Khas Khas Benefits: A Complete Guide to Poppy Seeds

Poppy seeds or khas khas are tiny seeds originating from the opium poppy plant, scientifically known as papaver somniferum. Initially, people grew the poppy plant in parts of the Mediterranean region, and later, it spread to parts of India, Russia, and other parts of Europe. Since ancient times, people have been using khas khas for various purposes. Khas khas has benefits in treating several health conditions. 

Poppy seeds, or khas khas, have widespread use in Central Europe and South Asia for their medicinal and culinary benefits. In India, Khas Khas is produced from opium, which is a potent narcotic extracted from the plant’s latex. Khas Khas holds a historical benefit with nutrition. These seeds provide immense health benefits. Let’s learn about them.

Nutritional Value of Khas Khas 

Experts say that khas khas is a powerhouse of nutrients. Is it so? Let’s look at the nutritional value of 100g khas khas. 

G-gram, mg-microgram 

Nutrient	Amount (100g)
Calories	525
Total Fat	42g
Saturated fat	4.5g
Cholesterol	0mg
Sodium	26g
Potassium	719mg
Total Carbs	28g
Protein	18g
Dietary fiber	19.5g
Folates	82 mg
Vitamin C	1mg
Vitamin E	1.77 mg
Copper	01.627 mg
Manganese	6.707 mg
Phosphorus	870 mg
Selenium	13.5 mg
Sodium	26 mg
Potassium	719 mg

10 Health Benefits of Khas Khas 

Khas khas consists of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Since ancient times, people have used khas khas for medicinal and culinary purposes, and it is basically termed a ‘traditional remedy.’ Khas khas varies in color (bluish, black, or grey) and size (small and round) based on the location where it is cultivated. Poppy seeds' Khas Khas benefits in curing headaches, coughs, asthma, and insomnia. Here is a deeper understanding of khas benefits. 

1. It contains cooling properties.
2. It can help manage cholesterol. 
3. It supports the digestive system. 
4. It can improve the cardiovascular system. 
5. It can improve vision. 
6. It improves sleep quality. 
7. It can enhance infertility. 
8. It can improve bone health.
9. It can enhance brain function.
10. It can help prevent kidney stones and pain. 

• Khas Khas Contains Cooling Properties- Khas Khas is best for relieving body heat. People prefer it the most during the summer. Its cooling properties can help regulate body temperature and provide relief from heat. 
• Khas Khas Can Help Manage Cholesterol- Khas khas or poppy seeds are rich in dietary fibers that can help manage cholesterol levels. The fiber content can reduce harmful (LDL) cholesterol and increase good (HDL) cholesterol.
• Khas Khas Can Support Digestive System- Poppy seeds contain insoluble fiber that can improve gut health. It can strengthen the digestive system and help with digestive issues such as constipation, bloating, gas, and irregular bowel movements. 
• Khas Khas Can Improve The Cardiovascular System- Khas khas has no unsaturated or trans fat that can negatively affect cardiovascular health. Khas khas contains omega-3 fatty acids and other beneficiary nutrients which can improve blood circulation, and regulate blood pressure levels and blood sugar levels, helping in overall health improvement. 
• Khas Khas Can Improve Vision- Poppy seeds contain Minerals and antioxidants that benefit vision. They can prevent eye diseases and infections and improve overall vision. 
• Khas Khas Can Boost Fertility- Studies reveal that khas khas benefits female fertility by removing mucus from the fallopian tubes. Experts also claim that khas khas can improve sex drive and sexual health. 
• Khas Khas Can Improve Bone Health- Poppy seed or khas khas is rich in calcium and magnesium, which support bone health, aid collagen production, and protect bones from damage. 
• Khas Khas Can Enhance Brain Health- Blood circulation is necessary for proper brain functioning. Khas Khas's antioxidant properties can help in proper blood circulation, supply oxygen to the brain, and enhance cognitive functioning. 
• Khas Khas Can Improve Sleep Quality- The seeds contain soothing and relaxing properties that calm and reduce stress levels. To sleep well, consume khas khas with warm milk before sleeping. 
• Khas Khas Can Help Prevent Pain- Khas Khas contains potassium and analgesic properties that help prevent kidney stones and relieve pain, respectively. Consuming khas khas reduces the risks of kidney diseases. 

Also, read https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/food-and-nutrition/rajma-benefits-types-nutritional-value-and-side-effects/ 

Khas Khas Benefits for Skin 

Khas Khas or poppy seeds are present in several forms, such as seeds, oil, or powder. Khas khas benefits for the skin in several ways: 

• Khas khas oil and powder can moisturize, soften, and hydrate your skin. 
• Apply khas khas oil over cuts, scars, and dark spots for healing. 
• Khas khas scrub can help cleanse the skin and make it clear and blemish-free. 

Khas Khas Benefits for Hair 

Khas khas benefits hair by preventing hair fall and infection and promoting hair growth. You can make a paste of poppy seeds mixed with fresh coconut milk and onion pulp. Gently apply it to your hair. This paste can promote hair growth, add shine, prevent premature greying, and rejuvenate hair life. 

Khas Khas Benefits in Pregnancy 

Poppy seeds, or khas khas, have benefits for pregnant women. Pregnant women should consume poppy seeds during the initial stages of pregnancy; however, they should consult their doctor before eating them. Khas Khas contains zinc and folic acid that can help develop a fetus (during its early stages) and build a strong immune system, which is important for the growth and development of young bodies.

Also, read https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/food-and-nutrition/soya-chunks-benefits-nutritional-value-side-effects-and-more/ 

Potential Risks and Side-Effects of Khas Khas 

Khas khas is filled with nutrients that can help in overall growth and development. Just like every food, khas khas has certain side effects and risks. It is important to note them. Khas khas don’t directly contain opiates, however, they can become contaminated with opium during harvesting. Also, consuming excessive amounts of khas khas can cause gastrointestinal issues such as bloating, gas, and irregular bowel movements. Start with a small quantity, as the minimum amount has no major effect. 

Key Takeaways

Khas khas or poppy seeds pack a nutritional punch that positively contributes to your overall health. Consuming them in moderate amounts is essential to avoid risks and side effects. If you are a beginner, start by consuming Khas khas in small quantities. Remember to consult a doctor before eating poppy seeds, especially if you are pregnant or have any allergies.