The poppy plant ‘papaver smoniferum’ has been used as a traditional remedy for centuries.
Native to the Eastern Mediterranean, its flowers come in various colors — primarily white and yellow.
The seeds these flowers produce are small, round, and bluish, black, or light to dark gray depending on where they’re cultivated.
Poppy seeds are used in baked goods and traditional dishes worldwide. Both the seeds and their oil are said to offer various health benefits, from treating headaches and coughs to curing asthma and insomnia.
Here are 6 emerging benefits of poppy seeds:
1. May contain pain-relieving compounds
The poppy plant contains morphine, codeine, thebaine, and other opium alkaloids known for their pain-relieving, calming, and sleep-inducing properties. These compounds are often found in pharmaceutical drugs intended for these uses. These alkaloids are typically present in the poppy pod’s milky white liquid, also known as poppy latex.
2. May boost heart and skin health
Poppy seed oil is particularly rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which may be beneficial for your heart and skin. Research suggests that diets rich in unsaturated fats may reduce your risk of heart attacks and stroke by up to 17%. Replacing saturated fats in your diet with unsaturated fats may be particularly advantageous.
3. Rich in nutrients and antioxidants
Poppy seeds are particularly rich in manganese, a trace element important for bone health and blood clotting. This mineral also helps your body utilize amino acids, fats, and carbs. They’re likewise high in copper, a mineral needed to make connective tissue and transport iron.
4. May safeguard against certain illnesses.
The antioxidants in these seeds may protect your body from cellular damage and various illnesses.
5. May enhance fertility
Some research indicates that women who’ve had products derived from poppyseed oil flushed through their fallopian tubes may experience improved fertility.
