To be honest, when you first take a look at it, blackstrap molasses reminds you a lot of roofing tar, but it certainly doesn’t taste like it. This dark, sticky goo is sweet and packed full of all sorts of health benefits for you to enjoy. We’ll take a look at 15 incredible blackstrap molasses benefits, but before we do, what is blackstrap molasses?
Blackstrap molasses is a byproduct from the refining process of sugar from sugar cane. To process sugar from sugar cane, the first step is to mash it and create juice by squeezing the cane through a press. The juice is then boiled to create what is known as cane syrup. When the juice is boiled a second time, molasses is created. To create blackstrap molasses, the juice is boiled a third time. By the third time, most of the sugar has been removed and what is left is high in vital vitamins and minerals, like:
- Iron;
- Copper;
- Calcium;
- Magnesium;
- Vitamin B6;
- Selenium;
- Manganese;
- Potassium.
Each of these nutrients play a significant role in maintaining your body’s health at a cellular level, but these benefits are not all inclusive cures. For more severe health conditions, consult a health care professional.
Precaution for Using Blackstrap Molasses
Before we begin looking at the 15 incredible blackstrap molasses benefits to enjoy, let’s take a look at a precaution for using blackstrap molasses. Although most of the sugar is removed, blackstrap molasses still has a glycemic index of 55, which is in the moderate range. Even though it is not loaded with sugar, blackstrap molasses needs to be used with some moderation. Additionally, those who have trouble digesting fructose need to be aware that a tablespoon of blackstrap molasses contains 2.56g of fructose.
15 Incredible Blackstrap Molasses Benefits to Enjoy
Prevent or Cure Anemia
One of the blackstrap molasses benefits that will get your blood flowing is its ability to help prevent or cure anemia.
What to do:
- Mix 1 Tbsp of blackstrap molasses in 1 cup of warm water.
- Drink the mixture daily.
How it works:
Blackstrap molasses contains nearly 20% of the daily value of iron in a single tablespoon at 103mg.
Healthy Skin
Glowing skin is yet another among the long list of blackstrap molasses benefits.
What to do:
- Apply blackstrap molasses to the face or other areas of the skin that are affected by acne, lesions, inflammation or cysts.
- Allow it to dry for approximately 30 minutes.
- Rinse off and repeat several times a week.
How it works:
Blackstrap molasses contains lactic acid, which helps promote healing of almost all skin conditions without the introduction of harsh chemicals.
Constipation Relief
Another the many blackstrap molasses benefits is that it can help bring constipation relief.
What to do:
- Mix 2 Tbsp blackstrap molasses in 8 oz. of water and consume as needed.
How it works:
Blackstrap molasses is a mild laxative that can help break through constipation without the typical explosion of diarrhea that sometimes follows from pharmaceutical remedies.
Balancing Blood Sugar
Balancing blood sugar is another among the many blackstrap molasses benefits.
What to do:
- Mix 1 Tbsp of blackstrap molasses into your oatmeal and add pecans to give yourself a boost in the morning.
How it works:
Since it is at a moderate level on the glycemic index, it doesn’t cause a blood sugar spike, at the same time, the chromium in blackstrap molasses helps increase glucose tolerance.
Combats Stress
Also included our list of blackstrap molasses benefits is its ability to combat stress.
What to do:
- Make a batch of Ginger Molasses Cookies packed with the added goodness of flaxseed, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg and coconut oil.
- Whenever you’re feeling stressed, have a cookie.
How it works:
Blackstrap molasses contains significant amount of three stress busting nutrients; magnesium, vitamin B and calcium.
Immunity Boosting
Another addition to our list of blackstrap molasses benefits is immunity boosting.
What to do:
- Try out an Iron Woman Gingerbread Smoothie to boost your immunity every morning. It contains almond milk, blackstrap molasses, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, banana and chia seeds to add all sorts of antioxidants to your diet.
How it works:
Blackstrap molasses helps to reduce free radicals in the blood stream, which protects you from all sorts of illnesses and diseases.
Natural ADD and ADHD Treatment
You can treat ADD and ADHD; another prized use on the list of blackstrap molasses benefits.
