What is Blackstrap Molasses (molasses)?

This is an automatically translated article.

Blackstrap Molasses (molasses) offers a number of health benefits along with a rich taste. Molasses is the most common form of sweetener, in part because it is much more affordable than refined sugar. Read on to learn more about Blackstrap Molasses (molasses) and what it does.

1. What is molasses?

Blackstrap molasses is a by-product of the refining process of cane sugar. Cane sugar is crushed to make juice. Next, it is boiled once to create sugar cane syrup. Boil a second time to create molasses. After this syrup was boiled a third time, a viscous liquid emerged that Americans called black molasses. It has the lowest sugar content of any cane sugar product. The boiling process of molasses produces three types, each with different amounts of sugar and nutrients. Molasses is the most concentrated form, black molasses is produced in the third boiling. Thicker and darker in color than other types of molasses, it has a slightly bitter taste.
The magic of black molasses is that it's not like refined sugar (no nutritional value at all). Molasses contains important vitamins and minerals such as:
Iron Calcium Magnesium Vitamin B6 Selenium Basically, molasses is classified according to the number of times the syrup is boiled and the sugar extracted. Molasses is extracted during the first (light), second (dark) or third (black) boiling stage. Blackstrap is the darkest, thickest and most concentrated molasses. It has a strong flavor, so it's best used in savory recipes rather than sweets. Blackstrap molasses is also the most nutritious type of molasses as it contains more essential vitamins and minerals than other types of molasses. Further boiling will concentrate those nutrients.
You'll also see sulfur- or non-sulfur varieties. Sulfured means that sulfur is added during sugar production to keep raw cane fresh, kill unwanted bacteria and whiten sugar crystals. However, many cooks prefer to use unsulfured molasses to avoid an unpleasant aftertaste. Since molasses does not spoil quickly, there is no need for preservatives. Sulfur-free molasses is also free of sodium dioxide, preservatives and known allergens.
Blackstrap molasses is also considered a superfood. While this is not a miracle cure, it is a good source of important nutrients. Some of the top benefits of molasses include:
Promotes bone health: Everyone knows that calcium is necessary for strong bones, but not everyone knows the importance of magnesium in growth. they. Blackstrap molasses contains both calcium and magnesium, so it can help fight osteoporosis. About 1 tablespoon of blackstrap molasses provides 8% of the daily value for calcium and 10% of magnesium. Adequate magnesium intake is also important in preventing diseases such as osteoporosis and asthma among others that can affect your blood and heart. Good for blood: People with anemia - a condition in which the body doesn't have enough red blood cells - often feel tired and weak. One type of anemia is caused by a lack of iron in the diet. Molasses is a very rich source of iron. About 1 tablespoon of black molasses contains 20% of the daily value of iron.

High in Potassium: Bananas may be the king of fruits when it comes to potassium, but black molasses is also high in potassium. In fact, one tablespoon of some brands of black molasses can contain as much potassium as half a banana, which is about 300 milligrams per tablespoon. Potassium is considered a good mineral to ease muscle cramps after a workout. However, there is another muscle that can benefit from this mineral: the heart muscle. In people with hypertension, potassium supplements may help lower blood pressure. What's more, eating a diet rich in potassium can help you reduce your risk of stroke. This mineral can also prevent or control water retention. A frizz remover: Along with providing your body with important minerals, black molasses is also used to remove frizz from bleached, permed or dyed hair. While pouring the hold syrup directly onto your hair is a pretty bad idea, you can mix this with warm water and apply it to your hair for 15 minutes. It can also be combined with other good hair ingredients like your daily shampoo or coconut milk.

2. 12 health benefits of molasses

A teaspoon of blackstrap molasses daily can provide many important nutrients for the body. Black molasses is known for its high iron content – ​​one tablespoon of this molasses contains about 20% of the daily recommended value – but it is also a rich source of natural calcium, magnesium and potassium. It is also a good source of substances such as manganese, vitamin B6 and selenium. And one tablespoon of molasses contains only 42 calories. Here are other health benefits this food can offer:
Promotes hair health - The anti-aging antioxidants like selenium, manganese and zinc in black molasses work from the inside out. external to soften hair, reduce hair loss and gray hair. Drinking a tablespoon of blackstrap molasses daily can help us have healthy hair. Reduces Arthritis - The anti-inflammatory properties in molasses help ease the discomfort and symptoms of arthritis by reducing swelling, joint inflammation, and pain. Promotes Strong Bones - Its rich supply of calcium aids in healing and improves bone and connective tissue health. Brain Booster - The calcium, magnesium and B vitamins in black molasses fight fatigue, anxiety and stress while boosting brain function, mood and improving focus. Prevents Anemia - Since black molasses contains iron, it helps in the production of hemoglobin and red blood cells to prevent anemia. Stabilizes Blood Sugar - The low glycemic index of natural molasses slows the metabolism of glucose and carbohydrates, producing less insulin. This is a healthier alternative to refined sugar, which is especially helpful for people with diabetes. Relieves Menstrual Symptoms - The iron, magnesium and calcium in molasses help reduce menstrual pain and symptoms of PMS. Improves Skin Health - Use topically to soften and exfoliate skin. Its lactic acid content can treat acne, eczema, and other skin conditions. To apply, wet face and pat molasses lightly as directed on skin. Leave on for five minutes before removing with a warm, wet cloth. Aids Digestion - If you feel too full after a large meal, a spoonful of molasses can be an effective remedy because of its ability to stimulate digestion. Remedy for Constipation - Blackstrap Molasses is a natural stool softener and prevents constipation. Increase stamina and energy - If you feel tired, sluggish. Consume a spoonful of black molasses for an energy boost. Improves Sleep Quality - Drinking molasses before going to bed, calcium and magnesium help the body relax and promote a good night's sleep. Many people mix a tablespoon with warm milk (milk or non-dairy) for a delicious drink at bedtime.

3. How to use molasses

Blackstrap's molasses itself can be a bit difficult to swallow. Partly because it's very thick, and partly because it's a bit bitter and doesn't tend to lessen without some liquid form. Here are a few ways to help you incorporate molasses into your daily diet:
Drink with a glass of warm water: Add a teaspoon of black molasses to hot water and drink warm or cold as a dietary supplement . If you need more flavor, add it to your tea or lemonade. Use in place of regular molasses: Try mixing black molasses into baked beans in place of brown sugar or molasses. You can also use it as a topping on the following foods:
Chicken Turkey Other meats Black molasses crackers are also a great idea. You don't have to save them for the holidays. That slightly spicy flavor is a well-awaited warm-up to the parties.
Because of the thick, sticky properties of black molasses, they can be useful for snacks or "breakfast cookies". It helps hold the ingredients together and provides a hint of sweetness in moderation.
A spoonful of black molasses can also help you gain muscle quickly. If you're having trouble reducing the thickened syrup, just keep a glass of water ready. Think of it as your daily multivitamin.
Molasses is considered a superfood because of the great health benefits that they can bring. An opened jar of molasses with a tight-fitting lid after each use can be used for about a year. The key to extending shelf life is to keep the lid tightly closed when not in use. Discard as soon as there are signs of mold, tasteless or smelly. Refrigeration is not required. If you choose to refrigerate, let the jar come to room temperature before using to make it easier to pour. And buy 100% organic molasses when possible.
If you have any questions related to the topic of nutrition for the body that need advice from a doctor, you can leave your question in the ASK VINMEC DOCTOR section directly on the hospital website. Your question will be sent to the doctor and you will receive a consultation as soon as possible!

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Reference sources: healthline.com, farmersalmanac.com