Unwashed poppy seeds for sale online pose a potential health risk as they contain alkaloids associated with opium. According to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), those who consume poppy seed tea could develop opioid use disorder; it has even been linked to 12 deaths. The Amazing fact about Dry poppy pods.
Dirty poppy seeds (Papaver somniferum) add unique flavor and subtle nuttiness to sweet and savory recipes. This article will examine their history, health benefits, and precautions.
Health Benefits
Unwashed poppy seeds are a classic baking ingredient, adding color, texture, and unique flavor to cakes and breads from Europe, Asia, and India. Not only are they packed full of nutrition – especially fiber! But their outer husks also contain essential minerals like calcium and iron, making this ingredient highly sought-after!
Unfortunately, unwashed poppy seeds are being sold as drugs to people, leading to harmful outcomes when taken as tea. Opiate levels in this drink vary greatly depending on its ingredients (alkaloid residue), quantity and quality of poppy seed used to make it, preparation method used, and the amount consumed; those consuming too much could experience life-threatening opioid overdose symptoms.
According to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), fatalities from opioid overdose have steadily increased since 2010. People typically manage to become high by purchasing large quantities of unwashed poppy seeds online and making a tea called Poppy Seed Wash, with claims such as alleviating pain relief and legality of consumption on its website. Unfortunately, such claims violate federal law, which mandates FDA approval before selling drugs.
Steve and Betty Hacala have tried to draw attention to this issue since their son died of an accidental morphine overdose in May. Since then, they have been pushing Congress and the FDA for action, meeting with legislators and Walmart executives who recently pulled unwashed poppy seeds off shelves; however, Amazon and other online retailers continue to sell these seeds, many with false health claims attached.
Sam, an opioid use disorder sufferer, consumed poppy seed tea daily before becoming dependent. Although the substance helped him cope in work and personal environments, it also distanced him from those closest to him. Sam now hopes to raise awareness about its dangers and the importance of getting help using buprenorphine/naloxone treatment.
Nutritional Value
Poppy seeds contain essential bone-health nutrients like calcium, iron, manganese, copper, and magnesium. Their outer husk also provides dietary fiber, which increases bulk in the digestive tract and may ease constipation. Cold-pressed poppy seed oil (used to make poppyseed butter) contains omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids and essential alpha-linolenic acid, which has been scientifically shown to lower cholesterol and decrease the risk of heart disease according to research published by Circulation Journal.
Consuming large quantities of unwashed poppy seeds used for Poppy Seed Wash may result in opioid use disorder or even death. It often leads to misguided assumptions that they use harmless natural herbal remedies without realizing they contain enough opiates to cause adverse side effects. In response, The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) sent a letter to Surgeon General William Yocum requesting him to issue an advisory regarding this product.
Consuming too many raw poppy seeds can not only cause an opioid high. Still, it can also result in a condition known as bowel obstruction – an emergency medical condition in which either the large or small intestine is blocked by stool or gas, preventing stool or gas from leaving. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially life-threatening circumstances in which oxygen cannot enter the bloodstream through the intestines.
If you consume too many poppy seeds, another approach could be switching up your recipe by replacing poppy seeds with sesame, hemp, or flax seeds. Remember that non-washed poppy seeds contain trace amounts of opioids, which could cause you to fail a drug test; to be safe, it’s wise to consume these items no sooner than 24 hours before any critical job interviews or family gatherings. Luckily, effective treatment for opioid addiction exists, and recovery is achievable; seeking help as early as possible is vital.
Precautions
Poppy seeds should always be toasted or baked before use as they contain natural oils that quickly turn rancid, detracting from flavor. To best preserve it, toasting in a dry skillet, baking them on a baking sheet in a 350-degree oven for approximately 20 minutes, or frying in batches in hot oil will preserve their crunch while increasing flavor. Poppy seed oil has been linked to reduced risk of heart disease and promoted digestion, soothes headaches, strengthens hair and nails, treats asthma, and protects skin from sun damage while possibly even helping prevent scaling – further research needs to be conducted on this matter!
Poppy seed tea has long been used to relieve pain caused by shingles, cancer, arthritis, and fibromyalgia; however, it’s been linked to opioid-like properties and can even be fatal when ingested in large quantities. Unwashed poppy seeds for sale online advertise pain-relief effects. Still, they may contain dangerous amounts of morphine, codeine, or thebaine, which could result in addiction or accidental overdose and lead to addiction or unintentional death.
The FDA and DEA have initiated efforts to crack down on illegal poppy seeds. Although some prominent vendors have stopped selling them, the roots remain widely available online, such as in Amazon or grocery stores – often purchased to make poppy seed tea; the alkaloid content of these opiate-laced seeds varies based on factors like the number of sources used, method of preparation, and the quantity of poppy seed oil consumed.
Betty and Steve Hacala of Rogers, Arkansas, met with members of Congress and FDA officials to discuss the death of their son Stephen from an overdose of mixed morphine/heroin; nearby his body were unwashed poppy seeds found in bags and water bottles, as a result of Betty and Steve Hacala’s involvement, both organizations instituted new policies prohibiting sales of dirty poppy seeds.
Storage
Poppy seeds may seem harmless, but improper storage can quickly ruin them. A sure sign of spoilage is an unpleasant odor accompanied by a rancid or musty taste; observing for discoloration or abrasions is another way to determine their quality. If this occurs, it would be wise to purchase new ones rather than risk wasting your investment.
Poppy seeds should always be stored in a cool and dry location to preserve flavor and increase shelf life. Temperature fluctuations or excess heat and humidity could hasten spoilage of these precious seeds.
Suppose you plan on storing poppy seeds for an extended period. In that case, freezing is an excellent way to protect the natural oils in them and maintain their flavorful and nutty taste while protecting their nutritional value.
Vacuum sealing can also be an excellent method for storing poppy seeds. By eliminating all air from their packaging, vacuum sealing creates an airtight environment that protects from moisture, pests, and odors and helps extend their shelf life up to twice as long as traditional storage methods.
Be mindful of poppy seeds as a healthy and nutritious ingredient; however, they still may contain trace amounts of opium alkaloids, which could potentially cause harmful side effects, including compulsion, addiction, and overdose. Therefore, you must remain aware of your consumption levels of these seeds, making informed dietary choices that align with your health goals and circumstances.
Along with storing poppy seeds in an airtight container, toasting them will bring out their more nutty and robust flavor.
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