Poppy seeds: properties and benefits of the ingredient (and how to incorporate them into cooking) Poppy seeds may be better known as those sprinkled on a bagel), but these seeds are more than just a crunch on a bun. What are they? Poppy seeds are oilseeds that come from the flower of the same name (Papaver somniferum L), which people have once turned to for centuries as a source of opium to relieve pain and ailments, such as coughs or diarrhea. Suitable for human consumption, poppy seeds do not have the same opiate properties as the plant from which they come. It is an excellent source of many of the nutrients the body needs to stay strong such as protein, fiber, calcium, magnesium and zinc. Healthy and balanced diet. For this reason, they are recommended for athletes and in the case of vegetarians and vegans,