Poppy seeds are mainly associated with baked goods and Christmas specialties, but not everyone is aware that apart from poppy seeds or kutia, they can be used to make tasty and nutritious oil. Interestingly, this product not only serves to highlight the taste of dishes, but also provides… natural support for the body – and on many different levels.
Poppy seed oil is a source of valuable compoundsincluding fatty acids, calcium and vitamin E, which have a positive effect on our health. What else can you find in it? Why is it worth using? And how to use it in dishes? Learn about the health-promoting properties of poppy seed oil and check how to use it in the kitchen.
How is poppy seed oil produced? Well, he is made from ripe seeds, most often by cold pressing. This process involves mechanically squeezing the oil without the use of high temperature and chemicals. This allows retain most of the fatty acids and bioactive ingredients. After pressing, the oil is filtered or left to clarify naturally.
It has a light, slightly golden color and a delicate nutty aroma. Unlike industrial oils it is not refinedso it should be stored in a cool place, preferably in a dark glass bottle, because it is sensitive to light, heat and oxygen.
The health-promoting properties of poppy seed oil are numerous. This is because it is a source of vitamin E, B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, potassium and other valuable compounds. They complement the whole fatty acidssuch as oleic, palmitic, stearic and linoleic acid.
Some nutrients present in poppy seed oil, especially unsaturated fatty acids, play an important role in and support the functioning of the circulatory system. It’s worth knowing that theirs regular, moderate consumption reduces the risk of developing atherosclerosis – one of the most common diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Poppy seed oil also contains small amounts of vitamin E, which has antioxidant effect. It supports the protection of cells against oxidative stress and participates in processes tissue regeneration. Thanks to this, oil can be a valuable element of the diet of people who care about it improving the condition of hair, skin and nails.
Poppy seeds are considered one of the most abundant plant sources of calcium. Although the oil does not contain it in the same amount as the seeds themselves, it is sometimes used as supplementing your diet to support bone health. Interestingly, this ingredient also has other functions in the human body, e.g. contributes to proper blood clotting and supports muscle functioning.
Are you wondering how to use poppy seed oil in the kitchen? Contrary to appearances, not only that for salads and salads. True it can only be used coldhowever, this does not mean that the possibilities of its use in meals are severely limited. As it is characterized by a pleasant, slightly nutty taste, you can pour it over vegetablese.g. beets, and even fruitincluding apples and pears.
Poppy seed oil works great as base for various types of dressings and addition to sandwiches, pastes, groats, pasta, rice and potatoes. You might as well add a few drops to cottage cheese or natural yogurt. Its great advantage is that it does not dominate the dish, but only highlights its taste. However, remember not to use it in excessive amounts, because (approx. 900 kcal/100 ml).
It is important not to subject poppy seed oil to heat treatment, e.g. baking, grilling or frying, because this will deprive it of most of its valuable compounds. Do you prefer to consume vegetable oils solo? Then take one, maximum two teaspoons a day, preferably during or immediately after a meal, to increase the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
Sources: Terazgotuje.pl, melisa.pl,zdrowie.to
