Poppy seeds

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.

Hello,
since the calcium in poppy seeds is almost unusable, can I at least consider poppy seeds as a good source of protein? For example, in popular poppy seed cakes/pies, where poppy seeds are used in large quantities. I'm trying to find at least some benefit of this popular ingredient.
Thank you.

Calcium contained in poppy seeds is utilizable in the human body, but it's important to consider that the presence of alkaloids reduces its bioavailability. Thus, although poppy seeds are among the richest sources of calcium, they are not the most advantageous. On the other hand, this does not mean that poppy seeds should be completely avoided as a source of calcium. In situations where the poppy seeds are ripe, meaning the alkaloid content is low, it makes sense to use this food in the kitchen.

The protein content in poppy seeds is similar to that of other seeds or nuts, meaning it is certainly not insignificant compared to other components.

When evaluating this food, always consider two key characteristics:
1. The first is the amount of fats, which are present in the largest volumetric quantity. From an energy content perspective, a large proportion of consumed poppy seeds can significantly affect the energy balance.
2. The second is the content of opiates, which have a high concentration in unripe poppy pods. They are present in smaller amounts in ripe poppy seeds and have the ability to negatively affect the functioning of the nervous system.

Hello.

In the context of plant-based calcium sources, kale, pak choi, and broccoli are becoming increasingly discussed. What is your opinion on these foods in terms of calcium? I calculated the volume of absorbable calcium in broccoli, and it performs better than cow's milk. I am also moving away from recommending poppy seeds as a quality source because its absorbability is, in reality, very low, as mentioned here: https://www.evahajkova.com/cs/jaka-je-absorbce-vapniku-z-rostlinnych-zdroju-vyjadreni-k-maku, and there is also a risk of high cadmium contamination.

Thank you.

The absorption of minerals from food is not only a complex issue but, primarily in terms of numerical expression, highly relative. Too many factors come into play for it to be meaningful to express the level of utilization of each element; therefore, be cautious not only in adopting any values but especially in applying them in practice. The bioavailability of calcium is generally significantly lower from plant sources than from animal sources, so more effort is needed in plant-based diets to optimize the whole process. Essentially, this involves reducing fiber content and avoiding higher concentrations of other antinutritional components, but it also makes sense to maintain a balance with the intake of magnesium, care for the function of the gut microbiome, which significantly contributes to calcium metabolism, ensure adequate calciferol levels, and support metabolism through physical activity. The higher the proportion of plant-based foods (and thus calcium sources) in our diet, the higher the demands we place on the body to activate adaptive mechanisms tasked with maintaining balance. An extreme in this regard is a vegan diet, where it makes sense to address every "detail," as practice shows that indeed there is a challenge in ensuring adequate calcium with all its consequences. Do not address heavy metals in the mentioned food sources, as this factor depends on soil quality and crop cultivation methods, and it does not make sense to generalize it.