Poppy seed oil, Health benefits and Uses
Poppy Seed Oil Explained
Nutrition-and-you.com experts describe poppy seed oil as having a pleasant nutty flavor. And poppy seed oil is void of any of the sinister side effects of various other poppy plant products, like opium.
The poppy plant comes from Asia and the East Mediterranean; a biennial herb that belongs to the genus Papaver, with the scientific name Papaver somniferum.
Each poppy fruit head is about 5-6 cm long and 4 cm wide, and contains lots of tiny seeds that rattle in the confines of their dried encasing. These teeny tiny dark black seeds are used in baking, salads, as a condiment, and often pressed into poppy seed oil.
Health Benefits of Poppy Seed Oil
- WebMD reports poppy seeds have powerful antioxidant properties that help to protect your body and mind from disease triggering free radicals; promoting great health.
- About half of the poppy seed contains healthy essential volatile oils and fatty acids. Linoleic and oleic acid are two worth mentioning. Oleic acid supports lower bad cholesterol and higher good cholesterol, LDL and HDL respectively. Studies show the Mediterranean diet which is loaded with monounsaturated fatty acids, decreases the risk of strokes and heart disease in the big picture of health and wellness.
- One product of cholesterol, bile salts, helps to ensure proper fiber digestion and decreases the bad cholesterol in your blood.
- They're a great source of B vitamins; thiamin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, riboflavin, niacin, and folic acid. All of which are essential in the metabolizing of carbs and fats.
- You'll also get a good amount of minerals including potassium, copper, calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and manganese. Your cell growth and development relies on zinc. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure and heart rate. Manganese is essential for optimal anti-oxidant function.
VIP - What many people fail to recognize is that poppy seeds contain minute amounts of opium alkaloids that actually help calm your nervous system, ease irritability, and increase your natural pain tolerance. By no way are these levels dangerous or will they negatively affect your health. Scientific evidence that moderation is the key.
Interesting Poppy Seed Oil Uses
Throughout the 19th century poppy seed oil was used for a variety or reasons according to healthybenefitsof.com, including fuel for lamp oil, cooking oil, varnish, and to make soap and paint.
Today poppy seed oil is used for the same things, and add to that numerous pharmaceutical and culinary applications. Poppy seed oil is used as a pharmaceutical grade carrier for various drugs and it's also added to olive and almond oils.
Of course we can't forget the most important culinary uses, which are as a salad dressing, dip, or sauce base. Poppy seed oil makes for a fabulous healthy fat dressing.
Medicinal Purpose
For decades poppy seed oil has been used to treat tumors, This oil has similar properties to lipoidol, which is integral in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Poppy seed oil is more stable than many other oils and less likely to turn rancid.
What's Important To Note...
Not all oils are created equal and if you want the premium flavor and the healthy qualities of poppy seed oil you've got to use all-natural, organic, and unrefined oils, like Ostro Organics. If you use store bought remind oils you are losing essential vitamins, minerals, and healing and protective qualities through the destructive heating process.
Choose premium quality essential oils are you're giving your body and mind the best!
