8 Useful Health Benefits Of Blackstrap Molasses

Blackstrap molasses is a By-product of refining sugarcane into sugar. It varies by the amount of sugar, method of extraction and the age of the plant.

The sugarcane is mashed to produce juice which is then boiled to create cane syrup. When boiled again molasses is produced. After boiling it for the third time dark viscous liquid known as blackstrap molasses is produced. It has the lowest sugar cane content.

Blackstrap molasses contains iron, calcium, magnesium, selenium and vitamin B6.

Blackstrap molasses is also known as a superfood.

Health Benefits of Blackstrap Molasses:

Calcium and magnesium play a role in bone growth and both are present in good quantities in blackstrap molasses. About one tablespoon of blackstrap molasses contains 8 percent of the daily value of calcium and 10 percent of the daily value of magnesium.

Lesser known but magnesium plays a crucial role in preventing osteoporosis.

Blackstrap molasses is a good source of copper which can be beneficial for bone health.⁽¹⁾

Anemia is a medical condition in which the body is not able to produce enough red blood cells leading to the paleness of skin. This also leads to a feeling of weakness and tiredness. Amongst the many reasons causing anemia, one is lack of iron in the diet.

Blackstrap molasses being a good source of iron fulfills the 20 percent of the daily value of iron.

In addition to B vitamins, it contains folate which promotes the development of red blood cells. It can also treat megaloblastic anemia.

Blackstrap molasses is a rich source of potassium after banana. One tablespoon of molasses contains as much potassium as half a banana.

Potassium is beneficial in easing muscle cramps after workouts. It also benefits heart muscles. It benefits people with hypertension by lowering the blood pressure.

The potassium-rich diet also helps lower the risk of stroke. It also prevents and manages fluid-retention.

Along with providing the body with various minerals, blackstrap molasses is also used to remove frizziness from bleached, permed and colored hair.

The thick sticky syrup can be mixed with water and applied directly to the hair. It can also be used by combining it with other healthy ingredients such as coconut milk.

According to a study, blackstrap molasses can also be effective in the treatment of diseases like cancer.⁽²⁾

It is rich in various vitamins and minerals, deficiency of which can pose a serious cancer risk.

The antioxidant content of blackstrap molasses can prove to be beneficial in the treatment of cancer ⁽³⁾

Also, its calcium content can help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.

The lactic acid present in blackstrap molasses can play a role in acne treatment. It accelerates the healing time of wounds and makes the skin fresh and clear.

Also, iron deficiency can make the skin dull and pale which can be countered by adding blackstrap molasses in the diet.

It can also be used as a skin softener

The nutrients present in blackstrap molasses can help ease muscle cramps. Uterus being a muscle, these nutrients can reduce menstrual cramps as well.

It also helps replenish iron levels which go down due to the blood loss during menstrual periods.

The heart-protecting nutrients such as vitamin B6, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and manganese present in blackstrap molasses maintain a healthy heart and reduce the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and other cardiovascular diseases.

It helps fight oxidative stress, treats blood clots, lower blood pressure and prevents inflammation of heart muscles.

The copper present in it also helps maintain heart health.

Blackstrap molasses can be taken by mixing it with hot water. Make sure you brush teeth after consuming it, due to its high sugar content which can damage teeth.

It can also be incorporated into different types of foods as a sweetener and a substitute for sugar in tea, coffee, and cereals.

Maintaining health with natural substitutes needs a sustained intake of them over time.

But one thing should be kept in mind while taking it as a supplement. Molasses is sugar and sugar intake should be limited in the diet. Consume it in moderation and enjoy the benefits.