Hunting at Roadside VI #8

Opium poppy is the species of plant from which both opium and poppy seeds are derived.  In the UK there are no restrictions on growing poppies, only for extracting opium for medicinal products. The seeds contain minute amounts of the alkaloids containing codeine and morphine which are too low for any effects to be felt if are eaten. However, they will register on drug tests so refrain from eating them for a week before being tested for drugs for employment or other purposes.

Poppy seeds come with rich and heart-friendly nutrients like potassium, calcium, and magnesium. It also promotes blood pressure regulation by reducing the risk of hypertension. But, to be completely safe, experts recommend that people limit the number of raw poppy seeds they eat to about 1 tbsp per 7 pounds (lb) of body weight. This means that someone who weighs 150 lb, or 70 kilograms, should not eat any more than 7 tbsp of raw poppy seeds at a time.