The poppy plant (Papaver smoniferum) has been utilised as a traditional remedy for hundreds of years. Native to the Eastern Mediterranean, the poppy plant’s flowers come in various colours — primarily white and yellow. The seeds that these flowers produce are small, round, bluish, black, or light to dark grey depending on where they’re cultivated. In addition, they have a number of nutritional benefits
Poppy seeds are utilised in baked goods and traditional dishes all over the world. Both the seeds – as well as their oil – are said to offer a number of health benefits, from treating headaches and coughs to curing asthma as well as insomnia. All the same, you may want to know how these claims stand up to scientific scrutiny.
You may know poppy seeds best as something which is sprinkled on top of a bagel, but they are more than merely a topping for breakfasts. These crunchy specks provide nutritional benefits and are utilised worldwide in all sorts of baked goods as well as dishes.
A Source Of Fibre
Poppy seeds are a great source of fibre, which assists to keep you feeling full for longer periods of time. In addition, they also contain magnesium, which assists with bone health as well as blood clotting, and calcium, which plays a role in bone health as well.
One teaspoon of poppy seeds has the following nutrients:
- Fat: 1.2 g
- Calories: 14.7 kcal
- Sodium: 0.7 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 0.8 g
- Dietary Fibre: 0.5 g (about 2% of the daily value)
- Total Sugars: 0.1g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Calcium: 40 mg (3 to 4%of the recommended daily intake, RDI, for adults)
- Iron: 0.3 mg (1.5% of the RDI for adult women)
- Magnesium: 9.7 mg (2% of the RDI)
- Manganese: 0.2 mg (8% of the RDI)
Great For The Eyes
The zinc – as well as antioxidant – content in poppy seeds helps to improve vision. In addition, it protects compared to eye diseases such as macular degeneration.
Helps In Treating Kidney Stones
The potassium content that is found in poppy seeds assists in treating kidney stones. This mineral also prevents their re-occurrence.
Good For Thyroid
Zinc is a crucial element for thyroid glands, and thanks to their rich zinc content, poppy seeds play a very important role in proper thyroid functioning.
Diabetes Treatment
Poppy seeds are an integral part of a diabetic’s diet. The manganese in the seeds assists with the treatment of diabetes.
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