Blackstrap Molasses Benefits

Molasses is basically a byproduct obtained during sugar cane or sugar beet processing. In other words, it is a byproduct obtained during sugar production. There are basically three varieties of molasses - the first molasses or barbados, second molasses, and blackstrap molasses or simply blackstrap.

Blackstrap molasses is thicker and darker, and is more popular as a sweetener. It is often touted as a healthy sweetener, and one of the most nutritious sugar substitutes.

During sugar production, the sugar cane juice or syrup is boiled to get the sugar crystals. Blackstrap is a very dark and viscous syrup obtained from the third boiling of the sugar cane syrup. The regular molasses obtained from the first or second boiling of the sugar syrup is thinner than the blackstrap.

The taste of blackstrap is also stronger than the regular molasses, as by the time the sugar syrup is boiled for the third time, the majority of the sugar or sucrose present in it crystallizes. This gives blackstrap molasses a bittersweet taste. It contains many important minerals and vitamins, unlike the refined sugar.

It is one of the healthy sweeteners available in the market. Being a rich source of minerals like iron, calcium, manganese, potassium, copper, and magnesium, this sweetener can provide several health benefits, which are enlisted below.

• It can boost the level of energy by providing iron and easily assimilated carbohydrates. People who are more likely to develop iron deficiency, such as menstruating women can use blackstrap molasses to get enough iron and prevent iron deficiency anemia.
• Being a rich source of iron, it can help you recover from anemia or excessive loss of blood.

• Blackstrap is also a good source of calcium, which is required for the formation of healthy bones and teeth, contraction of the muscles, including the heart muscles, blood clotting, and transmission of nerve impulses. It can prevent the bone loss associated with menopause and rheumatoid arthritis.

• It contains potassium, which is essential for maintaining the health of the nervous system. Potassium is also required by the muscles to contract. A deficiency of this mineral can cause muscle weakness.

• Another important mineral found in this sweetener is copper. Copper is needed for the proper utilization of iron, production of melanin, elimination of free radicals from the body, and for the development of connective tissues.

Its deficiency can cause several health problems, including iron deficiency anemia, osteoporosis, irregular heartbeat, and a high level of LDL cholesterol.

• In addition to these, it contains two other important minerals - magnesium and manganese. Manganese is required in trace amounts for functions like the synthesis of fatty acids, and production of energy from carbohydrates and proteins. Magnesium plays a key role in protein synthesis, bone formation, muscle relaxation, and the conduction of nerve impulses.

Apart from the aforementioned nutrients, blackstrap molasses contains a small amount of selenium and vitamin B6. This is the reason why it is considered one of the most nutritious and healthy sweeteners that can be used to replace the ordinary refined sugar that does not contain any vitamins or minerals.