Calorie Chart / Fruits / Poppy seeds
How Many Calories Are in Poppy seeds?
Calculation of the nutritional value & Recommended Dietary Intake of poppy seeds
For g and a calorie requirement of kcal
| Calories 143 kcal | Proteins 7.1 g | Lipids 13 g | Carbohydrates 1.3 g |
| 7% | 9% | 19% | 0% |
Health benefits of poppy seeds
Poppy seeds - 100g
Calories 477 kcal
Proteins 23.8 g
Lipids 42.2 g
Carbohydrates 4.2 g
Poppy seeds are a high-calorie food (477 kcal/100 g) that delivers a compact dose of energy in a very small volume; these calories come mainly from heart-healthy unsaturated fats and plant proteins. Because of this caloric density, the seeds are useful for anyone who needs concentrated calories without increasing meal size, such as endurance athletes or people struggling to keep weight on.
Beyond calories, poppy seeds supply remarkable amounts of calcium (roughly as much as many cheeses), magnesium, manganese, iron, and zinc. They also provide B-group vitamins, especially thiamine (B1) and folate, which support nerve function and red-blood-cell production. Their lipid profile is rich in linoleic acid (omega-6) and oleic acid, both associated with cardiovascular health. A supposed benefit, still under study, is mild calming action linked to tiny traces of alkaloids; reputable analyses indicate the doses are far too low to cause pharmacological effects, yet they remain an interesting historical curiosity.
Traditionally cultivated in the Mediterranean and Middle East, poppy seeds have flavored bread and pastries since antiquity; Ancient Romans sprinkled them over honey cakes to add both crunch and calories. In Central Europe, the seeds are ground into sweet fillings for festive rolls, a custom that underlines their role as an energy booster during cold winters when extra calories were essential.
Tips for incorporating poppy seeds into a balanced diet
Because poppy seeds are calorie-dense, a teaspoon is enough to enrich a dish without pushing calories too high. Stir 1 tablespoon into plain yogurt with a drizzle of honey for a protein-plus-calories snack, or blend them into a morning smoothie with banana and semi-skimmed milk when you want extra calories before training.
For a savory idea that controls calories, coat a filet of salmon with a mix of crushed poppy and sesame seeds; bake and serve alongside steamed broccoli. The seeds add crunch and flavor, so you can skip heavier sauces and keep overall calories moderate while still benefiting from high-quality proteins.
Bakers who watch calories can replace 20% of white flour with ground poppy seeds in a lemon loaf: the result is a moist, aromatic cake where each slice is satisfying enough that you naturally limit calories. The same trick works in whole-grain pancakes made with wholemeal flour. Finally, sprinkle the seeds over avocado toast on baguette; you will add texture, micronutrients, and controlled calories without resorting to high-fat spreads.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many calories are in poppy seeds?
- There are 477 kcal per 100 g, delivering 23.8 g of proteins, 42.2 g of lipids, and 4.2 g of carbohydrates.
- Are poppy seeds suitable for weight-loss diets despite their calories?
- They are calorie-dense, so portions must be small (one teaspoon = about 15 kcal). Used sparingly, they add flavor and minerals without pushing daily calories too high. If you need a lower-calorie seed, compare with chia seeds.
- Do poppy seeds provide as much calcium as dairy?
- Gram for gram they rival some cheeses in calcium, which means you can obtain bone-supporting nutrients without adding dairy calories, especially useful for vegans.
- How can I toast poppy seeds without burning them or adding extra calories?
- Heat a dry skillet on low, add the seeds, and stir for 2-3 minutes until fragrant; the dry-roast method keeps additional calories at zero.
- Why are poppy seeds popular among endurance athletes?
- Their high calories and healthy fats make them an efficient energy booster; adding a spoonful to oats or rice pudding before a long session helps extend stamina without bulky food.
- Will poppy seeds cause a positive drug test?
- Properly washed culinary seeds contain trace alkaloids far below pharmacological levels, but very sensitive tests could detect them. If you are subject to strict anti-doping rules, prefer alternatives such as sesame seeds that supply nutrients with fewer concerns and comparable calories.
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Information provided by Calorie Menu may contain inaccuracies or errors. It cannot, under any circumstances, substitute medical advice or medication.
