Poppyseed oil was an underestimated, even forgotten ingredient in European kitchens for a long time. Only in the last few years has this light yellow vegetable oil had a revival because it can do more than one supposes at first. Only fully mature seeds of the poppy seed find their way into the poppy seed oil from Podor. In addition, the cold-pressing process ensures that the substances contained are retained to the greatest degree. The gentle production process makes poppy oil with its unobtrusive taste easily digestible and therefore ideal for diet cooking. Whoever has not counted poppy oil amongst their favorites until now will change their mind after consuming fresh pasta with a few drops of this oil over it!
| Poppyseed oil facts and benefits Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Poppyseed oil facts and benefits |
| Origin | Poppyseed was cultivated widely in Eurasia. The world’s production of poppyseed oil occurs in Germany and France. |
| Colors | Light yellow |
| Taste | Sweet, nutty, pleasant |
| Calories | 1927 Kcal./cup |
| Major nutrients | Total Fat (6.228571429) |
Poppyseed was cultivated widely in Eurasia. The world’s production of poppyseed oil occurs in Germany and France. From 1900-1911, it was used to dress salads and to enhance the taste of stored seeds oil. It was used to contaminate peach kernel oil and olive oil. The poor quality of poppyseed oil is used in the soap industry. In the 20th century, poppyseed was used for pharmaceutical purposes.
Poppyseed oil is edible oil which is derived from poppy seeds. The poppy seeds contain 45 to 50% of oil which is rich in Vitamin E, codeine, and morphine. It is used for both pharmaceutical and culinary uses as well as making varnishes, paints, and soaps. In industrialized countries, it is used for culinary purposes as a dipping oil and in salads. It is also known as Poppy seed oil, oleum papaverine seminars, and poppy oil.
Types of Poppy Seeds
There are 70 to 100 different types of poppy seeds. The seeds may have different origins such as Dutch, Australian, Spanish, Turkish and all contain a wide variation of opiate alkaloids like morphine and codeine. Some of the popular types of poppy seeds are: [2]
- Blue poppy seeds: They are commonly called European poppy seeds and are mostly used in bread and confectionery
- White poppy seed: Also called Indian, Middle Eastern or Asian poppy seeds, they are used in curries
- Oriental poppy seeds: They are also called opium poppy, and is mostly grown for commercial purposes.
The petals of the poppy flower and its seeds are used for medicinal, narcotic, and recreational purposes. This small, but versatile, seed from this unassuming flower is extremely powerful, and even small doses can have measurable effects on the body. The petals of the poppy flower have an opium-like scent when they are fresh, but odorless when they are dried. The dried petals of certain poppy varieties, like red poppy, are packed with alkaloids and flavonoids, and are used in:
- Herbal tea
- Herbal extract
- Cough Syrup
Nutritional value
One cup of 218 grams of Poppyseed oil is comprised of 1927 calories and 218 g of total lipid fat. It also offers 24.85 mg of Vitamin E, 29.43 g of total saturated fat, 23.108 g of palmitic acid, 6.322 g of stearic acid, 42.946 g of total monounsaturated fat, 42.946 g of oleic acid, 136.032 g of total polyunsaturated fats, 136.032 g of linoleic acid and 602 mg of phytosterols in the same serving size.
Health Benefits
Poppyseed oil benefits
Poppyseed oil is advertised as being good for you due to its antioxidant properties, and as being beneficial for skin and hair health. Many of these potential benefits are based on anecdotal evidence, meaning they come from personal testimony rather than scientific testing.
Very little research has been done into the potential benefits of poppyseed oil. Below, we’ll explore some of the information that is available about the oil and its components.
Antioxidant properties
Antioxidants are compounds that help to neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are produced as part of normal metabolism. Sometimes, they can damage your cells, possibly leading to conditions like cancer or diabetes.
Research from 2013 observed strong antioxidant activity for poppyseed oil. But it’s worth noting that this antioxidant activity was less than other oils that were tested. Ajwain seed, mustard seed, and fenugreek seed oils had more antioxidant activity than poppyseed oil.
A 2009 study found that poppyseed oil contains alpha- and gamma-tocopherol. Tocopherols are antioxidants and naturally-occurring forms of vitamin E.
Poppyseed oil contains antioxidants, including naturally occurring vitamin E, which may lower the risk of conditions like cancer. However, further research is needed to investigate the antioxidant effects of poppyseed oil.
For skin and hair
There’s no research specifically on poppyseed oil for cosmetic uses. However, poppyseed oil is rich in several different fatty acids. In addition to the antioxidants discussed above, fatty acids may also be beneficial for topical applications.
The main fatty acids in poppyseed oil include:
- Linoleic acid. Linoleic acid is important for maintaining the water barrier of the skin. It can’t be produced by your body — it must be consumed in the diet. In fact, people with deficiencies in linoleic acid can form scaly skin lesions.
