produced by "milking" latex from the unripe fruits ("seed pods") rather than from the seeds, all parts of the plant can contain or carry the opium alkaloids, especially morphine and codeine. This means that eating foods (e.g., muffins) that contain poppy seeds can result in a false positive for opiates in a drug test. However the results provided will not be the same for someone who uses opiates

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% water, 28% carbohydrates, 42% fat, and 21% protein.

• . Much used as a flavouring in cakes, bread, fruit salads etc[9], it imparts a very nice nutty flavour[K]. The crushed and sweetened seeds are used as a filling in crepes, strudels, pastries etc[9]. Highly nutritious, the seed contains about 22.7% protein, 48% fat, 9.8% carbohydrate, 7.1% ash[10]. It is also a good source of lecithin[11]. 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[K]. The seeds are perfectly safe to eat, containing very little if any of the narcotic principles[2][4][12]. 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[11].

Edible young leaves - raw or cooked[9]. They must be used before the flower buds have formed[10]. In some countries they are eaten at the seedling stage[11]. One report says that the leaves do not contain any narcotic principles[10]. Some caution is advised, see notes at top of the page.

• Panasoff J (2008). "Poppy seed anaphylaxis". Journal of Investigational Allergology and Clinical Immunology. 18 (3): 224–5. PMID 18564637.