Blackstrap molasses is a sugar byproduct. First, sugarcane juice is boiled to crystallize the sugar, then filtered to remove the sugar. This process produces sticky, brown molasses. Blackstrap molasses tastes more stringent than regular molasses and is darker and thicker.
Blackstrap molasses contains more nutrients because it’s boiled three times. This explains why it’s a popular dietary supplement.
It’s a popular sweetener, spread, and oatmeal or yogurt topping. Baking and cooking are other uses. Science doesn’t support many claims that it can treat anemia, arthritis, stress, PMS symptoms, or blood sugar spikes.
Because of this, you might be wondering if it is actually healthy to use blackstrap molasses. As a sweetener or as a dietary supplement.
Nutrition
Sugar makes up the majority of blackstrap molasses’ ingredients.
On the other hand, Blackstrap molasses are full of minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus. In contrast to refined sugar, which is devoid of all nutrients.
More Nutritious Than Refined Sugar
Molasses made from unrefined blackstrap sugar are known for their high nutrient content. Just one tablespoon (15 mL) provides [1]:
- Vitamin B6: 8% of the DV
- Calories: 60
- Potassium: 9% of the DV
- Fat: 0 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Sugar: 10 grams
- Carbs: 14 grams
- Magnesium: 10% of the DV
- Calcium: 10% of the DV
- Iron: 20% of the Daily Value (DV)
Ounce for ounce, blackstrap molasses have the highest potassium concentration of any food, more iron than eggs, more calcium than milk, and the same goes for calcium [2].
In addition to that, it has 18 different amino acids [3].
Benefits Of Blackstrap Molasses
Here are five benefits of blackstrap molasses that have been demonstrated by scientific research:
It may help prevent anemia.
Food derived from plants and blackstrap molasses is an excellent source of iron. Consequently, it is frequently they use it as a dietary supplement to treat iron deficiency anemia (IDA), a condition brought on by iron malabsorption or inadequate iron intake through diet [4].
It has two to three and a half times the amount of iron that you can find in light and dark molasses, which you can make by boiling molasses for the first and second time, respectively [4].
In addition, although blackstrap molasses is a source of plant-based iron, which is typically absorbed by your body with a lower degree of efficiency than iron derived from meat, the iron bioavailability of blackstrap molasses is approximately 85 percent, which is considered to be high [4].
The amount of a nutrient that can enter the bloodstream and have an effect is referred to as the bioavailability of that nutrient.
It is common practice to recommend blackstrap molasses and other plant-based sources of iron, such as dark leafy greens, products made from soy, and legumes [5].
It may help treat constipation in children.
Blackstrap molasses can be used as a natural treatment for children who suffer from constipation [6,7].
The inability to pass stools, also known as constipation, is a common problem that affects children and can pose serious health risks [8].
In children who suffer from constipation, administering a daily dose of 0.5 mL of blackstrap molasses per pound of body weight (1 mL per kg) for a period of one month may improve the frequency with which they defecate and decrease abdominal pain [6,7].
Researchers believe that polysaccharides, a type of carbohydrate that can be found in blackstrap molasses, may have the ability to act as dietary fiber, which would improve the consistency of stools and make it easier to move them [9].
Additionally, because low potassium levels frequently cause constipation, the high potassium content of blackstrap molasses may regulate muscle contractions to promote evacuation. This is because low potassium levels frequently cause constipation [10].
Rich in antioxidants.
Molasses is loaded with various health-promoting antioxidants [11].
Antioxidants are compounds that fight free radicals, which, when present in high enough concentrations, can cause damage to cellular structures. In turn, an abundance of free radicals can lead to oxidative stress, which in turn can result in a variety of diseases [12].
Molasses have a significantly higher antioxidant polyphenols concentration than other products derived from sugarcane, such as juice and syrup [13].
According to the findings of various pieces of research, there is a correlation between the ingestion of polyphenols and the prevention, delay, or reduction of the effects of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, obesity, and heart disease [14,15].
May promote bone health.
The majority of bone tissue is composed of calcium, making it the mineral with the highest concentration in the body [16].
Bones are constantly being reconstructed through a process that calls for the consistent release and absorption of calcium. This is necessary for the process to work properly.
On the other hand, consuming insufficient amounts of calcium over a while can lead to a loss of bone mass, which increases the likelihood that you will develop osteoporosis. This condition is characterized by fragile bones and an increased risk of fractures [17].
According to the findings of some studies, taking calcium supplements may lower the probability of developing osteoporosis. The consumption of blackstrap molasses, which contains 10 percent of the daily value for this mineral in just one tablespoon (15 milliliters), may be beneficial to the health of the bones [16].
May boost hair health.
The high iron content of blackstrap molasses may help keep hair healthy.
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are frequently associated with hair loss. This is likely due to the roles that vitamins and minerals play in the development and function of hair cells. Nevertheless, research on the function of iron has produced conflicting results [18,19].
Research has shown that a lack of iron is frequently present in women who are experiencing hair loss. People who have this condition are often given iron supplements as a recommendation [19].
In addition, there is some evidence that iron deficiency during childhood and early adulthood may play a role in the premature graying of hair. Because of this, taking a supplement containing this mineral might slow down the process of premature graying of the hair [19].
In spite of this, there needs to be more research done on blackstrap molasses.
Other Purported Benefits That Aren’t Backed by Science
It has been reported that blackstrap molasses can be utilized to treat additional conditions. However, you should keep in mind that any kind of scientific evidence supports not a single one of these applications.
You should seek the advice of a medical professional before using unrefined blackstrap molasses to treat any of the conditions listed below.
Arthritis therapy.
- The use of blackstrap molasses as a remedy due to its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties is becoming increasingly popular.
Blood sugar stabilizer.
- Some people believe that blackstrap molasses does not cause a spike in blood sugar because it has a low glycemic index (GI), while others believe that it helps reduce the GI of high-carbohydrate foods. Both claims are unsubstantiated due to a lack of supporting evidence.
Treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- According to some studies, the low glycemic index (GI) of blackstrap molasses can help treat ADHD by preventing spikes in blood sugar, leading to a loss of concentration.
Usage
Because of its thick texture and bitter taste, blackstrap molasses is difficult to consume by a spoonful. However, to take advantage of its benefits, it must be incorporated into baked goods, smoothies, sauces, and dressings.
Conclusion
A sugarcane byproduct that is rich in nutrients is called blackstrap molasses.
Antioxidants, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamin B6 are all present in high concentrations in their natural state.
Consequently, it may be able to treat anemia, alleviate constipation, and promote bone and hair health.
However, numerous other health claims are not supported by scientific evidence, and there is a general need for additional research. Before using blackstrap molasses as a treatment for a medical condition, you should discuss the possibility of doing so with your primary care provider.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your own healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.