Everything that Mother Nature has given us is full of health benefits. Be it fruits, leaves, trees, nuts, or seeds like poppy seeds. These are small kidney-shaped seeds that look like quinoa. More commonly known as Khus Khus, poppy seeds are a kind of herb known by different names in different parts of the world. 

Also known as Papaver Bracteatum, Opium Poppy, and Lipiodol, poppy seeds are known mainly for their addictive properties. However, regardless of this, these Khus Khus seeds are capable of delivering you with oodles of health benefits too. Moderate consumption of poppy is not at all addictive and yields multiple health benefits.

Obtained as an oilseed from the poppy flower, Khus Khus boasts anti-inflammatory abilities. It also induces sleep in those suffering from insomnia. This herb has been used for centuries in Ayurveda for its medicinal values, as it helps in suppressing anger, and distress, to calm your mind. The opium poppy is morphine in nature and if taken in the wrong dosage, these seeds may yield some side effects.

So, one should be aware of all the health benefits along with the right dosage of poppy seeds beforehand.

Nutritional Value of Khus Khus or Poppy Seeds

Poppy seeds are a good source of dietary fiber, protein, zinc, iron, magnesium, calcium, and vitamins. Though small in size, these seeds are big in nutritional value. They are available both in black, as well as in white color.

The following list of the nutritional value found in just 100 grams of raw poppy seeds will astonish you:

Calories – 535 calories

Fat – 40 g

Carbohydrate – 28g

Fiber – 25 g

Protein – 21 g

Fatty Acids – 5.3 g

Calcium – 1,250 mg

Magnesium – 355 mg

Iron – 10 mg

Zinc – 8 mg

Health Benefits of Poppy Seeds

#1. Boosts Female Fertility

To begin with, the first amazing health benefit of poppy seeds is that it helps to boost female fertility. It is because these seeds play a vital role in removing all the mucus from the female’s fallopian tubes, which promotes the chances of getting pregnant. This is not all, these seeds are proven to improve libido and sexual urge in females as well as males.

Poppy Seeds Helps to boost Female Fertility
Poppy Seeds Helps to boost Female Fertility

#2. Resolves Insomnia Issues

The second wonderful benefit of consuming poppy seeds is that it helps to fight insomnia. Poppy seeds have opium content, which helps to induce sleep naturally. These seeds, if taken at night in a tea form, help to reduce stress and calm your mind, thereby preventing issues like insomnia.

Poppy seeds have opium content, which helps to induce sleep naturally
Poppy seeds have opium content, which helps to induce sleep naturally

#3. Strong Bones

You can at the same time rely on the Khus Khus seeds to strengthen your bones. It is because these seeds are rich in calcium and copper content, along with iron content. All of these help to promote good bone health and increase the production of the protein collagen in bones to prevent them from being damaged. 

Poppy seeds are rich in Calcium, Copper & Iron content which propmotes good bone health
Poppy seeds are rich in Calcium, Copper & Iron content which promotes good bone health

#4. Cures Mouth Ulcers

Another amazing benefit of poppy seeds is in curing mouth ulcers. This is due to the natural cooling effect of these seeds on your body and mouth. However, make sure not to overconsume these seeds, else be ready to experience some side effects too. 

#5. Prevents Respiratory Issues

On the other hand, consuming poppy seeds also help to prevent respiratory issues like asthma. It acts as a decongestant to clear the nasal passage and keep the throat clear and prevent respiratory disorders.

Poppy seeds acts as a decongestant to clear the nasal passage and keep the throat clear and prevent respiratory disorders
Poppy seeds act as a decongestant to clear the nasal passage and keep the throat clear and prevent respiratory disorders

#6. Aids Digestion

Khus Khus seeds are rich in dietary fibers and this makes them efficient for digestion. Consuming these tiny seeds helps in preventing issues like bloating and constipation. These seeds help in strengthening the digestive system.

Consuming Poppy seeds helps in preventing issues like bloating and constipation.
Consuming Poppy seeds helps in preventing issues like bloating and constipation.

#7. Promotes Cardiovascular Health

You will be amazed to know that poppy seeds are high in dietary fiber content. Due to this, they help to promote the levels of good cholesterol or HDL. Moreover, being rich in iron, these seeds help to improve overall blood circulation and reduce the chances of cardiac arrests and diseases. 

Being rich in iron, Poppy seeds help to improve overall blood circulation and reduce the chances of cardiac arrests and diseases
Being rich in iron, Poppy seeds help to improve overall blood circulation and reduce the chances of cardiac arrests and diseases

#8. Analgesic Affect

Up next, another surprising health benefit of Khus Khus or poppy seeds is that it is a natural analgesic and offers relief from pain. These days, even medical practitioners are prescribing these seeds for their natural analgesic effect. Consuming poppy seed tea is great to experience the analgesic effect. 

#9. Good for Mental and Cognitive Health

Last but not the least, we would mention that poppy seeds are extremely beneficial for promoting your mental health. It is because these seeds are super-rich in iron content and help to increase hemoglobin levels in your blood. Due to this, the efficiency of neurotransmitters gets enhanced and the brain’s cognitive functioning gets improved. 

Consumption of Poppy seeds improves brain's congnitive functionality
Consumption of Poppy seeds improves the brain’s cognitive functionality

Side Effects of Poppy Seeds

As we mentioned earlier, it is important that before you start consuming poppy seeds reading just about its health benefits, you should also make it a point to be aware of its side effects. So, here is a list of side effects that one may experience with poppy seeds consumption:

  1. The opium poppy is highly addictive in nature and can induce sluggishness, sedation, and even poisoning.
  2. Consuming poppy seeds may also lead to positive results in drug tests.
  3. Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers should avoid consuming poppy seeds.

Right Dose of Poppy Seeds

As per experts, the safe dose of poppy seeds is about 1 tbsp per 7 pounds of body weight. For instance, if a person weighs about 60 kgs, he/she should not consume more than 6 tbsp of raw poppy seeds in one go. Overdosage of these tiny seeds can lead to big side effects and harmful results on your overall health.

Best Way to Consume Poppy Seeds

The best way to consume poppy seeds is by sprinkling them over muffins, and cakes. Besides, one can sprinkle them in salad dressings and as toppings on your toast and sandwiches. Alternatively, one can consume poppy in the form of tea before bed to induce sleeping properties and calm your mind of stress. Feel free to check out its exciting list of recipes.

Lemon Poppy Seeds Muffins with Sweet Glaze
Lemon Poppy seeds Muffins with sweet glaze

Words From FitWithGreens

So, now don’t hesitate. You know what is the safe way and the right dose of consuming poppy seeds. These highly nutritional tiny seeds are full of omega-6 fatty acids and help to increase your overall growth and metabolism. If consumed daily in the right dose, they can help you reap several health benefits. So, pick your pack of poppy seeds the next time you go grocery shopping. You may also order online and try these super-beneficial seeds to see the difference in your physical and mental health.