The poppy seed is the seed of an annual, large herbaceous plant, there are many species of this plant, but the main place among them are the so-called sleeping pills or opium poppy. The fruits of the poppy are oily and quite fleshy seeds.
Poppy seeds are often used in the manufacture of bakery and confectionery products as a powder or as a filling, they are also added to halva.
In addition, oil is obtained from poppy seeds. It is used in canning and confectionery industries, in perfumes and pharmaceuticals. In addition, sometimes it is added in the manufacture of varnishes. The thick and milky juice, the so-called opium, is separated from the green boxes of poppy seeds, and papaverine, morphine and codeine, substances used to produce analgesics, are already isolated from it.
When buying, it is important to choose the appropriate poppy seeds, since if they are stored incorrectly, they deteriorate. There are several basic selection criteria: under the influence of light, the fats in the poppy can become rancid, so you should choose an exclusively opaque packaging; the seeds must be free of lumps and any visible damage; Don't buy amaranth, the so-called fake poppy.
Store poppy seeds in a well ventilated, dry room with medium humidity. If you plan to store them for a long time, then the seeds should be placed in the refrigerator.
Poppy seeds contain a large amount of vegetable protein, up to 20% of the total grain weight. In addition, poppy seed has many oily substances: up to 50% of the total weight, monounsaturated fatty acids, in particular oleic acid, which prevents the formation of cholesterol plaques on the walls of blood vessels. There are many B vitamins in the poppy, which have a beneficial effect on the nervous system; Vitamin PP, which improves blood circulation, affects blood flow, is used to combat allergies, diarrhea, dermatitis and dementia.
A decoction of poppy seeds significantly affects the digestive tract and is used as a means to improve digestion, in addition, poppy seeds have a negative effect on intestinal parasites. The anesthetic is made of poppy seeds, which is used for toothache and earache.
For those suffering from insomnia, an infusion of dried poppy seeds will help calm the nervous system and fall asleep. You only need to pour 5-10 g of poppy seeds with a glass of boiling water and insist until it is completely cold. A quarter cup at night guarantees a good night's sleep.
In oncology, to prevent the appearance of metastases, poppy seed extract is used.
In cosmetology, poppy seeds are also used. They are ground and made of them by the so-called poppy milk, which very effectively eliminates dark circles and redness of the eyelids.
Poppy seeds can be used as sleeping pills only after consulting a doctor, such as There are categories of people for whom poppy is contraindicated due to individual intolerance. The use of opium poppy as a drug leads to dependence.
