Hello, I would like to ask whether it is necessary to soak poppy seeds and if I can include them in the diet of a child from 1 year old. Thank you.
You can soak poppy seeds, as the same rules apply to them as with other seeds and nuts, meaning that soaking reduces the amount of antinutritional substances. Children from the age of 1 can consume poppy seeds, but always monitor the amount due to the content of alkaloids. Since the content of undesirable opioids depends on the degree of ripeness, you will never have the assurance with commercially produced poppy seeds that, despite regulatory efforts, you have purchased only truly ripe seeds. Therefore, it is advisable to introduce poppy seeds into the diet gradually and in small doses.
Themes: Antinutrients Poppy seeds Soaking
Questions answered by
Mgr. Martin Jelinek
Lecturer and author of the educational system
Nutrition educator, lecturer, and author of the educational system and the ZOF learning application.
Mgr. Martin Jelínek has been systematically involved in nutrition education since 1999. He is the founder of ATAC, the educational company behind NutriCourses, and the author of an educational system focused on nutrition, healthy lifestyle, and the practical application of nutrition knowledge.
He graduated from the Faculty of Science at Masaryk University in Brno. Throughout his professional career, he has combined nutrition, education, and the practical application of acquired knowledge. His educational system also includes the ZOF (Zone of Optimal Functioning) learning application, where students turn theory into practical work with meal plans.
In 2007, he launched the first intake of a six-month course focused on the education of nutrition advisors. Over time, this course became the foundation for the further development of the educational system and a range of specialised courses.