Are you looking for a good source of protein and dietary fiber? Well, poppy seeds or khashkhash are here that contain many essential minerals and vitamins, such as magnesium and calcium.
According to experts, people have been using the poppy plant as a traditional remedy for years. These seeds look like kidney-shaped seeds and are found in different colors, ranging from blue, black, and grey.
You can use it in different recipes, including the baking process. Experts also use poppy plant sap for opioid drugs, like oxycodone medication as it contains opiate compounds.
In this article, we will get to know nutritional information and benefits of poppy seeds.
Table of Contents
Poppy Seeds Nutrients
If you take 100g, it contains nutrients with amount;
- Protein – 21.43 g
- Carbohydrate – 28.57 g
- Fiber – 25g
- Iron – 9.64 mg
- Energy – 536 calories
- Total lipid – 39.29 g
- Sugars – 3.57 g
- Vitamin A – 0 IU
- Vitamin C – 0 mg
- Cholesterol – 0 mg
- Fatty acids, total trans. – 0 mg
- Zinc – 8.04 mg
Khashkhash contains manganese which is essential for both blood clotting (wound healing) and bone health. Manganese allows your body to utilize other minerals too, such as fats, carbs, and amino acids.
When cold-pressed, these seeds produce poppy seed oil that contains omega-6 and omega-9 fats. The poppy seed oil also contains antioxidants (polyphenols) that prevent potential health risks, like cardiovascular diseases.
Khashkhash Benefits
1. Improve Heart and Skin Health
Poppy seed is beneficial for your overall health as it contains mono and polyunsaturated fats. These fats particularly aid your skin and health issues.
A small study supports the positive effects of unsaturated fats on preventing heart attacks and stroke by up to 17%. Consuming a diet rich in omega-6 and omega-9 in excess can also cause other health complications.
You should go with the limited amount of poppy seeds that can provide essential nutrients without causing side effects.
Poppy seed oil is beneficial when it comes to preventing other cardiovascular diseases. Experts suggest replacing the saturated fats diet with poppy seed oil. It works well for your heart health and improves the blood circulation in your body.
Dermatologists suggest using reliable yet natural products for your skin health. You can try its oil on your skin that boosts the wound healing process. It also keeps your skin moisturized and gives a hydrating effect.
2. Maintain Your Blood Pressure
There are many minerals that your body needs to function. Magnesium is one of the most important minerals that your body requires to build your bones strong. It also plays an important role in making protein, DNA, maintaining blood pressure, and managing your muscle and nerve function.
Our best nutritionist in Karachi also recommends using 1tbps of a poppy seed that provides your body with around 9.7 mg of magnesium. You can easily get khashkhash benefits by consuming 1 tbps.
3. Better Thyroid Function
According to research, khashkhash is rich in zinc that plays an important role in improving thyroid glands’ function. Doctors recommend its intake to people who are suffering from improper thyroid function.
4. Fulfill Fiber Intake
Your body needs enough fiber to perform many body functions. Fortunately, khashkhash provides enough fiber to your body that controls your sugar and cholesterol levels in your body. Fiber is also crucial for keeping the food and waste through the digestive system. When your waste and foods pass normally, it will prevent constipation.
5. Rich in Manganese
Manganese is a micromineral that is essential for many body functions, like fats, amino acids, bone health, and for utilizing carbs. The deficiency of manganese may result in many health conditions.
6. Prevent Kidney Stone Formation
Potassium is crucial for your kidney’s health which you can derive from consuming khashkhash. If you have developed kidney stones, poppy seeds can help to get rid of them.
Doctors say that taking khashkhash on a daily basis can also prevent the formation of kidney stones.
7. Aid in Building Strong Bones
Your body requires calcium to maintain your bones and teeth health.
Researchers believe that you get 35% of calcium by consuming three tbs. of poppy seed regularly.
Calcium also plays an important role in carrying a message between the brain and body. Your blood circulation also requires calcium that you can consume by khashkhash.
8. Helps to Get Better Sleep
Studies reveal that unwashed poppy seeds contain different compounds, like thebaine, codeine, and morphine (aids in the relaxation process).
Once you add khashkhash to your diet plan, it will eliminate the use of sleep medications. But you should consult with an expert before using unwashed poppy seed as it may cause side effects.
9. Improves Woman’s Fertility
Poppy seed benefits for females are many, but most importantly, it improves fertility issues. Experts suggest using poppy seed oil through fallopian tubes. According to research, uterus and tube flushing improve a woman’s fertility with endometriosis.
10. Boosts Digestion
Now we all know that poppy seed is rich in fiber. It is also crucial for your digestion process. If you want to improve digestion, add khashkhash into your diet plan. People who are suffering from chronic constipation should try khashkhash as it lets your food pass easily through the alimentary canal.
11. Enhance your Immune System
Poppy seeds contain antioxidants and morphine that help to deal with body aches and boost your immune system. Zinc strengthens your immune system that helps to fight off many diseases.
Side Effects of Poppy Seeds
If you take a small amount of the seeds, you will not experience any serious side effects, but an excessive amount may result in strong consequences.
People often start taking khashkhash on their own, which can cause issues. You might be allergic to these seeds that can bring on symptoms, like redness and itchiness on the skin, pain, etc.
You can treat insomnia with khashkhash only when you know how much you need.
Poppy Seed Uses
You can use poppy seeds in many dishes and also in baking. It is used in making pastries, glaze, filling, porridge, and cake.
The other uses of poppy seed oil include the mixing of paint, varnish, and soap.
What Experts Say!
You can get many essential nutrients from poppy seeds, such as zinc, magnesium, fiber, protein, etc. Antioxidant properties of poppy seed benefit both males and females. It contains opioid compounds which you can get rid of by washing and cooking them properly. The potential side effects of khashkhash are rare, but still, you should consult with your doctor before its use.
