Blackstrap Molasses Combats Stress &
Promotes Healthy Skin
Blackstrap
molasses is the dark, viscous molasses that remains after
maximum extraction of sugar from raw sugar cane. It has the consistency of
a thick syrup, as the third boiling of sugar syrup yields blackstrap
molasses. This concentrated
byproduct is left over after the sugar’s
sucrose has been crystallized. It has a robust flavor described as bittersweet.
Unlike refined sugar, blackstrap molasses contains essential vitamins and minerals —
boasting a number of powerful health benefits.
As
the nutritional benefits of blackstrap molasses becomes better known, more and
more molasses products are being sold in the supermarket. As opposed to refined
sugar, molasses has the power to naturally relieve PMS symptoms, stabilize blood sugar levels,
improve bone health, treat symptoms of ADHD and boost skin
health.
Blackstrap Molasses Nutrition Facts
Blackstrap
molasses contains the vitamins and minerals that it absorbs from the sugar cane
plant. Molasses has a moderate glycemic load of 55, which makes it
a better choice than refined sugar, especially for people with diabetes. It
contains high levels of vitamin B6, manganese, magnesium, potassium,
iron and selenium.
- 290 calories
- zero fat
- zero cholesterol
- 37 milligrams sodium
- 75 grams carbohydrate
- zero dietary fiber
- 55 grams sugar
- zero protein
- 0.7 vitamin B6 (34 percent DV)
- 0.8 milligrams pantothenic acid (8 percent DV)
- 0.9 milligrams niacin (5 percent DV)
- 0.1 milligrams thiamine (3 percent DV)
- 1.5 milligrams manganese (77 percent DV)
- 242 milligrams magnesium (61 percent DV)
- 1,464 milligrams potassium (42 percent DV)
- 4.7 milligrams iron (26 percent DV)
- 17 micrograms selenium (25 percent DV)
- 0.5 milligrams copper (24 percent DV)
- 205 milligrams calcium (20 percent DV)
- 31 milligrams phosphorus (3 percent DV)
- 37 milligrams sodium (2 percent DV)
9 Blackstrap Molasses Benefits
1. Relieves
PMS Symptoms
Blackstrap molasses
is a high source of iron; women
need more iron than men, according to the Centers for Disease
Control, because they lose a certain amount of iron during their normal
menstrual cycle each month. Starting at around the time of adolescence
when a woman begins having her menstrual cycle, her daily needs of iron
increases, but then the level decreases once again as the woman reaches
menopause.
Iron
can also improve your mood, which relies on a balance of hormones — including
serotonin, dopamine and other vital hormones — that cannot properly be
synthesized in the brain when oxygen levels are low. This is why iron deficiency sometimes
results in a poor mood, bad sleep, low energy levels and a lack of motivation.
If you notice changes in your mood and feelings of mild depression or anxiety,
especially during menstruation, an iron deficiency could possibly be a
contributor.
Also,
essential minerals in blackstrap molasses, such as magnesium, manganese and
calcium, prevent the clotting of blood, which relieves menstrual cramps and
maintains the health of uterine muscles.
2. Combats
Stress
B
vitamins, calcium and magnesium each play a role in combatting stress and
anxiety, and blackstrap molasses contains all these vital minerals. Vitamin B6,
for example, raises serotonin levels in the brain. This is an important hormone
that controls mood and prevents pain, depression and fatigue, and blackstrap
molasses’ vitamin B6 content makes adding it to your diet a great way to bust stress.
A
2004 study published in Psychotherapy and
Psychosomatics found that low levels of vitamin B6
causes depression, as the vitamin contributes to the tryptophan-serotonin
pathway. Of the 140 participants, 13 percent of them were evaluated as
depressed and vitamin B6-deficient.
Although this is not a staggering number, the research suggests that the
vitamin deficiency is correlated to depression levels and needs to be addressed
in patients who have symptoms of moodiness and depression.
3. Stabilizes
Blood Sugar Levels
Blackstrap
molasses helps stabilize blood sugar levels, which can be extremely
beneficial for people with diabetes. It has a low glycemic index and naturally
slows the metabolism of glucose and carbohydrates — resulting in less
insulin production. Blackstrap molasses also contains a high level of chromium,
which increases glucose tolerance. Chromium plays a role in the
insulin-signaling pathways that allow our bodies to control the amount of sugar
we take in, helping balance blood glucose levels and giving us stable energy.
A
1997 study conducted at the U.S. Department of Agriculture suggests that chromium is an essential
nutrient involved in normal carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. In the
study, 180 individuals being treated with type 2 diabetes were either
given a placebo or chromium supplements over a four-month period, while
continuing to take normal medications and not changing eating habits. As a
result of chromium treatment, insulin values and cholesterol levels decreased
significantly compared to the placebo group.
