Poppy Seed

Other Names : Papaver somniferum, Poppy
See also :

• Papaver Somniferum (Homeopathy)
• Opium Poppy

Special Precautions of Poppy Seeds

• 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.
• People with cholesterol lowering drugs, nervous system depressants, suppress immune system, pain relievers and opiates should use it with caution.

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

• Much used as a flavouring in cakes, bread, fruit salads etc., it imparts a very nice nutty flavour[K]. 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[K]. 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
  • In the 19th century, this oil was used for various purposes such as cooking oil, fuel or lamp oil, varnish and making paint and soaps.
  • It is used as massage oil.
  • The intake of teaspoon of poppy seed oil before bed helps to treat sleeplessness.
  • Poppy seeds provide relief from asthma and symptoms of whooping cough.
  • It is also used to treat stomach problems such as diarrhea.
  • It prevents the growth of tumor.

References

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