When Amitav Ghosh wrote the Sea of Poppies, he didn’t (sadly) mean a real sea (or land) that was swaying under the charm of poppy seeds. When we speak about poppy seeds in India, there’s a variety of names to choose from – khuskhuhs(Hindi and Marathi),poshto(Bengali cuisine uses it almost in anything!), gasalu(the white poppy seeds used in Andhra cuisine)and so on.
However, the truth is that you don’t really need a regular habit to test positive for morphine. Eating poppy seeds in small amounts when they are sprinkled in muffins and breads can also make you test positive.
What are poppy seeds?
Poppy seeds are the oilseeds of the poppy plant. They are used in a variety of dishes across the world and are often easily found in stores.
The poppy seeds come from the poppy plant, also known as the opium poppy plant, which is also used to make heroin. The seeds actually contain opiates in trace amounts, and even though it is a really tiny amount, it can be enough to show up in a drug test.
Will you feel high after eating poppy seeds?
No, you won’t really feel high, because poppy seeds do not have a drugging effect, mainly because regular poppy seeds that are available for consumption contain morphine to the effect of 0.5 to 10 microgram per gram.
Compare this to a medical dosage that contains between 5000 and 30,000 micrograms, and you know these seeds can’t get you high, at least not while you’re just having it in the form of breads, muffins or even added in your food.
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Can it make you an addict?
While the concentration is really small in poppy seeds, going overboard with the tiny (and delicious) seeds can make you feel a little funny in the head.
Eating it in huge quantities can interfere with consciousness and in some cases, may be fatal. Common side effects include itching, depression, nausea and constipation.
How to use it safely
Cooking takes away a lot of the effect from the poppy seeds, so it is best to restrict it to forms where you don’t need to eat it raw.
Also, you can soak the poppy seeds in water for about five to ten minutes and discard the water before using the seeds.
Read Also: 3 Must-Have Seeds In Your Kitchen That Are Good For Your Health
DISCLAIMER: While we have taken steps to check the accuracy of information & practices shared here; it is not a replacement for a doctor’s opinion. it is important to first always check with your own doctor before trying any medication, practice or suggestion from this site.
