Poppy Seed (Khas Khas): Uses, Nutrition, Side Effects, and More

Poppy seeds can be defined as tiny, dot-like, and nutty-flavoured seeds that are derived from the poppy plant. In India, we commonly call these seeds “khas khas”. The fact that might shock is that poppy seed comes from the opium poppy. Yes! The same plant that gives us the poppies, the cultivation of which is prohibited in India, as well as many other countries.

Well, you need not worry, as the poppy seeds, despite coming from the pods of opium, are free from narcotic effects. In fact, they are a source of many healthy compounds and nutrients that may actually benefit your overall physical and cognitive wellness. 

In this blog, we highlight the major aspects and information related to poppy seeds, covering their different names, nutritional value, usage, benefits, possible risks, and so on.

Without any further ado, let’s begin:

Synonyms of Poppy seed

Poppy flower seeds, or khas khas, go by many names in different languages and traditions in India. Some of the common synonyms or local names include:

• खसखस = In Hindi

• পোস্ত = In Bengali

• ਖਸਖਸ = In Punjabi

• கசகசா = In Tamil

• గసగసాలు = In Telugu

• ખસખસ = In Gujarati

• خشخاش = In Urdu

History and Scientific name of Poppy seeds

Well, the scientific name of the plant from which we get poppy seeds is → Papaver somniferum. For centuries, the cultivation of the poppy seed plant has been done not just in India, but also in many other countries to fulfil medicinal requirements. 

However, with the time and the increased adverse usage of opium, many countries, including India, have banned the cultivation of poppy plants at home. In India, only the authorised and legal cultivation of these plants is allowed; otherwise, legal penalties may occur.

Nutritional value of Poppy Seeds

Don’t underestimate the poppy seeds by judging them by their size. These tiny seeds work as a powerhouse of many healthy compounds. Well, if you want to get detailed information about the poppy seeds nutrition, then below is the table indicating the same:

Poppy seeds uses

Well, poppy seeds are used for many different purposes. Depending upon the different needs, the manner of usage and quantity also vary. Below is a brief overview of the major uses of poppy seeds:

1. Culinary uses: Poppy flower seeds add a nutty and crunchy texture to food. That’s why it is widely used in baked items, salads, dressings, desserts, Indian cuisine, and other seasoning blends.

2. Medicinal purposes: Loaded with innumerable healing and medical properties, poppy seeds are utilised in the preparation of many types of medicines aimed to prevent, treat, and cure several diseases.

3. Cosmetic motives: Lastly, poppy seeds can also be used for preparing and enhancing the efficiency of many cosmetic products, such as scrubs, masks, or soaps, as they contain natural exfoliating and moisturising effects.

Poppy Seeds Benefits

Well, when you utilize poppy seeds in an effective and ideal manner, they become a panacea for many health concerns and may help you to fulfil many nutritional deficiencies. Their bioactive and nutrient-rich profile, along with many health and wellness boosting traits, makes them a great fit for the following: 

1. Promote Digestive Health

Poppy seeds are a rich source of fibre content, through which they regulate your bowel movements and prevent you from the possible risk of constipation. They build a healthy gut environment by ensuring proper movement of the food through the alimentary canal.

Besides enhancing your overall digestive health and wellness, the consumption of these seeds is also beneficial for helping the body absorb nutrients in a better and effective way.

2. Provide strength to Bones & Joints

The poppy seed plant can prove highly advantageous for patients who are having a hard time with their joints, either due to any injury, age factor, or some joint disorder such as arthritis.

Loaded with high calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and manganese, followed by properties like anti-inflammation, anti-bacterial, anti-biotic, and so on, these seeds directly contribute to improving joint density and strength. 

3. Ensure healthy Pumping of your Heart

Yes, betterment of heart health is also covered in the benefits of poppy seeds. The unsaturated fats present in poppy seed powder and oil help reduce LDL, which is the bad cholesterol. 

The antioxidants and polyphenols in the seeds reduce oxidative stress, which is a prime factor responsible for causing cardiovascular diseases and many other serious health concerns.

4. Calm mind and regulate Sleeping Pattern 

In traditional contexts, the use of poppy seeds was also done for improving the quality of sleep and providing mental clarity and relaxation to the mind. These little seeds, especially unwashed ones, contain sedative effects that sometimes may even lead to potential risks. 

That’s why one should know how to use poppy seeds before actually incorporating them into their diet.  Be cautious about its dosage and consult a healthcare professional before if you are taking it for any kind of cognitive purposes, especially when you are already on some kind of medication.

