Benefits of Blackstrap Molasses
I don’t know why exactly, but every time I think of blackstrap molasses I think of pirates. Maybe it’s because of Bootstrap Bill or Black Beard or some pirate from the past? I really can’t quite explain the sentiment to you.
But whatever the strange reason, it makes blackstrap molasses seem all the more fun.
Yo Hoy Matey, time to talk about that molasses!
Too far?
Alright, I can tone it down.
Today we are going to talk about blackstrap molasses for the sole reason that it’s actually really great for your body!
Molasses is known for providing dishes with a sweet signature flavor that is hard to mirror. Since discovering what all this sweet treat can do, I have been attempting to use it on a daily basis.
There are so many wonderful properties that blackstrap molasses provides, so let’s dig in!
What is Blackstrap Molasses?
Blackstrap molasses is a by-product of the sugar cane refining process, where the sugar cane plant is crushed to extract the sweet juices inside of it. These juices are then boiled. The result is molasses in varying degrees of thickness, color, sweetness and nutritional value.
Blackstrap molasses is the thickest, darkest and most concentrated molasses of them all. It is known for its robust bittersweet flavor. It is also the most nutritious molasses, as the extra boiling concentrates its health-giving properties.
Now time for a quick history lesson. Molasses was the sweetener of choice in the United States through the 1800s, due to the fact that it was less expensive than white granulated sugar. Unfortunately, because of economic change during WWI refined sugar then took the leap in popularity and has remained the fan-favorite ever since.
However now, decades later health-conscious individuals are pushing for molasses popularity to come back.
Why?
This product made from sugar cane is considered a superfood because it encompasses the most nutritious parts (all the vitamins and minerals) of the sugarcane plant. Blackstrap molasses contains vitamin B6, potassium, magnesium, selenium, iron, copper, chromium and calcium!
The minerals and vitamins in blackstrap molasses occur in natural proportions since they are derived directly from the sugarcane plant. Nutrients are always better absorbed from whole food sources with the various cofactors and phytochemicals that come along with them. Thus, blackstrap molasses can be classified as a whole food supplement.
So What's Molasses Exactly?
Molasses is a dark, thick and syrupy sweetener that was initially used to make rum.
Aye! Another pirate connection!
Anyways… moving on.
Molasses is categorized by how many times the syrup was boiled and sugar extracted. Molasses is extracted during the first (light), second (dark) or third (blackstrap) of boiling. As you can see, there are actually three different types of molasses. Each with a distinct taste and to be used for different things.
Light molasses is typically used as a sweetening ingredient in baking.
Dark molasses is the byproduct from the second boiling of the sugarcane. This molasses is thicker and contains less sugar than light molasses. It is typically used in beans, barbecue sauce and gingerbread.
The third variety is the beloved blackstrap molasses, which is produced from the third boiling cycle of sugarcane. This molasses is the thickest of them all and contains a vast amount of vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron and magnesium. It is a great addition to many different types of recipes.
When purchasing molasses you will also see two different versions, unsulfured and sulfured. Sulfured means that sulfur was added during sugar production to keep the raw sugar cane fresh, whiten the sugar crystals and kill any unwanted bacteria.
However, I prefer to consume less processed and preservative-filled foods. Thus, the unsulfured molasses option would be my suggestion. Plus, many cooks have commented on the unpleasant aftertaste that sulfured molasses has.
Since molasses isn’t quick to spoil (an opened jar will stay good unrefrigerated for a year) preservatives really aren’t necessary. Unsulfured molasses is also free of sodium dioxide, a known allergen and preservative. I would also recommend trying to buy 100% organic when possible.
Health Benefits of Blackstrap Molasses
Back in the day if you had tummy troubles, dear old Granny would have given you some molasses.
Spoon full of sugar anyone?
For decades now (I’m talking since the 1930s) molasses has been used to help fight off anemia because of how rich in iron it is.
But now health experts are discovering that Grandma was actually onto something, as there’s a plethora of different benefits that are directly related to molasses consumption because of how mineral and vitamin rich it is. There is proven to be wisdom in this time-honored approach, as modern analysis and research shows that blackstrap molasses does indeed contain an impressive array of nutrients which can support numerous functions within the body.
When consumed regularly, molasses has been proven to help with ADHD, PMS, skin health, bone density and so much more that we will discuss below.
12 Blackstrap Molasses Benefits
1) Bone Health
Because of how calcium-rich blackstrap molasses is, it supports healing and improves both bone and connective tissue health. On top of being a good source of iron, molasses also contains copper and selenium which too can contribute to guarding against osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is the result of bones progressively and rapidly losing density, which increases your fragility and risk of breaking one.
2) Blood Pressure
Blackstrap molasses also has enough potassium to aid in keeping your blood pressure low.
And it has been shown that when used regularly, molasses increases your HDL, which is also known as good cholesterol.
3) Antioxidant Blast
Blackstrap molasses surprisingly contains more antioxidants than honey or any other natural sweetener.
Who knew?!
This matters because antioxidants help to protect your cells from damage from free radicals, that result when your body tries to break down the food that you are giving it.
Antioxidants also help to protect your body from cancer, heart disease and other diseases.
4) Mental Illness
When used as a daily supplement, blackstrap molasses can help to combat stress, depression and anxiety.
