Boost Immune System with Poppy Seeds
Poppy Seeds - Papaver rhoeas L.
Origin: Brazil
Used part: Bark
Description:
Poppy seeds are edible, tiny, kidney-shaped seeds that are harvested for use in cooking or as a source of poppy seed oil. They are most commonly black seeds but can also be white or deep blue. As the name implies, poppy seeds come from the poppy seed plant (Papaver somniferum), sometimes just called “poppies.”
Some refer to poppy seeds as oliseeds. Oliseeds are several species of seeds that are cultivated to yield oil that is isolated and extracted for various uses. Although poppy seed oil might not be a staple in many people’s kitchens, oil from the poppy seed plant does have a number of uses in the food manufacturing, soap, paint and varnish industries.
Although sap found on the surface of poppy seed plants also produces opiates that are used in the drug and pharmaceutical industries, eating poppy seeds doesn’t have any psychological effects. Poppy seeds (papaver somniferum) get their flavor mostly from the compound called 2-Pentylfuran. They are usually harvested when they are ripe and dried if they are being been used in food manufacturing. The seeds also are harvested when their pods are immature and green if they are being used for opiates.
Health benefits:
One teaspoon of poppy seeds has enough calcium and phosphorus to meet 4% of your daily needs. These minerals work together to build strong bones. Because our bones are constantly replacing old or injured bone with new bone, adults need a consistent supply of these minerals. Poppy seeds also provide the body with 2% to 4% of the daily needs for iron in one teaspoon. Iron is important for carrying oxygen throughout the body and helps us have a healthy immune system. Zinc helps to regulate growth and development of new cells and the structure of proteins. One teaspoon of poppy seeds will provide 2% to 3% of your daily zinc.
Good Herbal Remedy:
- Asthma
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Coughs
- Difficulty sleeping
- Certain types of cancer
Directions:
Poppy seeds are used in various cultures to impart their rich nutty flavor to the recipes. Before proceeding to use them, clean the seeds properly to remove any stones. They should be soaked in warm water or milk for 2 hours. Drain them and leave them to dry. These soaked seeds can be used alone or ground with other spices to thicken gravies or curries.
Poppy seeds are tasteless, but when heated, they obtain a nutty, spicy-sweet flavor. Roasting or baking makes them smell mild and sweet while deep frying releases special aromatic oils, making them crunchier.
Contraindications:
In some people, poppy seeds can cause allergies. Some of these include vomiting, hives, eye swelling, skin redness, and difficulty in breathing. Though safe in normal amounts, excess consumption of poppy seeds during pregnancy or breastfeeding can cause issues and must be avoided.