If you spent any time cooking in your grandmother's kitchen when you were growing up, you know that poppy seeds are an excellent, slightly-sweet addition to rolls, cookies and other baked treats. However, what you may not know is that these tiny black seeds also offer a number of health benefits and are as relevant today as they were when you were growing up. In fact, the medicinal properties of poppy seeds were recognized as early as the days of Cleopatra.
1. Poppy seeds are an antioxidant. Poppy seeds are believed to have disease-fighting properties and can likely help one's body fight off chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer, as well as stave off infections.
2. Poppy seeds can help reduce cholesterol. Poppy seeds also been shown to help reduce the amount of "bad" cholesterol in a person's system and to discourage the re-absorption of cholesterol into the colon.
3. Poppy seeds and their husks are an excellent source of fiber. One hundred grams of poppy seeds contain 51 percent of the daily recommended allowance of dietary fiber. Fiber is beneficial in helping to control blood sugar levels, controlling cholesterol levels, and promoting good bowel health.
4. Poppy seeds are a good source of vitamins and minerals. This tiny seed contains B-complex vitamins as well as minerals like magnesium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, zinc and copper. In fact, one teaspoon of poppy seeds contains four percent of the daily recommended allowance of both calcium and phosphorus.
5. Poppy seeds are mild natural painkillers. Poppy seeds contain a very minute amount of the same compound that is used to produce morphine, codeine and other pain killers. Consuming them in food can help ease everyday aches and pains without the risk of gastrointestinal issues or dependence.
There are a myriad of ways to add poppy seeds to the foods you eat. In addition to baking them in cookies and sweets, you can top rolls with them, sprinkle them on your salads, add the seeds to salad dressings and even include them as a tasty addition to a cream sauce over pasta.
Far from just being a traditional additive to baked goods like cookies and rolls, poppy seeds have been found to add fiber to your diet, can help to reduce your "bad" cholesterol levels, are a good source of vitamins and minerals, and are even believed to be an antioxidant, helping you to fight off disease and infections.
Share26 August 2016
About 10 years ago now, I was cooking with my mom when the worst happened. I was using the stove and the flames jumped into the pan, sparking a serious grease fire that I didn't know how to control. Fortunately, my mother thought quickly and extinguished the flames with a box of baking soda. This blog is all about avoiding dangers in the kitchen and knowing how to prevent problems before they arise. Your kitchen is an inherently dangerous place, but by knowing how to prevent issues, you might be able to save your home or save your family from very real problems.