Thick, dark, syrupy, sweet blackstrap molasses is more than something to make candy or cookies with; it has many benefits, from helping prevent cancer to getting rid of grey hair.
Blackstrap molasses is a byproduct of sugar cane processing. Syrup is separated after each of three boiling extraction processes of the sugar crystals from the sugar cane. The final separation is called blackstrap molasses which has been used mostly as an ingredient in cattle feed.
7 HEALTH BENEFITS OF BLACKSTRAP MOLASSES
Cancer Prevention
In its most concentrated form, molasses was used for therapy for cancer, according to the Journal of Carcinogenesis. Also, there is indication suggesting that cancer was very rare among workers on sugar cane plantations who ate raw brown sugar.
High in Antioxidants
Blackstrap molasses contains the highest amount of antioxidants compared to other sugars (refined sugar, agave nectar, corn syrup, raw cane sugar and other sweeteners).
Antioxidants are essential participants in the ongoing war between cancer-causing free radicals and healthy cells in your body.
Helps Relieve Menstrual Cramps and PMS Symptoms
People who menstruate need more iron than people who don’t, according to the National Nutrition Council. The minerals in blackstrap molasses (magnesium, manganese and calcium) help in preventing blood clotting which will relieve menstrual cramps and keep the uterine muscles healthy.
Mood improvements were also noted with iron increase, according to studies.
Good for Sexual Health
Molasses has a high amount of the mineral manganese, which is needed for the production of sex hormones. A manganese deficiency can lead to infertility.
Decreases Obesity Caused by a High-fat Diet
“The addition of molasses extract to a high-fat diet appears to reduce body weight and body fat levels primarily through reduced caloric absorption,” said Richard Weisinger, Ph.D in this study on mice.
Good for Hair Growth and Dyeing Hair
All over the internet, there were people saying this worked and many videos even showing how to put molasses on your hair. Apparently, it softens the hair, adds a rich texture and even prevents it from graying.
Some say you can pour it directly on hair, but others say to mix it with equal parts water, then pour on hair, leaving it on for a 20-minute nourishing hair mask. Note: It will darken hair slightly for only a short time!
Better than refined sugar
It does have a lower glycemic index than sugar because of a high level of chromium, which increases glucose tolerance. In a study with 180 type 2 diabetes individuals who were either given chromium supplements or a placebo over a four-month period, the results were that insulin values and cholesterol levels decreased considerably compared to the placebo group, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This makes it a much better alternative to refined sugar.
Please Note: There are some who may have a sensitivity to the sulfite in sulfured molasses. It is best to purchase unsulfered blackstrap molasses.
It’s safe to consume small amounts blackstrap molasses and it does supply many essential vitamins and minerals that are good for your body. Still remember that it is a sugar with a glycemic index of 55, which is moderate, so no more than a tablespoon per day.
NUTRITION
A tablespoon of blackstrap molasses has only 58 calories compared to other sugars which have 64 calories.
It contains high amounts of the minerals magnesium, potassium, manganese, calcium, iron, phosphorous, copper and selenium. For more info go to Molasses Nutrition Data.
HOW TO SELECT
Molasses is easy to find, but make sure it is blackstrap molasses and is organic and unsulfered.
TIPS ON HOW TO STORE MOLASSES
It does have a long shelf life of up to 5 years if stored properly. An unopened, sealed bottle of molasses will keep for 10 years in a cupboard and more if kept in the refrigerator.
Humidity and heat can help molasses go bad as they can cause mold to grow from bacteria. Store it in a tightly closed jar in a dry, cool, dark place. This is the case for all types of molasses.
You can store molasses in the refrigerator but it is not necessary. If you do, when you take it out, it will be thick and hard to pour. You heat the molasses by putting the jar in a pot of warm water. Putting it in the microwave will cause it to heat unevenly.
After opening and using the molasses, carefully wipe the opening of the bottle clean and firmly seal the jar.
HOW TO TELL IF MOLASSES HAS GONE BAD
If it gets moldy, develops off odor or a strange taste, you should discard it.
Mold on molasses can look like a hardly visible slick on the surface, or a discolored, fuzzy patch. If you see even a tiny spot, it has gone bad, throw the whole jar out.
If it looks separated or has an unpleasant odor, it has gone bad. It can crystalize, which also indicates that it has gone bad.
Give a taste test before using it after a long period of storage; if it looks okay and tastes fine, it probably is still good.
Also, take note of the best by date stamped on the jar; it may still be safe for to eat but after too much time it will not give you the excellent results your recipe requires.
MOLASSES TIPS FOR COOKING
With its rich unique flavor, it is usually used as a natural sweetener and sugar alternative.
Try it as a spread on toast or a topping on porridge. It’s also a great sweetener for baking.
The blackstrap molasses is two-thirds as sweet as refined sugar.
Make your own healthier brown sugar by adding two tablespoons of molasses to half a cup of coconut sugar, mix and there you have brown sugar.
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