Amazing Benefits of Poppy seed/Khus khus
Known for various nutritional benefits the poppy seeds/Khus khus are a very common ingredient in the baking industries. Derived from the poppy plant scientifically known as Papaver somniferum, the poppy seeds are known as ‘khus khus‘ in Hindi, ‘Kasa Kasa‘ in Tamil, ‘Posto‘ in Bengali, in Telugu they call it ‘Gasagasalu‘, In kannada they know it as ‘Gasagase’, it is called as ‘Khuskhush‘ in Gujarati, they know it as ‘Khas Khas‘ in Marathi, and simply ‘Poppy seeds’ in English. Although they are derived opium poppy these seeds do not contain narcotic properties. They are known for its crisp texture and nut-like flavor which makes it a suitable ingredient for baking flavored cakes, rolls, cookies or you can simply add it as seasoning to your traditional dishes to enhance the flavor. These seeds are a good source of dietary fibers, oleic acids and certain volatile oils which are essential for human health.
Health Benefits of Poppy Seeds/Khus khus
1. Anti-oxidant properties
Poppy seeds contain compounds which show anti-oxidant properties. Consumption of these compounds is very helpful to prevent disease and promotes a healthy functioning of the body.
2. To treat pain-related conditions
As mentioned above these seeds are non-narcotic in nature. But it contains certain compounds which are helpful to treat pain-related conditions. They are highly beneficial in the treatment of respiratory disorders, infectious diseases & diarrhea.
3. Cures sleep disorders.
The antioxidant properties present in the Khus khus makes it a healthy way to cure the sleeping disorders.
4. Cures irritation of the abdomen
Poppy seeds are added in the food items not only to enhance the flavors but they are also equally effective quenching thirst, fever, irritation of the abdomen, constipation, and Inflammation.
5. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids
Consumption of poppy seeds is advised by doctors as they are a good and natural source of Omega-3 fatty acids. Such fatty acids are must be required for the body’s physiological state.
6. Source of Oleic Acid & Linoleic Acid
Poppy seeds are a good source of fatty acids and essential volatile oil, especially of oleic and linoleic acids. Oleic acid is helpful to control "bad cholesterol" and improve the “good cholesterol" levels in the blood.
7. Ease constipation problem
Poppy seeds are a good source of dietary fiber too. Its consumption helps to meet the daily needs of fiber. This helps the body by absorbing water down the digestive tract and hence easing constipation problem.
8. Good source of Multi Vitamins
Consuming poppy seeds in your meal meets the daily needs of essential B-complex vitamins such as thiamin, niacin, pantothenic acid, folic acid, riboflavin, and pyridoxine.
9. Daily dose of Essential minerals
Poppy seeds are very good for health as it contains important minerals like zinc, magnesium, iodine, manganese, and copper. Zinc is necessary for sperm generation, growth and development of the body, healthy digestion, and synthesis of nucleic acid.
10. Healthy for heart
Poppy seeds are a good source of Potassium and Manganese too. Potassium is very helpful in controlling the heart rate and maintains healthy blood pressure. Manganese works as a cofactor for superoxide dismutase which is an important antioxidant enzyme for the body.
11. Healthy for nervous system
Small levels of opium alkaloids such as morphine, codeine, papaverine, thebaine, etc. are very common in the dry Polly Seeds. When consumed in food, these has beneficial effects on the human body and works for maintaining a healthy nervous system.
12. Good for curing Cough
Its seed extractions have a medicinal value too. You can found its traces in modern pharmacy as well as in traditional medicines. It is usually used in the preparations of cough mixtures, expectorants, etc.
13. In the Treatment of carcinoma
The monosaturated fatty acids present in these little seeds are very helpful in the treatment of carcinoma.
14. Excellent source of energy
Poppy seeds are popular additive to foods as they contain carbohydrates which make it an essential source of energy. The calorie content is lower in poppy seeds when you compare it with other herbs and spices.
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