Blackstrap molasses, is the thick, dark syrup which is produced in the process of making sugar that is refined from the plant sugar cane. Rich with nutrients and with a robust flavor, blackstrap molasses benefits are abundant.
This type of molasses contains all the minerals and vitamins that the plant has absorbed from the soil. However, the white sugar which is nutritionally devoid and it is an end product does not contain them!
Below are 10 reasons and blackstrap molasses benefits and why always you should have a container of this elixir.
10 Surprising Blackstrap Molasses Benefits
1. A Source of Nutrition Which is Sweet
20 g or one tablespoon of this treacle has:
- Calories – 59
- Carbohydrates – 14 g
- Sugar – 12 g
- Protein – 1 g
- Iron – 19% DV
- Manganese – 15% DV
- Magnesium – 12% DV
- Calcium – 10% DV
- Potassium – 8% DV
- Vitamin B6 – 7% DV
- Copper – 5%
Moreover, it’s free of cholesterol and fat and has negligible sodium’s amounts. Even though blackstrap molasses has high amount of sugar, because of its mineral and vitamin profile it is better than processed sugar for those with a sweet tooth.
2. Prevent or Cure Iron-Deficiency Anemia
The most common cause of anemia is iron deficiency (although deficiencies in other nutrients such as B12 can also cause the disorder).
Anemia is characterized by paleness, fatigue, cracking at the corners of the mouth, anxiety, feeling cold, dizziness and hair loss. It is caused when the body cannot produce enough healthy red blood cells to successfully transport oxygen around the body.
Due to the blackstrap molasses benefits and because is a great source of iron, a daily intake of one tablespoon mixed in hot water is recommended by many doctors for people with anemia or similar disorders. This tonic is often called ‘pregnancy tea’ as it’s so frequently advised for pregnant women, a group at high risk of developing anemia due to the deficiency of iron!
3. Glossy Hair and Glowing Skin
Not only the deficiency of iron, but also the suboptimal amount of the nutrient, can be the reason for cracking and pale skin. But it also affects the health of our hair and nails, with a review of a research that lasted for 40 years reveals much closer link of deficiency of iron to hair loss than we actually realize.
In fact, iron deficiency is number one reason for the loss of hair in female population! The levels of iron that are low will affect your nails, causing the nail bed to become thin and concave with raised ridges.
Blackstrap molasses also contains a high amount of magnesium, another vital mineral which many are deficient in. Magnesium contributes to healthy skin. It fights eczema, wrinkles and acne; prevents nail breakage and hair loss.
Anecdotally, long-term consumption of blackstrap has been linked to improved hair and skin quality, hair regrowth and even less gray hairs!
4. Beat PMS
Blackstrap molasses benefits are used as a home remedy for centuries to ease or prevent PMS – a condition that affects up to three out of every four women.
By drinking warm molasses tea which is healing some of the symptoms experienced can be offset, which include breast tenderness, bloating, water retention, acne, depression and irritability.
The rich iron content of the tonic can replace some of the iron levels naturally lost through menstruation, while its calcium content may have an even greater effect.
There are studies that have suggested that patients with PMS have an altered balance of calcium and many have made a link between the reduced symptoms of PMS and adequate calcium intakes.
Additionally, the mineral content in the molasses, more specific manganese and magnesium, can be helpful to prevent menstrual cramping.
5. Gentle Laxative
Blackstrap molasses can cause constipation relieve due to the high content of nutrient.
In particular, magnesium treats this common condition by relaxing the muscles and drawing water into the stool, making it easier to pass. Magnesium citrate is often recommended by doctors to relieve constipation but, in most cases, the presence of magnesium in blackstrap molasses can be helpful.
Take one to two tablespoons daily in warm water to get your digestive system moving again.
6. Strong Bones
With more than 10 million Americans suffering from osteoporosis, it’s more important than ever that we look after our bone health.
For strong bones, magnesium and calcium (along with Vitamin D) are the most important nutrients you can get. Because blackstrap molasses is an excellent source of calcium, it can be consumed regularly for healthy and strong bones. It also has a high content of magnesium that plays an important role in bone health by facilitating the absorption and metabolism of calcium.
