Yes, the health benefits of poppy seeds are your best excuse to eat a bagel this morning.
Your only exposure to poppy seeds may be in bagels and muffins, but did you know that they’re a major staple in Indian and Southeast Asian cuisine? They provide a delicious nutty flavor to breads, cakes, cookies, rolls, and savory dishes. They’re also a surprisingly healthy little seed! Here are some of the many health benefits of poppy seeds:
Provides Minerals — Poppy seeds are loaded with minerals, including iodine, zinc, manganese, copper, and magnesium. All of these minerals play a role in your overall health, including metabolic function, heart health, and even cognitive function.
Anti-Carcinogen — The monounsaturated fats in poppy seeds can help to fight off carcinomas and other carcinogens. These natural fatty acids are a potent remedy against the cancerous cells in your body.
Skin Problem Treatment — Got problems with eczema or other inflammatory skin conditions? Try a bit of poppy seed paste (made from poppy seeds soaked in lime juice or water and ground into the paste). The application of the paste will work wonders for your skin, thanks to the natural anti-inflammatory properties of the seeds. The paste can also help to reduce any pain or irritation of infections, rashes, or skin conditions.
Anti-Acne Treatment — If you’ve got problems with acne, you need a bit of poppy seed to help deal with it! Mix curd with 2 teaspoons of poppy seeds, and run the mixture onto your face. It will act as an exfoliating cream, getting rid of dead skin cells and reducing bacteria. When you wash it off, you’ll find that your skin is glowing and beautiful!
READ MORE: 10 Health Benefits of Chia Seeds
Moisturizer — Grind poppy seeds in a blender or a coffee grinder, and mix in a bit of milk to make it into a thick paste. Apply the mixture to your skin, and let it sit for up to 10 minutes. Those with dry skin can mix some honey into the paste to kill off bacteria and provide nutrients. Repeat the application every week, and it will help to strengthen your skin.
Hair Boost — The minerals in poppy seeds will do wonders for your hair. Hair loss, dandruff, and split ends are all the result of a lack of proper nutrition, but thankfully poppy seeds provide your body with a lot of the nutrients it needs to be healthy. The calcium, magnesium, and zinc in the poppy seeds will nourish your hair and scalp.
Improve Circulation -– Poppy seeds are an amazing source of a vital nutrient: iron. Iron plays a role in the formation of new, healthy red blood cells. These red blood cells transport oxygen and nutrients through your body, keeping all of your organs and tissues functioning properly. By consuming more iron (from the poppy seeds), you help to keep everything running smoothly in your body.
Brain Boost — Your brain needs a number of minerals and fatty acids to function well, and zinc is one of those very important nutrients. Zinc helps to produce new cells, and it is needed for your brain to work. Eating more poppy seeds will give you the zinc that will keep your brain firing on all cylinders.
Immune Enhancer — Zinc also plays a large role in the production of immune cells. Without the nutrient, your immune system is unable to protect your body from invading bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Zinc ensures that your body is properly guarded from infections and disease.
As you can see, poppy seeds can be an AMAZING boost to your health. Definitely a good reason to add more of these little seeds to your diet!
