What is it? Blackstrap molasses is the incredible byproduct of sugar cane’s refining process. Sugar cane is first mashed to create juice, then the juice is boiled once to create cane syrup. A second boiling of the residual syrup creates molasses, and after this syrup has been boiled a third time, a dark viscous liquid emerges known as blackstrap molasses. Due to the boiling down process, it has the lowest sugar content of any sugar cane product. Unlike refined sugar, which has zero nutritional value, blackstrap molasses contains vital vitamins and minerals, such as:
iron
calcium
magnesium
vitamin B6
selenium
For this reason, blackstrap molasses is touted as a superfood. While it’s no miracle cure, it’s a rich source of several minerals and has many benefits.
1. Bone Booster
Everyone knows that calcium is needed for strong bones, but not everyone knows the importance that magnesium plays in growing them. Blackstrap molasses contains both calcium and magnesium, so it can help you guard against osteoporosis. About 1 tablespoon of blackstrap molasses provides 8 percent of the daily value for calcium and 10 percent for magnesium.
Adequate levels of magnesium are also crucial in preventing diseases like osteoporosis and asthma along with others that can affect your blood and heart.
2. Good for the Blood
People with anaemia — a condition where the body doesn’t have enough red blood cells — often feel tired and weak. One type of anaemia is caused by a lack of iron in the diet. Blackstrap molasses is a good source of iron. About 1 tablespoon of blackstrap molasses contains 20 percent of the daily value for iron.
3. Packed with Potassium
Bananas may be the her when it comes to potassium, but blackstrap molasses is also packed with it. In fact, one tablespoon of some blackstrap molasses brands can have as much potassium as half a banana, which is about 300 milligrams per tablespoon.
Potassium is touted as a good way to ease muscle cramps after workouts. However, there’s another muscle that might benefit from the mineral: the heart. In people with hypertension, taking a potassium supplement may help lower blood pressure. What’s more, eating a potassium-rich diet might help lower the risk of stroke. The mineral may also prevent or manage fluid retention.
4. Hair De-frizzer
Along with providing your body with important minerals, blackstrap molasses has been used to remove the frizziness in bleached, permed, or coloured hair. While pouring the sticky syrup directly into your hair is a pretty bad idea, it can be mixed with warm water and applied to the hair for 15 minutes. It can also be combined with other hair-healthy ingredients like your daily shampoo or coconut milk.
How Do I Use It?
Blackstrap molasses by itself might be a bit difficult to swallow. After all, it’s very thick, slightly bitter, and doesn’t tend to go down well without some form of liquid. Using it in these applications might help you get some into your everyday diet.
Pour a Warm Drink
Add a tablespoon of blackstrap molasses to hot water and drink warm or cold as a dietary supplement. If you need some more flavour, add it to tea or lemon water.
Use in Place of Other Sugars
Try using blackstrap in place of other sugars such as coconut, rice, or maple. This goes for both sweet and savoury dishes (great in homemade baked beans).
Take It as a Supplement
A spoonful of blackstrap molasses straight can also give you a quick boost. If you have a hard time getting the thick syrup down, just keep a glass of water handy. Consider it your daily multivitamin.
Let me know how you go, and if you have any questions about incorporating blackstrap molasses into your diet - just ask! Love, Rose xx