Poppy seeds

 

·        Poppy seeds protect you from many diseases.

·        A treasure trove of nutrition, Rich in healing.

            Poppy seeds are recognized via distinctive names, in Pakistan it is referred to as Khashkhash. In India it’s far referred to as khaskhas. Its botanical name is Papaver somniferum. This flowering plant is broadly cultivated in South East, Europe, East and South Asia. It is not only used as a spice in cooking however extensively utilized in herbal treatments for healing functions. They have a nutty taste.

There are three main types of poppy seeds.

1.       White poppy seed

2.       Blue poppy seeds (European poppy seeds).

3.       Oriental poppy seeds (opium poppy).

Poppy seeds contain fiber which avails to benefit our gut health. Poppy seeds are an excellent source of protein. Additional Research shows that the fatty acids in poppy seeds oil help heal wounds as well as heal rough patches when applied directly to the skin. Poppy seed oil is rich in omega-3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. The ratio is high, so excessive use of poppy seeds oil can be harmful as it can increase the risk of inflammation and disease.

Poppy seeds are beneficial in various ailments  and diseases

·         Initially, these seeds were widely used as sedatives and medicines.

·         It is beneficial to improve fertility problems in women.

·         With the mixture of milk or honey it helps to calm crying babies and help them sleep.

·         Reduces headache.

·         Best for Thyroid disease sufferers.

·         Aids in the removal of kidney stones.

·         Enhance mental function.

·         Strengthens bones.

·         Assist in digestion.

·         Improves the cardio vascular system.

·         Improves the health of the hair and skin.

·         Prevents ulcers.

·         Boosts immunity.

·         Beneficial for the eyes.

·         Soothes insomnia.

·         It contains pain relieving compounds that help relief pain.

·         Because it is nutrients and antioxidant rich, it gives the body energy.

·         It is useful in asthma and cough.

It is also important to know that it is a valuable pharmaceutical crop. It is a source of opium, like Morphine. The seed  pods contains opium. Poppy seeds do not naturally contain opiates, but they can become contaminated with them during harvest or by insects, which result in fluctuating  level of opiates in the seeds. Poppy seeds are edible after processing. Poppy seeds are also associated with opioid drugs. It is crucial to be aware that poppy seeds might contain trace levels of opioid  chemicals, which could skew sensitive drug tests.

The European Safety Authority indicates in a paper from 2011 that the sap of the poppy plant, which is used to generate opioids, might occasionally infect the seeds,  but it is also true that these substances are negligible during food preparation and cooking which reduces its emissions by 90%.

 The recipe, which my grandmother used to prepare in the winter to prevent colds and lessen their effects, was kept on the dining room table so that the family members could eat it on the move.

Jaggery: 2 large pieces

poppy seeds: half a cup

Sesame seeds: half a cup

 Make Jaggery thick syrup. Put 2 to 3 tablespoon of water. Water  quantity should be less in syrup. Put clarified butter in a frying pan and slightly fry poppy seeds and sesame seeds. Then add Jaggery syrup. It is delicious,  it prevents cold, and reduces cough, so I eat it too.