Side Effects of Poppy and Why You Should Take Them Seriously
What You Should Know About Poppy Seeds and Their Potential Side Effects
In Czech cuisine, poppy seeds hold a special place—from traditional pastries to poppy seed cakes and even Christmas Eve dishes. Their sweet, nutty flavor can elevate even the simplest dish. Additionally, their nutritional value is often highlighted—the high content of calcium, magnesium, and healthy fats makes them an attractive component of any diet. However, as with foods we consider healthy, it's important to be aware of their other side. The side effects of poppy seeds are not just an abstract concept—for certain groups of people, they can pose real risks.
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Why Are There Concerns About Poppy Seeds?
The opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) is a plant with a long history of use—not only in gastronomy but also in medicine. Poppy seeds are the source of opium alkaloids, substances that have strong effects on the human body. Although commonly available culinary poppy seeds contain only trace amounts of these compounds, there is ongoing debate about what amount is safe and for whom.
Particularly problematic can be the presence of so-called morphine alkaloids, such as morphine, codeine, or thebaine. These substances primarily occur in unripe poppy pods, but due to improper processing, they can also reach culinary poppy seeds. It's important to note that most poppy seeds on the market are safe and undergo thorough checks, but the level of these substances can vary depending on the origin and processing method.
In 2019, the State Health Institute also highlighted this issue, recommending caution especially for young children, pregnant women, and people sensitive to opioid substances. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has also set limits for the maximum daily intake of morphine from food at 10 micrograms per kilogram of body weight.
Who Should Be Careful with Poppy Seeds?
While most adults can enjoy a piece of poppy seed cake without any worries, there are certain groups of people for whom even seemingly harmless servings can pose a potential problem. For example, young children—their bodies, particularly their nervous systems, are much more sensitive and prone to reactions to substances that wouldn't harm an adult. A larger dose of poppy seeds can cause drowsiness, unpleasant stomach irritation, or slowed breathing, which is certainly not something you want to deal with on a regular family day.
Caution is also advised for pregnant and breastfeeding women—even though there is currently no clear evidence of direct risk, it is still recommended to limit poppy seed intake due to potential trace amounts of opioid substances, which could hypothetically affect the baby's development. While it can't be said for certain, it's always good to be cautious. Similar prudence should be exercised by people taking medications targeting the nervous system—the combination of these drugs with opiates found in poppy seeds can amplify their effect and lead to unwanted sedation.
There's also another category that is sometimes forgotten—drivers or people in professions where 100% alertness is crucial. In rare cases, it can happen that after consuming a large amount of poppy seeds, a false positive test for opiates might occur, for example, during a road check or workplace testing—and that's certainly not a situation you'd want to explain to the police or your boss.
One of the most famous cases is the story of an American woman who was mistakenly suspected of drug use after giving birth—a test for opiates was positive due to a breakfast containing poppy seed pastry. Although it was an extreme situation, it shows how thin the line can be between a "harmless" food and an unwanted effect.
Side Effects of Poppy Seeds
Besides the possible presence of opioid alkaloids, there are other side effects of poppy seeds that we shouldn't forget. Although rare, they can occur in certain situations even with regular consumption.
For instance, an allergic reaction to poppy seeds is not common but definitely not impossible. People with food allergies to nuts or seeds may experience itching in the mouth, rashes, or even anaphylaxis after consuming poppy seeds. If you suspect an allergy, it's advisable to consult an allergist and avoid consuming poppy seeds until the situation is clarified.
Another factor is the high fat content, although primarily healthy unsaturated fatty acids. For people with gallbladder or pancreatic diseases, excessive consumption of poppy seeds can burden the digestive system and cause nausea, bloating, or diarrhea.
We shouldn't forget that poppy seeds contain a large amount of fiber, which is generally beneficial, but in excessive amounts can lead to bloating or constipation, especially in people with sensitive digestion.
How to Minimize Risks and Enjoy Poppy Seeds Safely?
The good news is that most negative effects of poppy seeds are associated with their excessive consumption or improperly processed poppy seeds. If you stick to regular recipes and use quality ingredients, the risk is minimal. Nevertheless, it's useful to know a few simple rules that can help:
- Buy poppy seeds from verified sources—ideally from Czech or European farms that adhere to limits for alkaloid content. Avoid unclearly labeled products from unknown online shops.
- Rinse poppy seeds before processing—rinsing with warm water can help reduce some surface substances that contain alkaloids.
- Use freshly ground poppy seeds—oxidation of fats in poppy seeds causes rancidity and loss of flavor and nutritional value. Ground poppy seeds are also more prone to mold.
- Watch the quantity—even healthy foods should be consumed in moderation. One serving of poppy seed cake several times a month is safe, but daily consumption of large amounts can be risky.
- Pay attention to food combinations—if you have a sensitive stomach, combine poppy seeds with easily digestible ingredients and avoid heavy fats or sugars.
An interesting example from practice is the experience of a kindergarten that stopped serving poppy seed pastries after several children reacted with fatigue and nausea. Although no direct link was proven, the kindergarten management decided to be cautious and replaced poppy seeds with other seeds, such as sunflower or sesame. This story shows that even with good intentions, it's wise to monitor children's reactions and potentially adjust the menu.
Poppy Seeds as a Superfood? Yes, but with Caution
It's clear that poppy seeds are not only a delicious addition to cakes or pasta but also a complex food with a diverse nutritional profile. They contain up to 1400 mg of calcium per 100 grams, which is several times more than most dairy products. Additionally, they contain iron, magnesium, zinc, and B vitamins. This makes them an excellent choice for vegetarians, vegans, or people with lactose intolerance.
However, it's important to consider poppy seeds in a broader context. As with other foods, the individuality of the organism and the level of consumption are key. Poppy seeds can be a great health benefit, but only if we know when and how to incorporate them into our diet.
As the famous saying goes: "Everything in moderation." And with poppy seeds, this applies doubly.