- Oleic acid. Oleic acid may play a role in wound healing. It can also increase skin absorbance of other compounds that are present along with it.
- Palmitic acid. Palmitic acid is the most common saturated fatty acid in your body. It can also be found in the skin. One 2010 study observed that levels of palmitic acid actually decreased with age.
Linoleic acid is the most prevalent of these fatty acids, making up 56 to 69 percent of the fatty acid composition.
These fatty acids are already present in some cosmetic products. For example, linoleic acid can be found as a skin or hair conditioning agent, oleic acid can be used as an emollient, and palmitic acid can be found in various soaps and cleansers.
Although research is very limited regarding poppyseed oil for topical uses, it does contain antioxidants and several fatty acids that may be beneficial for skin and hair health.
For pain
Since opium comes from the poppy plant, you may be wondering if poppyseed oil has any pain-relieving properties. There’s currently no research into poppyseed oil for pain relief.
In fact, poppy seeds and the oil extracted from them don’t naturally contain any opium. Opium is actually derived from the milky white poppy latex that is present in poppy pods, not from the seeds.
Poppyseed oil doesn’t contain opium. Further research is required to assess if poppyseed oil has any pain-relieving properties.
Poppyseed oil side effects
Although rare, allergies to poppy seeds have been reported. If you have an allergic reaction while using poppyseed oil, stop using it right away. Additionally, be on the lookout for anaphylaxis, a medical emergency with symptoms such as:
- hives
- swelling in the throat or face
- coughing or wheezing
- trouble breathing
- GI symptoms like cramping, nausea, and diarrhea
It’s also possible that topical application of poppyseed oil may cause skin irritation. Test a little bit of poppyseed oil on your skin before applying larger amounts. If you experience redness, itching, or pain, discontinue use.
How to use poppyseed oil
You can harness the potential benefits of poppyseed oil by applying a small amount directly to your skin or by adding a few drops to a variety of cosmetic products, including:
- lotions or creams
- soaps
- hair care products
Remember that some people may have a skin reaction to poppyseed oil. Test a small dab of it on your skin first before applying it to larger areas.
Poppyseed oil can also be used as a carrier oil for essential oils. To dilute the essential oil in poppyseed oil, the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy recommends using 6 to 15 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil.
When buying poppyseed oil, purchase it from a reputable source. Some poppyseed oil products may be adulterated with other ingredients. Examine the label carefully. You should be purchasing 100 percent cold-pressed poppyseed oil.
Uses of Poppyseed oil
Poppyseed has a high concentration of minerals, vitamins, dietary fibers, and electrolytes that assist the human body as well as the circulatory system. It also possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help to promote immunity as well as cell damage. In the 19th century, this oil was used for various purposes such as cooking oil, fuel or lamp oil, varnish, and making paint and soaps.
- It is used as a massage oil.
- The intake of a teaspoon of poppy seed oil before bed helps to treat sleeplessness.
- Poppy seeds provide relief from asthma and symptoms of whooping cough.
- It is also used to treat stomach problems such as diarrhea.
- It prevents the growth of tumors.
Precautions
- People allergic to Poppy seeds should not use them.
- Consult a doctor before using.
- People with cholesterol-lowering drugs, nervous system depressants, suppress the immune systems, pain relievers and opiates should use it with caution.
How to Eat
- It is used to add flavor to rolls, pieces of bread, and cakes.
- It is used in salads and as a dipping oil.
- It is used for noodles, pastries, and loaves of bread.
- It is used as a condiment in various dishes.
Other Facts
- Poppyseed oil in raw form has a high concentration of essential fatty acids.
- It is also rich in oleic acid and linoleic acid.
- It does not have narcotic properties.
From Where To Buy
- 100% ORGANIC: Superior quality poppy seed oil
- COLD-PRESSED: From small batch, raw poppy seeds to preserve its precious nutrients
- GLOWING SKIN: Source of vitamin E and phytonutrients that help protect your skin from cell damage and aging
- MILD FLAVOR: Light taste with a hint of nuttiness
- ENJOY YOUR WAY: Take daily, or use in salad dressings or to finish soups and stews. Not suitable for cooking. You can also apply direct to your skin for a nourishing treatment
- KETO-FRIENDLY
- NO NASTIES: No preservatives, artificial flavors or additives
- SUSTAINABLY-SOURCED: Directly from small organic farmers in Europe. Recyclable glass bottle
- PLANT-BASED INNOVATION: Specially selected by Erbology experts for its natural health-promoting properties
or
- A fast-drying, pale oil made from poppy seeds which is well suited for whites and pale colors
- Reduces consistency
- Increases gloss & transparency
- Resists yellowing
References
