Are Poppy Seeds Good For the Liver?

Poppy seeds add an irresistibly nutty taste to many dishes and are packed with anti-inflammatory benefits, making them an invaluable ingredient for our diets. Select the dried poppy pods online.

Papaver somniferum seeds contain trace amounts of opiate alkaloids used in pharmaceutical and drug manufacturing industries and have sedative and tranquilizing effects.

1. Rich in Iron

Poppy seeds are one of the best foods to support liver health. They provide essential iron to process toxins out of our bodies while preventing fat build-up in the liver and keeping it functioning optimally. Tofu also benefits the liver because it contains soy proteins which reduce inflammation in the liver while being low-calorie, gluten- and cholesterol-free.

Broccoli, kale, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts are top foods to support liver health because they contain glutathione – an amino acid that activates our liver’s detoxification enzymes – as well as fiber, calcium, and other vital nutrients. In addition, they’re low-calorie options that help us achieve weight control. Plus, they contain vitamin C, which boosts immunity against cancer cells!

2. High in Calcium

Poppy seeds contain essential minerals like manganese, calcium, and copper, as well as omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids that provide critical health benefits to our bodies. Furthermore, they’re packed with dietary fiber and contain plant compounds like Anethole, which act as natural sedatives that may aid restful sleeping (6).

Poppy seeds can cause a rapid positive drug test when taken in large amounts due to trace amounts of the alkaloids morphine and codeine present. However, levels vary considerably among different sources of extracted poppy seed.

Studies have demonstrated that diets containing poppy seed oil significantly boost liver antioxidant status in obese rats by raising their reduced glutathione (GSH)/oxidized glutathione ratio and their cholesterol and triglyceride content compared with control groups.

3. Rich in Oleic Acid

Poppy seeds are packed with omega-6 fatty acids and provide your body with manganese, calcium, iron, copper, zinc, vitamin A fiber, and essential immune-boosting elements like zinc and copper. Poppy seeds also boost cognitive functioning and are known to strengthen immunity systems.

Opium contains various analgesic properties and should only be consumed under medical supervision. Unfortunately, food labels don’t list its content.

Studies have demonstrated that diets rich in poppy seed oil may lead to false positives on drug tests used by the military, potentially leading to disciplinary actions or even discharge from service. While poppy seeds’ opiate content varies significantly depending on their origin, washing or pre-treating pods before harvesting can dramatically lower this number.

4. Rich in Zinc

Poppy seeds (Papaver somniferum) contain numerous healthy plant compounds and essential vitamins and minerals, including zinc and manganese. Furthermore, these seeds boast omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, which may protect heart health.

Poppy seeds contain fiber that aids the digestive process by moving food and waste through, helping prevent constipation and helping keep glucose (blood sugar) levels consistent, which is crucial for those living with diabetes.

Poppy seeds are packed with zinc, which can support immune health by increasing immunity. Furthermore, they’re an excellent source of calcium and magnesium – 3 tablespoons worth provides 35% of an adult’s daily calcium needs and 15% of magnesium requirements – and an eye disease risk reduction through a diet rich in zinc is another benefit of including poppy seeds in your daily regimen.

5. Rich in Magnesium

Poppy seeds (Papaver somniferum) contain trace amounts of opiates, although eating them won’t get you high. Opiates are chemically related to heroin and morphine and share similar sedative, tranquilizing, depressant, soporific, anesthetic, and anti-inflammatory effects.

Poppy seeds contain high concentrations of magnesium, which helps regulate blood pressure levels and keep the heart pumping efficiently while improving circulation and relieving constipation.

Poppy seed oil has significantly decreased liver cholesterol concentration in obese rats. In contrast, hemp seed oil adversely affected their blood lipids, lowering plasma HDL cholesterol while raising triglycerides (24, 25).

Read also: Seed Pods Benefits