This
study did have patients continue their normal medications for treatment
diabetes, so it is important to note that chromium consumption seems to be only
partly responsible for the positive results.
4. Helps
Prevent Cancer
A
2009 study published in the Journal of
the American Diabetic Association suggests that blackstrap molasses serves
as a nutritious alternative to refined sugar because it offers the
potential benefit of antioxidant activity. Antioxidants are substances
that help prevent certain types of cell damage, especially those caused by
oxidation. Oxidative damage plays a major role in disease today and has
been linked to health conditions including cancer.
High-antioxidant foods, like blackstrap
molasses, help reduce free radicals in the body,
which are believed to be the primary cause of cancer. According to the National
Cancer Institute, free
radicals are formed naturally in the body and play an important role in
many normal cellular processes; however, at high concentrations, free
radicals can be hazardous to the body and damage all major components of cells,
including DNA, proteins and cell membranes.
5. Promotes
Skin Health
Blackstrap molasses contains
lactic acid, which is produced by bacteria that plays an important role in
carbohydrate metabolism. Lactic acid serves as a natural acne treatment and heals other skin conditions.
A
2002 study published in the Indian
Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology found that lactic acid worked as a
preventative solution for acne. The study involved 22 patients who
experienced lesions, inflammation and cysts. Lactate lotion was used
topically all over the face twice a day, and then it was used like a cosmetic
for a year. At the end of one year, 90 percent to 100 percent reduction of
the inflammatory lesions was achieved in 41 percent of the patients, and
non-inflammatory lesions reduced in 23 percent of the patients. The remaining
patients showed 50 percent to 90 percent reduction, while two
patients showed less than 50 percent reduction in the
non-inflammatory lesions.
This
research suggests that lactic acid treatment results in significant reduction
of acne symptoms, including the development of lesions.
Blackstrap
molasses also promotes the growth of healthy tissues, so it serves as a natural
wound healer. Consuming blackstrap molasses accelerates the healing
time of cuts, wounds, burns and signs of acne — helping you
maintain clear and healthy skin.
6. Improves
Bone Health
Because
blackstrap molasses serves as a high source of calcium, it promotes strong and
healthy bones. Since we lose calcium every day through our skin,
nails, hair, sweat, urine and stool, and we cannot make it within our own body,
it’s important that we eat calcium-rich
foods regularly.
Calcium
is the most present mineral in the body, stored in the body mostly in the bones
and teeth. About 99 percent of our calcium is found in bones and
teeth, mostly in the form of calcium deposits, with the other remaining 1
percent being stored throughout bodily tissue. Calcium is involved in the
growth and maintenance of bones. Without enough calcium present in the
body, known as a calcium deficiency, bones are
susceptible to becoming weak and pliable, making them prone to fractures
and breaks.
The
calcium, plus the iron and copper levels, in blackstrap molasses undoubtedly
improves bone health, helps heal broken bones, and reduces the
risk of weak and brittle bones.
7. Serves as
Natural Remedy for ADD and ADHD
Research has shown that
the same symptoms evident in children with ADD/ADHD are also seen in
people who are nutritionally deficient in zinc, magnesium, calcium and iron. ADHD
and ADD are neurological and behavior-related conditions that cause difficulty
in concentrating, impulsiveness and excessive energy. Individuals with
ADHD not only have a challenge in concentrating, but have a challenge sitting
still.
Sugar
is a major problem because it causes blood-sugar spikes, causing hyperactivity.
Then as blood-sugar levels spike down, a person loses focus. Blackstrap
molasses is a more nutritious alternative to refined sugar, and it does not
have the same effects on blood-sugar levels. Also, consuming molasses provides
iron and B vitamins — which have the ability to remedy ADHD naturally. These vitamins and minerals support
the nervous system and brain function, improving focus.
8. Treats
Arthritis
Arthritis
is a joint disease that causes swelling and pain in the joints. It’s either
classified as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs
when cartilage between joints wears down, causing inflammation and pain, and
rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an autoimmune dysfunction where the white
blood cells destroy the cartilage. Because of the
anti-inflammatory properties in blackstrap molasses, it relieves swelling
and joint pain, working as a natural
arthritis treatment.
9.
Contains Cholesterol-Lowing Potassium
Just
two teaspoons of this, rich all-natural syrup contains 10 percent of the daily
recommended amount of potassium. Potassium-rich
foods help lower systolic blood pressure, lower cholesterol and support a healthy cardiovascular
system, in addition to helping cleanse your
liver. Potassium also plays an important role in keeping
the body hydrated and works with sodium to support cellular function with your
body’s sodium-potassium pump.
