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
All the same, you may want to know how these claims stand up to scientific scrutiny.
Here are 6 emerging benefits of poppy seeds.
1. Rich in nutrients and antioxidants
Like most seeds, poppy seeds are rich in fiber, plant fats, and various other nutrients. One tablespoon (9 grams) provides
- Calories: 46
- Protein: 1.6 grams
- Fat: 3.7 grams
- Carbs: 2.5 grams
- Fiber: 1.7 grams
- Manganese: 26% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Copper: 16% of the DV
- Calcium: 10% of the DV
- Magnesium: 7% of the DV
- Phosphorus: 6% of the DV
- Zinc: 6% of the DV
- Thiamine: 6% of the DV
- Iron: 5% of the DV
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
The seeds can be cold pressed to produce poppyseed oil, which is especially rich in omega-6 and omega-9 fats. It also contains small amounts of the essential omega-3 fat alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
Research typically links diets rich in these fats to improved overall health and a lower risk of heart disease
That said, diets with a high omega-6 to omega-3 ratio may be linked to an increased risk of inflammation and disease. As such, you shouldn’t consume large amounts of poppyseed oil or other omega-6-rich oils on a regular basis
Finally, poppy seeds and their oil are a good source of polyphenols — a type of antioxidant that may lower your risk of conditions like heart disease
