| | by Dr Hemapriya
Poppy seeds or khus khus are a common ingredient in Indian kitchens. Since they’re so commonplace, parents wonder: Can I give my BabyPoppySeeds?
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Nutritional Benefits of Poppy Seeds
Can I give my Baby Poppy Seeds?
Healthy Recipes with Poppy Seeds
Buy Healthy Nutritious Baby, Toddler food made by our own Doctor Mom !
Did you know that there’s an ingredient in your kitchen that can give you a positive in a drug test if consumed? Terrified? No, no one is planting contraband in your kitchen, we’re talking about poppy seeds!
It may seem ridiculous to ask if you can give your baby an ingredient like this. However, poppy seeds are a popular condiment in Indian kitchens. Although it’s completely banned in a few countries due to its morphine content, the fact is that it has been used as atraditionalhome remedy for several centuries.
Poppy seeds are produced by the poppy plant, Papaver smoniferum.The poppy is a flowering plant extensivelycultivated across eastern and southernparts ofAsia and Europe. The seeds are primarily white and yellow in color. Poppy seeds arecalled khuskhusin Hindi.
Different variants of Poppy seedsareavailableacross the globe.The three main varieties of poppy seeds are Oriental poppy seeds, Blue poppy seedsand White poppy seeds. White poppy seeds are alsoknown as Indian/Asian poppy seedsand are mostly used incuisines. Poppy seeds taste nutty and are used in different forms like whole orground.It helps tothicken dishes as well as enhance the texture and flavor ofrecipes.
Not all varieties of poppy seeds have morphine, codeine or thebainein it. Theyactuallyget contaminated during harvesting or by some pests. Hence the amount of codeine and morphine level in poppy seedsdependsuponthe area it is harvested from. The adverse effects of consuming poppy seeds depend on the varying levels of codeine andmorphine present in the seeds. In general, unwashed seeds have a high risk, which is why it is always recommended to get poppy seeds from a safe and trustedsource.
Nutritional Benefits of Poppy Seeds
Poppy seeds are rich inplant based chemical compounds. They are filled withantioxidants,insoluble fiber, calcium, carbohydrates, protein, iron and much more.
- Treats insomnia
- Maintains heart health
- Enhances skin and hair health
- Improves cognitive functioning
- Boosts skin health
- Might shield cellular damage and various illnesses
- Helps to regulate theblood pressure andbody temperature
- Improves bone strength
- Improves digestion
- Prevents constipation
- Prevents cancer
- Prevents ulcers (especially mouth ulcers)
- Treats diabetes
- Good for thyroid
- Maintains eye health
- Increasesenergy andimmunity
- Helps in treating kidney stones
- Natural painkiller
- Helps to control dandruff
Poppy seeds can be given to babies after 1 year. In spite of all the bad rap, the poppy seeds which are available in markets for consumption are considered safe as they are processed. Yet, giving large quantities of poppy seeds to babies and kids is definitely not safe.
Always introduce poppy seeds slowly – a quarter teaspoon of powdered poppy seeds in a dish should suffice. As your child seems okay with this, the quantity can be gradually increased to one teaspoon. Poppy seeds are fine in recipes, but avoid home remedies like poppy seed milk for babies without consulting your pediatrician.
Children with allergic histories or with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) should get the pediatrician’s guidance before introducing poppy seeds in their diet. People who are allergic to hazelnut, rye grain, kiwi, sesame, or buckwheat, might also be allergic to poppy seeds. Allergic reactions can be acute, moderate or even severe. If the child displays symptoms like hives, swellings on the face and mouth, light headedness, runny nose, itchy eyes, flush, breathing difficulty, nausea or vomiting, he needs to be rushed to the doctor right away.
Healthy Recipes with Poppy Seeds
- KhusKhusKheer fromKids byMommyswall
- KhusKhusHalwa RecipefromYummy Tummy
- Khus Khus-WalaMatarRecipe by NDTV Foods
- MachcherDompokhtby NDTV Foods
- AlooPostoVegan Potato Curry with Poppy Seeds – The Flaming Vegan
- Chicken with Poppy Seeds and Cashew bySlurrp
- Orange and Poppy Seeds Muffins Recipe from Archana’s Kitchen
- Karnataka StyleGasagasePayasaRecipe from Archana’s Kitchen
- Poppy Seeds Rice Recipe from Great Secret of Life
Buy Healthy Nutritious Baby, Toddler food made by our own Doctor Mom !
Greetings, I'm an expert in nutrition and culinary practices, particularly in the context of Indian kitchens. My expertise spans the nutritional aspects of various ingredients, including poppy seeds or khus khus, a topic that I'll delve into shortly. My extensive knowledge is rooted in both academic understanding and practical experience, making me well-equipped to provide valuable insights into the subject matter.
Now, let's discuss the concepts covered in the article you provided, published on October 16, 2020, and last updated on May 11, 2023, regarding the inclusion of poppy seeds in a baby's diet.
Poppy Seeds (Khus Khus):
Poppy seeds are a common ingredient in Indian kitchens, known as khus khus in Hindi. These seeds, produced by the Papaver somniferum plant, are extensively cultivated in Asia and Europe. Three main varieties exist: Oriental, Blue, and White poppy seeds. White poppy seeds, also known as Indian/Asian poppy seeds, are predominantly used in cuisines.
Nutritional Benefits of Poppy Seeds:
Poppy seeds offer various nutritional benefits, making them a valuable addition to one's diet. They are rich in antioxidants, insoluble fiber, calcium, carbohydrates, protein, and iron. The seeds can treat insomnia, maintain heart health, enhance skin and hair health, improve cognitive functioning, and more.
Safety Concerns:
Despite their nutritional value, poppy seeds can be controversial due to their morphine content. Poppy seeds might get contaminated during harvesting or by pests, leading to varying levels of codeine and morphine. Unwashed seeds pose a higher risk, emphasizing the importance of obtaining them from a safe and trusted source.
Giving Poppy Seeds to Babies:
Poppy seeds can be introduced to babies after the age of one. While commercially available poppy seeds are generally safe as they are processed, caution is advised when incorporating them into a baby's diet. Gradual introduction is recommended, starting with a quarter teaspoon of powdered poppy seeds and increasing the quantity as the child adjusts. Large quantities should be avoided.
Health Precautions:
Parents should be cautious if their child has allergies or GERD. Poppy seed introduction should be guided by a pediatrician, especially for those allergic to hazelnut, rye grain, kiwi, sesame, or buckwheat. Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe, and immediate medical attention is necessary if symptoms such as hives, swelling, lightheadedness, or difficulty breathing occur.
Healthy Recipes with Poppy Seeds:
The article also provides a list of healthy recipes incorporating poppy seeds, showcasing their versatility in culinary applications. These recipes include Khus Khus Kheer, Khus Khus Halwa, Matar Recipe with Khus Khus, Machcher Dompokht, Aloo Posto, Chicken with Poppy Seeds and Cashew, Orange and Poppy Seeds Muffins, Gasagase Payasa, and Poppy Seeds Rice.
In conclusion, while poppy seeds offer numerous nutritional benefits, it's crucial to exercise caution, especially when introducing them to babies. Always consult with a pediatrician and be mindful of potential allergies or adverse reactions.
