Blackstrap Molasses

Blackstrap molasses or simply blackstrap, is a thick, viscous by-product obtained during sugar production, where the sugarcane juice is boiled to promote the crystallization of sugar. The molasses obtained during sugar production can be of three types - mild or Barbados molasses, second molasses, and blackstrap molasses or blackstrap.

The mild or Barbados molasses is obtained from the first boiling of the sugarcane juice, while second molasses is derived from the second boiling of the sugar syrup.

The third boiling of the sugar syrup gives blackstrap, which is more viscous and thicker than the other two types of molasses. It also possesses a stronger taste and flavor than the molasses obtained from the first and second boilings, as most of the sugar or sucrose present in the syrup crystallizes by the time the syrup is boiled for the third time.

Despite its stronger flavor, blackstrap is one of the most popular sweeteners and sugar substitutes. It is also touted as a healthy sweetener, mainly due its vitamin and mineral content.

It is one of the healthiest sweeteners with a rich nutritional profile. It contains some of the very important nutrients, like iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, copper, manganese, and B vitamins.

It is a rich source of iron. Iron is required for the production of red blood cells. This sweetener also contains B vitamins, which play a key role in the production of red blood cells. It can prove very effective in treating iron deficiency anemia. Women, especially menstruating women, who are more likely to experience a deficiency of iron, can benefit immensely by using this sweetener.

It can help alleviate constipation by acting as a mild laxative. It can be taken in night, just before going to bed, to ensure regular bowel movements. If you are suffering from constipation, then you can take about 2 tablespoons of blackstrap in the night.

This healthy sweetener may be beneficial for promoting hair growth and restoring the natural color of hair. Along with including it in your diet, you can use blackstrap molassses on your hair to improve its texture. It contains the mineral copper, which is required for the production of the pigment melanin. So, this sweetener can help prevent premature graying.

It can boost the level of energy by providing easily assimilated carbohydrates, and the mineral iron. It is a good source of calcium, which plays a significant role in the formation of healthy bones and teeth, muscle contraction, transmission of nerve impulses, and blood clotting. Calcium is of immense importance to prevent bone loss and reduce the risk of colon cancer.

Another important mineral that can be found in this sweetener is copper, which is required for the proper utilization of iron, elimination of free radicals from the body, and the production of the skin and hair pigment, melanin. Apart from these, it contains magnesium, potassium, and manganese.

Potassium helps maintain a healthy nervous system, and is essential for maintaining heartbeat and muscle contraction. Magnesium plays a key role in bone formation, protein synthesis, transmission of nerve impulses, and muscle relaxation. Manganese, on the other hand, is needed for the production of energy from carbohydrates and proteins, and for the synthesis of fatty acids.

Thus, blackstrap molasses can prove immensely beneficial for our health, as it can provide so many crucial nutrients. You can find this sweetener in health food stores. It is better if you include the organic version of molasses in your diet to derive the maximum health benefits.

Some brands contain sulfur as an additive, which may have some harmful effects on the body. So, it is better if you try to avoid such molasses, and instead look for the unsulfured organic versions.