This molasses is very rich in B vitamins, especially B6, as well as magnesium. Vitamin B6 helps to prevent both fatigue and depression. It has been found that many individuals who suffer from these ailments have had bloodwork that shows they are deficient in this nutrient. The magnesium, calcium and B vitamins in this molasses fight fatigue while also enhancing mood, focus and overall brain function.
Yippee for a little brain boost!
5) Acne Free
Blackstrap molasses contains lactic acid, which is known to help fight against bacteria, pimples, blackheads and to promote the healing of damaged skin such as cuts, burns or other lesions.
The anti-inflammatory properties can be used as an effective acne treatment.
Blackstrap molasses can be used topically to help exfoliate and soften the skin. The lactic acid also helps to treat eczema, rosacea and other problematic skin conditions.
To use topically, wet your face and pat the molasses directly onto the skin. You may find that you need to dilute the molasses with a little water so that it will apply easier. Let it sit and leave on the face for five minutes before removing with a warm, wet cloth.
6) Hair Conditioner
The anti-aging antioxidants zinc, manganese and selenium in blackstrap molasses work from the inside out to reduce hair loss, minimize graying hair and soften the hair shaft.
However, the molasses can also be used as a hair conditioning treatment. Just dilute with water, leave the mixture on for 15 minutes and then rinse out in the shower.
7) Menstrual Remedy
The magnesium, calcium and iron in blackstrap molasses help to reduce menstrual cramps and symptoms of PMS. This fast-acting remedy helps to alleviate pain from heavy periods by helping to replenish the body with a unique blend of nutrients. Within 20 to 30 minutes of molasses consumption, you should be able to experience menstrual relief.
8) Arthritis Relief
Blackstrap molasses has many anti-inflammatory properties that will help to ease the discomfort of arthritis by reducing pain, joint inflammation and swelling.
This healthy sweetener helps to alleviate joint pain in a myriad of different ways. First, the molasses brings down joint swelling by activating anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Next, it supports bone and connective tissue health comprehensively by providing a whole-food source of minerals such as copper, iron and calcium.
9) Natural ADHD/ADD Treatment
Thanks to the minerals found in blackstrap molasses, individuals who suffer from ADD and ADHD can find some relief from daily consumption. Many times people with this condition will have deficiencies, thus the calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium and vitamins in blackstrap molasses may help to support the nervous system and overall brain function.
10) Sleep Aid
Known to help cure insomnia, when taken at bedtime blackstrap molasses can help to put you into a more relaxed and restful state. The calcium and magnesium help to calm the body and promote sleepiness. I suggest mixing a tablespoon with warm non-dairy milk, for a delicious sleepy-time drink.
11) Anemia Prevention
Blackstrap molasses has been long known for its iron content, as one tablespoon contains about 20% of your daily needed value. And that one tablespoon is only 42 calories, whoohoo!
Since blackstrap molasses contains iron it helps produce hemoglobin and red blood cells to prevent anemia. This fact is especially important to me because I have a strong family history of individuals who suffer from anemia.
12) Digestion Aid and Constipation Cure
If you are feeling overly stuffed after a large meal, a spoonful of blackstrap molasses can help to ease stomach discomfort and stimulate digestion.
Blackstrap molasses is also a natural stool softener and will help to both remedy and prevent constipation.
FUN FACT: Blackstrap molasses is great for animals too! For generations, farmers of livestock have used this molasses for their sheep, goat and cattle. It has been used as a dietary supplement, energy increaser and to stimulate the animals appetite.
How to Use Blackstrap Molasses
I’ll be honest with you. It’s not the best tasting thing in the world.
I could be biased because I’m not typically the biggest fan of sweet things.
But when I first got my jar I popped that sucker open, dove a large spoon in and took a mouthful.
Andddddd I gagged…
I had to drink like a gallon of water afterwards because I couldn’t get the sweet taste out of my mouth.
However, it’s not bad or even really noticeable when you add the molasses to things.
Jake doesn’t mind the raw taste too much but we both still prefer to mix it into some sort of concoction.
I have since started making blackstrap lattes, so to speak.
I fill up a coffee cup with halfway coffee, halfway coconut/oat/almond milk (really whatever I have on hand). Warm that bad boy up in the microwave for a minute and then stir a big heaping spoonful of blackstrap molasses in.
Voila’, you feel like you’re in Starbucks. And if you want to get real fancy with it, just sprinkle some cinnamon on top!
Or just mix it in with your oatmeal at breakfast. Pour it on your pancakes. Swirl it in your cereal bowl. Use it with your baked beans. Roast some veggies and drizzle it over them. Add it in when making gingerbread cookies.
And if you really don’t like the consistency or texture of this thick molasses you can always purchase it in a dry powdered version.
No excuses!
As you can see, there are many different ways to incorporate blackstrap molasses into your daily diet!
And trust me, it is so worth it.
Blackstrap molasses proves to be a multifaceted ingredient that you will want to have on hand.
This high-antioxidant superfood has been utilized for generations to remedy a multitude of problems, and now we can better understand why! There are so many reasons that blackstrap molasses can add value to your health and overall life.
I know that I personally have enjoyed finding creative ways to incorporate it into our household, and I hope this article can help you to see the benefits of using it too!