5. Make Hair Shiny and Skin Radiant

Poppy seed benefits skin and hair mainly through their moisturizing, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. No matter if you are consuming it, or applying externally, either in the form of oil, paste, etc, they're gonna prove helpful to you.

For the Skin:

• Moisturizes and softens the skin
• Removes the dead cells and impurities
• Reduces skin inflammation, redness, rashes, and irritation
• Prevents wrinkles and premature aging
• Promotes a flawless and glowing complexion
• Supports wound healing and maintains a healthy skin barrier

For the Hair:

• Enhance your reproductive health & fertility
• Moisturize and hydrate your hair as well as your scalp
• Reduce hair loss and promote hair growth
• Soothe a dry, itchy, or irritated scalp
• Help restore a healthy sheen to the hair
• Provide the necessary nutrients to the hair
• Combat the problem of dandruff

6. Enhance your reproductive Health & Fertility

One of the prime health benefits of poppy seeds is that they support fertility and overall reproductive health in both men and women. They contain many nutrients such as zinc and healthy fats, which contribute to hormone production and balance.

Poppy Seeds Benefits For Males

• Support healthy sperm production
• Boost testosterone levels
• Protect cells from oxidative stress
• Combat erectile dysfunction
• Provide energy and enhance libido

Poppy Seeds Benefits for Females

• Aid hormonal balance
• Improve Fallopian tube function
• Improves sex drive
• Reduce menstruation-related issues
• Relieve menstrual cramps and PMS symptoms

7. Strengthen the Immune System

Last but not least, poppy seeds also help boost immunity. By providing essential nutrients such as zinc and iron, they make your body capable of fighting back infections and recovering more quickly.

Additionally, the antioxidants present in poppy flower seeds also support infection recovery and wound healing. No matter if you are feeling tired and want to enhance your endurance, or you just simply looking for a natural wellness supplement, these seeds can help you in both instances.

Poppy Seeds Side Effects

There might be thousands of benefits of poppy seeds, but they are still not entirely risk-free. There are also some potential side effects of poppy seeds that usually arise as a result of excessive or improper usage and consumption during prohibited health conditions. These mainly include:

1. Toxicity and overdose: As we have mentioned already that poppy seeds come from the opium poppy and can be contaminated with opium alkaloids such as morphine, codeine, and thebaine. If not washed properly, then these alkaloids may transfer along and may result in the following:

• Irregular or slow heartbeat
• Breathlessness
• Sleepiness or confusion
• Dizziness
• Blue-tinted skin (mainly around the mouth & nails)
• Cardiac problems
• Muscle spasms or seizures

2. For addiction or withdrawal purposes: Individuals may become addicted to both the opium poppy as well as the seeds coming out of it. Trying to quit their addiction often leads to many concerns, both cognitive and physical. 

There are even instances where discontinuing the regular use of poppy seed tea led to withdrawal symptoms. Generally, these symptoms are intense and can last for several weeks. It mainly includes:

• Anxiety and irritability
• Frequent mood swings
• Headaches
• Muscle cramps
• Sweating and chills
• Restlessness

3.False-positive drug test results: Here’s the thing that may shock you, which includes- eating poppy seeds can cause you to test positive for opiates in a drug screening, especially when you are on a high intake.

The opium alkaloids can be detected in your urine up to 48 hours after eating any kind of cakes, muffins, or any other products made primarily with poppy seeds.

4. Gastrointestinal issues: We know that we have given the statement that poppy seeds are good for your digestion in the section “Health benefits of Poppy seeds”. But here we would like to add “moderation is the key”. 

Eating large quantities of poppy seeds leads to many types of digestive ailments and issues, such as:

• Bloating or gas
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Bowel obstruction

5. Allergic reactions: Although the chances are rare, but still, some people may experience allergic reactions due to poppy seeds. If you are already allergic to nuts and pollens, then these chances multiply. It includes:

• Hives, rashes, redness, itchiness
• Swelling of the lips, mouth, and tongue
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Sore throat or inflammation
• Dizziness

Conclusion

So, if we summarise all the facts and information stated so far, covering poppy seed nutrition facts, poppy seeds benefits, and side effects, then we can say that these seeds are not a cure-all, but a preventive partner and wellness mantra. You can incorporate it into your daily regimen due to its healing effects and health-boosting properties. But make sure you are taking it in moderation and as per the recommended dosage and manner.