What to do:
- Substitute blackstrap molasses for refined sugar in foods and drinks to help reduce ADD and ADHD symptoms.
How it works:
Studies show that iron and vitamin B have the ability to help improve focus and support brain and nervous system function, while refined sugar tends to work against those conditions.
Arthritis Pain Relief
Bringing relief to arthritis pain is yet another of the many blackstrap molasses benefits.
What to do:
- Drinking 1 Tbsp of blackstrap molasses in an 8 oz. glass of warm water daily is one way to make use of it.
- It can also be warmed slightly and massaged into painful joints.
- Let it sit for 30 to 45 minutes and then wash it off.
How it works:
The high magnesium and calcium content of blackstrap molasses make it a great anti-inflammatory treatment.
Cardiovascular Health
Believe it or not, blackstrap molasses benefits your cardiovascular health as well.
What to do:
- You can certainly make use of any of the recipes above or create your own.
- However you consume it, try to take in between 1 to 2 Tbsp of blackstrap molasses daily.
How it works:
Potassium is the active ingredient in blackstrap molasses that is responsible for lowering cholesterol, lowering your systolic blood pressure and cleansing your blood to prevent the buildup of plaque in your arteries.
Hair De-frizzing
De-frizzing hair might be one of the more shocking among our blackstrap molasses benefits.
What to do:
- Mix 2 tsp of blackstrap molasses in 2 Tbsp of warm water or warm coconut milk.
- Work the mixture into your hair and let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing it out.
How it works:
Blackstrap molasses de-frizzes colored, bleached or permed hair and leaves it with a glossy gleam.
Energy Boost
You can even get an energy boost as one of the many blackstrap molasses benefits.
What to do:
- Try using blackstrap molasses in place of honey or maple syrup in your favorite raw energy ball recipe.
How it works:
Vitamin B and iron are the main energy boosters in blackstrap molasses, but the other minerals help support those two making it even more potent as an energy source.
Treatment for Endometriosis and Ovarian Cysts
Treatment for endometriosis and ovarian cysts are also on the list of blackstrap molasses benefits.
What to do:
- Mix 2 Tbsp each of blackstrap molasses and apple cider vinegar in a 12 oz. glass of warm water.
- Drink the mixture daily.
How it works:
Potassium, vitamin B, magnesium and calcium are among the major nutrients in blackstrap molasses that aid in the treatment of endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Reduction of Inflammation
Another on our list of Blackstrap molasses benefits is the reduction of inflammation.
What to do:
- Blackstrap molasses can be consumed daily by adding 2 Tbsp to an 8 oz. glass of warm water to help fight general inflammation throughout the body.
- It can also be warmed and applied directly to the affected area.
- Or, it can be added at a ratio of ½ cup per gallon of water for soaking inflamed areas.
How it works:
The magnesium and calcium in blackstrap molasses helps to inhibit the function of inflammatory enzymes.
Strengthening Bones
Strengthening bones is also among the many blackstrap molasses benefits.
What to do:
- Add the regular consumption of blackstrap molasses in place of sugar, maple syrup or honey in marinades, bar-b-cue sauces, oatmeal, baked beans and many other great recipes.
How it works:
The high calcium content in blackstrap molasses is a major contributor to strengthening bones, but it is even more potent in its task because of the added benefits of iron and copper.
Eases PMS Symptoms
The final, but in no way the least on our list of blackstrap molasses benefits is its ability to help ease PMS symptoms.
What to do:
- Experiment and discover your favorite way of cooking with blackstrap molasses and have plenty of it on hand when PMS symptoms arrive.
- Consume double to triple the regular amounts until your PMS symptoms subside.
How it works:
Blackstrap molasses adds plenty of necessary iron during menstruation, but it also helps because of the other supporting minerals magnesium, manganese and calcium, which help reduce cramping and clotting to ease PMS discomfort.
A Final Word
It might seem odd that something sweet and gooey could have some many great benefits. Because of the high amounts of vitamins and minerals, blackstrap molasses benefits many different health conditions. Maybe it’s time to add it to your regular diet or at least keep a jar on hand for when you really need to enjoy some powerful, healing benefits.
Images from depositphotos.com.