Molasses health benefits includes supporting healthier bones, relieving acne, combatting frizzy hair, maintaining healthy nervous system, preventing fatigue and headaches and treating osteoarthritis. Other benefits includes healing burns and minor injuries, boosting energy levels, treating constipation, alleviating blood pressure, easing menstrual discomfort and reducing fat accumulation.
Molasses is a viscous product derived from refining sugar beets or sugarcane into sugar. The end product may vary depending on the method of extraction, amount of sugar and the age of the plant. Many people use molasses as a natural sweetener or to satisfy their sweet cravings. The different types of molasses include:
- Cane Molasses: Cane Molasses is produced by refining sugarcane juice into sugar. The byproduct is the extraction of sucrose from sugar beets.
- Sulfured Molasses: Sulfured molasses is extracted from young sugarcane. It is also treated with sulfur dioxide for preservation purposes.
- Unsulfured Molasses: Unsulfured molasses is derived from ripe sugarcane and is not treated with sulfur. It has a light flavor but is rich in taste.
- Blackstrap Molasses: Blackstrap molasses is produced by refining raw sugar cane. It is also known as the final by-product of cane mills.
Nutritional Value of Molasses (blackstrap) per 100g
Here is a chart showing the nutritional value of molasses (blackstrap) per 100 grams:
| Nutrient | Amount per 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Water | 29.6 g |
| Protein | 0.00 g |
| Total Fat | 0.10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.00 g |
| Carbohydrates | 74.7 g |
| Sugars | 74.7 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.00 g |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.67 mg (51% DV) |
| Folate | 0 µg |
| Calcium | 205 mg (21% DV) |
| Iron | 4.72 mg (26% DV) |
| Magnesium | 242 mg (58% DV) |
| Phosphorus | 31 mg (4% DV) |
| Potassium | 1464 mg (31% DV) |
| Sodium | 37 mg |
| Zinc | 0.29 mg (2% DV) |
- Note: Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
Molasses, particularly blackstrap, is a good source of essential minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. It is high in sugar and carbohydrates, but contains no protein or fat. Its richness in Vitamin B6 also contributes to its nutritional profile.
13 Amazing Health Benefits Of Molasses
1. Diabetes-Friendly Sweetener
If you have diabetes but are always craving for something sweet, you may have a problem. Luckily, you can use blackstrap sugar has a healthier alternative. While blackstrap molasses contains roughly the same amount of carbohydrates, it stabilizes blood sugar levels and is digested more slowly. You can use molasses while baking treats or as a diabetes-friendly sweetener to maintain sugar levels.
2. Healthier Bones
Blackstrap molasses is an excellent source of calcium that promotes good bone health, aids in the removal of toxins from the colon, boosts the function of the enzyme system. The high calcium content is good for maintaining strong and healthy teeth and bones. The calcium content helps prevent bones diseases that are caused by menopause. Aside from healthy bone structure, calcium also aids muscular contraction in the body.
3. Relieves Acne
Nobody likes dealing with acne and spots all over the skin. Fortunately, molasses is rich in lactic acid, a component that relieves the symptoms of acne. Additionally, the lactic acid also plays a crucial role in the metabolism of carbohydrates. Using molasses is a simple, non-toxic and non-allergic alternative to using skincare products. You may use it to treat acne and other kinds of skin problems. Aside from molasses, you can also add other lactic acid-rich foods in your diets such as apples, sour milk, and tomato juice.
4. Combats Frizzy Hair
Using chemical loaded products can damage your hair, causing it to dry out. Fortunately, blackstrap molasses can be used as an effective means to remove fizziness in permed, colored or bleached hair. However, don’t apply the liquid directly on your hair. Mix the liquid with some warm water to dilute its effects. You can also use it with other hair-healthy ingredients such as coconut milk or your daily shampoo. Also, note that the molasses might temporarily darken your hair color.
5. Maintains Healthy Nervous System
It is loaded with magnesium which aids in the functioning of the nervous system. Magnesium also balances the amount of calcium in the body, allowing the blood vessels and nerves to relax. The speedy and excess flow of calcium transmission can cause excess nerve contraction. While a magnesium deficiency can lead to muscle cramps, hypertension, and muscle spasms.
6. Prevents Fatigue and Headache
Blackstrap molasses is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals including pantothenic acid and vitamin B6. Deficiency in these vitamins can trigger headaches, stress, asthma, and fatigue. Including molasses in your diet can help the body receive these required minerals and vitamins, allowing you to maintain overall good health.
7. Treats Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is caused when the cartilage between the joints start to wear down, causing pain and inflammation. Fortunately, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, molasses relieve joint pain and swelling caused by weak joints.
8. Heals Burns and Minor Injuries
You can apply molasses topically on the skin to promote the growth of healthy tissues. This makes molasses an excellent solution to treating minor injuries and burns. However, remember to clean the injured area thoroughly to prevent infections. Apply a thin coat of molasses and cover it with a dry, clean bandage.
9. Boosts Energy Levels
Are you always tired or unable to workout because of fatigue? Molasses contains essential minerals that strengthen and maintains bones and muscles. Including molasses in your diet will allow you to workout for extended periods of time without feeling tired. The magnesium content also prevents fatigue and reduces muscle cramps.
10. Treats Constipation
People who suffer from constipation should add molasses to their diet. Add a few spoons of molasses in a warm glass of milk during bedtime to treat constipation. The effective combination is effectively used to treat constipation among children.
11. Alleviates Blood Pressure
Lack of essential minerals can cause both hypertension and low blood pressure. Both conditions can lead to heart problems in the future. Furthermore, the potassium in the liquid also aids in the stabilization of blood pressure.
12. Eases Menstrual Discomfort
It provides an instant dose of iron that can prevent menstrual disorders caused by excessive blood loss. Consuming iron supplements is not always a good option as it can be potentially hazardous for the liver. Molasses provides an instant iron boost without posing a threat to your health. Additionally, the added minerals found in iron can relieve cramping.
13. Reduces Fat Accumulation
It contains chromium that reduces the risk of developing diabetes, high cholesterol levels, and heart troubles. It also prevents the development of other inflammation-induced diseases that can be potentially dangerous for your health. Excess accumulation of fat and lid in the bloodstream can be hazardous to your health.
How to Use Molasses
It has a sweet taste with a rich flavor. The taste is not overly sweet so you can use it to complement various foods. Many people enjoy using molasses as a natural sweetener. Some common ways to use the sugary liquid include:
- Apply molasses topically on the skin or hair to reduce inflammation or combat fizziness. Be sure to dilute the mixture. Molasses has a dark color with means it might leave some color behind.
- Use molasses as a natural sweetener for smoothies and milkshakes. This is a great way to sneak in extra nutrients
- Add molasses in dressing and vinaigrettes to add more flavor
- Use a couple of tablespoons of molasses in meat marinades
- Prepare delicious sauces using the sugary liquid
See Also
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13 Amazing Benefits of Cilantro or Coriander
13 Surprising Health Benefits of Cashews
11 Amazing Health Benefits of Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