7. Less Stress
Combat stress and anxiety by kicking off your day with some blackstrap molasses tea.
The serotonin levels in the brain will be raised by Vitamin B6. Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter that influences the brain cells related to mood, sexual desire, appetite, sleep, memory and learning. Conversely, a lack of serotonin is linked with depression, compulsive behavior, anxiety, panic, and anger problems! Research has even connected low levels of vitamin B6 and depression.
Magnesium is also an old remedy for anxiety, apathy, depression, headaches, insecurity, irritability, restlessness and stress. If you feel stressed out is actually further depleting the levels of magnesium that are low already, and make it more essential to use blackstrap molasses as supplement in foods and tonics when under pressure and overwhelmed.
8. Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Blackstrap Molasses Benefits
In tests comparing the antioxidant content of several sweeteners including refined sugar, corn syrup, agave nectar, raw cane sugar, maple syrup, brown sugar, honey and molasses, it was found that dark molasses and blackstrap molasses have had markers that had the highest activity against antioxidants.
Antioxidants are vital to health as they fight against oxidative damage – something that is known to contribute to cognitive impairment, cancer, liver damage, high cholesterol, premature aging and just about every other negative effect you can think of!
Anything that fights the damage caused by oxidative processes can be considered to be anti-inflammatory. That is the reason why many who suffer from the condition which is inflammatory- Rheumatoid Arthritis vow by blackstrap molasses…even though it can theoretically be used to ease the symptoms of many conditions that are inflammatory.
9. Lower Blood Pressure
The American Heart Association say that a diet that includes natural sources of potassium is important for those with blood pressure which is high as potassium is lessening the sodium’s effects – sodium is an enormous contributor to a condition known as hypertension.
With two tablespoons containing 16% of the recommended intake of potassium, blackstrap molasses can be a pretty useful tonic to take daily.
Both calcium and magnesiumlower hypertension according to research, with a 2009 study showing that people supplementing with magnesium experienced a significant decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
10. Maintain Blood Sugar Balance
Due to its high level of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, blackstrap molasses is a better alternative to refined sugar. It also has a lower Glycemic Index – of just 55 – with the American Diabetes Association Classing Low GI foods as those ranking 55 or less!
This means the syrup is ideal for those who want a little added sweetness, without experiencing the blood sugar peaks and dips often associated with refined sugar.
Bear in mind that, as a trade-off for its nutritional and glycemic profile, blackstrap molasses is not sweet enough like other alternatives of sugar! However, when you begin to reduce the sugar from the diet, your palate will become more discerning and will appreciate the subtle sweetness in natural products.
How to Enjoy in the health benefits:
Blackstrap molasses can be enjoyed at any time, and works well in a variety of sweet or savory dishes.
To make a simple nourishing tonic, just dissolve one to two tablespoons of the syrup in a mug of warm water and drink. (Note: some people cannot tolerate it on an empty stomach so see what works for you.)
In case you want to include blackstrap molasses in the snacks and meals instead, use these delicious recipes as inspiration:
Homemade BBQ Sauce – this easy to prepare barbecue sauce is made without the high-fructose corn syrup you’ll often find in store bought varieties. It’s also free from gluten, soy, nuts, corn and is vegan friendly to boot! For an extra healthy version, omit or substitute the two spoons of sugar called for in the recipe.
Oatmeal with Banana and Blackstrap – for a super healthy and satiating start to the day, whip up this 10-minute breakfast. Molasses and bananas add sweetness naturally while crunch is due to the pecans!
Ginger Molasses Cookies – with molasses and coconut sugar, these delicious cookies have a deep, caramelized flavor. They’re also packed with wholesome ingredients like flaxseed, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and coconut oil.
Iron Woman Gingerbread Smoothie – the drink surely will become your favorite! It contains almond milk, blackstrap molasses, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, banana and chia seeds, it provides an explosion of both nutrients and flavors.
Baked Beans – canned beans have nothing on this tasty homemade version. Incredibly simple to make, you just need to throw all the ingredients (which include apple cider vinegar, garlic, molasses and spices) in a pot!
