Readers would get to know about benefits of eating the poppy seeds and risks associated with eating them as well. Consumption of little amount of poppy seeds is not harmful. However, excessive consumption may prove risky.Lucy loves to eat poppy seed muffins and she eats them 3-4 times in a week especially in her snacks. As she has conceived 2 months back, she is eager to know if it is safe to eat poppy seeds during pregnancy. Below mentioned are some details about consuming poppy seeds during pregnancy. You must also consult your doctor to know about the risks and benefits of including poppy seeds in your diet to be on a safer side.
Harmful Effects of Eating Poppy Seeds during Pregnancy
Though only traces of opiates are found in poppy seeds but these seeds have high morphine levels. During collection of poppy seeds, contamination may occur if the seeds get contaminated with the sap of the plant. Consumption of contaminated poppy seeds is very dangerous. For the pregnant women, it is better to be on the safe side by having limited consumption of poppy seeds. Even health professional advice would-be mother to avoid frequent consumption of those food items which are garnished with poppy seeds or need poppy seeds as ingredients.
Is it Healthy to Eat Poppy Seeds during Pregnancy?
Healthy eating is a must for a pregnant woman. The foods that a pregnant woman consumes not only benefit her but have considerable effect on the health of the baby as well. It is important that food items consumed by a would-be mother are fresh and have lots of nutritional value. Poppy seeds consumption is considered as healthy during pregnancy as they are rich source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. The frequency and amount of poppy seeds consumption by a pregnant woman can be guided by an obstetrician.
Can I Eat Poppy Seeds during Pregnancy?
Yes, a pregnant woman can eat poppy seeds during pregnancy. Poppy seeds are generally used on muffins or other food items or are used as condiments in many dishes. A pregnant woman can eat poppy seeds as they have nutritional value but again amount to be consumed must be advised by a doctor.
Is it Harmful to Eat Poppy Seeds during Pregnancy?
Poppy seeds have traces of opiates. Codeine, an opiate present in the poppy seed is dangerous for a pregnant woman. Presence of large amount of codeine may cause breathing problem in the baby in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. High pesticide or morphine content in poppy seeds could cause severe damage to the pregnant woman and the foetus. So, it is not advisable to eat poppy seeds excessively.
Is it Good to Eat Poppy Seeds during Pregnancy?
Would be mothers are always concerned about their unborn baby so they are always extra careful about what they are eating during the entire pregnancy period. Poppy seeds used in foods are generally safe for consumption during pregnancy but in case they get contaminated during growth and/or harvest, they may pose dangerous for the would-be mothers and the babies.
There are some alternatives to poppy seed consumption and these are very healthy for the pregnant women. Would-be mothers can add sesame seeds in their muffins, doughnuts or breads. Other nuts like almonds or walnuts can be added instead of poppy seeds in different food items to reduce the risks associated with poppy seed consumption.
Benefits of Eating Poppy Seeds during Pregnancy
Poppy seeds have lots of health benefits. They have some chemicals that have anti-oxidant properties so helpful in promoting health in an individual. 50% weight of the poppy seed is due to the presence of essential oils and fatty acids. Poppy seeds are rich in unsaturated fatty acids like Linoleic and Oleic acids. These increase the HDL Level and lowers the LDL level thereby prevents any kind of heart problems.
The husks of poppy seeds are rich in fibre so it helps in inner cleansing of the body. It helps in reducing constipation during pregnancy. Minerals such as Magnesium, Calcium, Copper, Iron, Zinc and Manganese are present in poppy seeds so would-be mothers can get these minerals by consuming poppy seeds in different foods. Poppy seeds are also rich source of Pyridoxine, Thiamine, Riboflavin, Pantothenic Acid, Folic Acid and Niacin which together make Vitamin B-Complex.
Is it healthy to eat poppy seeds during pregnancy? Is it harmful to eat poppy seeds during pregnancy? What are the alternatives of poppy seeds that are safe to eat during pregnancy? Discuss here. 