Blackstrap Molasses History & Interesting Facts
Blackstrap
molasses has been imported from the Caribbean Islands since the time of the
first settlers. Because it was much more affordable than refined sugar,
molasses was popular up until the late 19th century. In fact, molasses was so
popular that the British crown passed the Molasses Act of 1733 in order to
discourage colonists from trading with the West Indies, which was not under
British rule. Colonists had to pay six pence for every gallon of molasses,
which was commonly used in rum and spirits at the time.
The
growing corruption of local officials and the bitterness and resentment
of British Law that was caused by this act only continued with the passing
of the Stamp and Townshend Acts; by 1776, the colonists were fighting for their
independence from British rule during the American Revolution.
Since
then, blackstrap molasses has made a comeback. This is due to the “health food
movement” that is popularizing nutritious and vitamin-filled foods. The largest
producers of molasses are currently India, Brazil, Taiwan, Thailand, the
Philippines and the United States.
How to Use Blackstrap Molasses
It’s
easy to find blackstrap molasses at your local market or health food store.
When purchasing blackstrap molasses, look for products that are organic and
unsulfered.
Blackstrap
molasses is commonly used as a natural
sweetener and sugar alternative. Molasses has a unique, rich
flavor. Some people use it as a spread or topping on toast,
oatmeal and porridges. It’s also a great sweetener for marinades, barbeque
sauce and to use while baking. You can even add blackstrap molasses to
coffee — it intensifies the richness of the coffee while lowering the acidic
taste and enhancing coffee’s nutrition value.
Blackstrap
molasses serves as a brown sugar alternative, too; you can use molasses to
create brown sugar by adding two tablespoons of molasses for each ½ cup of coconut
sugar that a recipe calls for. Put the coconut sugar and the molasses in a food
processor, and pulse until the consistency of commercial brown sugar is
reached. The result is a more nutritious “brown sugar” that still tastes
great.
Blackstrap
molasses is about two-thirds as sweet as refined sugar, but it can be used in
recipes that call for brown sugar, honey and maple syrup. Try experimenting with this nutritious product
today — you’re going to love it!
Blackstrap Molasses Recipes
Because
blackstrap molasses can sub in for maple syrup, trying using it in my Maple-Glazed Rosemary Carrots Recipe.
The bittersweet flavor of molasses goes perfectly with the rosemary in this
recipe.
Another
way to use blackstrap molasses in place of maple syrup is with my Gluten-Free Cinnamon Buns Recipe.
This recipe is delicious, healthy and gluten-free! The texture of molasses
compliments the stickiness of a cinnamon bun too.
Blackstrap
molasses is commonly used to make marinades, sauces and glazes. You can use
molasses in place of honey; it provides the same texture and a slightly bitter
flavor. My Grilled Honey-Glazed Salmon Recipe
would be perfect for blackstrap molasses because it creates the thick
consistency that works perfectly for salmon glazes.
This
gluten-free gingerbread cookies recipe is delicious! It satisfies sweet
cravings without the processed sugar.
Total
Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 12
INGREDIENTS:
- 9 medjool dates
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 2/3 cup blackstrap molasses
- 2 teaspoons grated ginger
- 3 cups gluten-free flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon, sprinkled
- 1/2 teaspoon clove
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
DIRECTIONS:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Cover 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Blend dates in a food processor until chopped finely, then add oil, molasses and ginger while processor is running.
- Add flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and sea salt to food processor slowly and process until dough-like.
- Chill dough for at least 20 minutes.
- Flour your counter or workspace, then roll out the dough until approx 1/4″ thick.
- Cut shapes with cookie cutters or squares with a knife.
- Bake for 10 minutes.
Possible Blackstrap Molasses Side Effects
It’s perfectly
safe to consume blackstrap molasses in food amounts, and it supplies the
essential vitamins and minerals that keep your body functioning properly.
Some people might develop allergic reactions to molasses due to a sensitivity toward the sulfite present in sulfured molasses. For this reason, I suggest you purchase unsulfered blackstrap molasses. Also, keep in mind that the glycemic index for molasses is 55, which is moderate and means that people should not consume large amounts of it. It should be used as a more nutritious sweetener.
Some people might develop allergic reactions to molasses due to a sensitivity toward the sulfite present in sulfured molasses. For this reason, I suggest you purchase unsulfered blackstrap molasses. Also, keep in mind that the glycemic index for molasses is 55, which is moderate and means that people should not consume large amounts of it. It should be used as a more nutritious sweetener.
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