10 Health Benefits of Blackstrap Molasses
(from Facty Network by Team Member Chris)
Many people are looking to stay healthy naturally while avoiding unecessary exposures to drugs, chemicals and artificial sources of vitamins and minerals. With the rising interest in plant based nutrition, it becomes more important to understand that mother nature provides all we need to be healthy. We just need to learn to search in the right places.
Blackstrap molasses isn’t the stuff you want to use for your cookies, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consume it. The biggest difference between this molasses and the regular molasses you buy at the store is its bitter taste. There are also a lot more nutrients in blackstrap molasses. Not only does it have some of the vitamins and minerals you need in your daily diet, but it also offers some other really fantastic health benefits too. Read on to learn more about the health benefits of blackstrap molasses and how you can take advantage of them.
1. Good Nutritional Value
Beyond its many different health benefits, blackstrap molasses is simply a good source of many of the nutrients you need. In one tablespoon, you’ll get a gram of protein, plus some iron, manganese, calcium, potassium, vitamin B6, and copper. There is also no fat in blackstrap molasses so it won’t contribute to a high-fat diet. It does, however, have a decent bit (12g) of sugar in a tablespoon.
2. Laxative
If you’re having trouble with constipation, blackstrap molasses may be the remedy you’re looking for. It’s not quite as powerful as an over-the-counter laxative like Miralax, but it has enough magnesium and other nutrients in it to get the job done. If you’re looking for an effective way to relieve constipation without turning to medicine, try taking a couple of tablespoons of blackstrap molasses in warm water.
3. PMS Relief
If you’re having trouble with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), blackstrap molasses may be the cure you need. Warm some water up on the stove and mix some blackstrap molasses into it. Drinking this tea-like concoction will help relieve bloating, acne, and breast tenderness because of the levels of iron and calcium in the molasses.
4. Iron Deficiency Cure
When you aren’t getting enough iron in your diet, your body won’t have enough red blood cells. This leads to iron-deficiency anemia, which can make you feel more tired and weak. Since there is a good chunk of your daily value of iron in blackstrap molasses, you can make it into a tea to help treat iron deficiency.
5. Skin and Hair Health
Iron deficiency affects the body through more than just anemia; if you don’t get enough iron in your diet, it can make your hair and skin dry and rough. It can even cause you to lose your hair and make your nail beds unhealthy. To prevent this, drink a tea with a tablespoon or two of blackstrap molasses twice a day.
6. Stress Relief
Stress is a problem that affects just about everybody in the world. Furthermore, stress can be a result of things that are happening in your life, but it can also be affected by your diet. Increasing your vitamin B6 intake can help you deal with stress, and drinking some blackstrap molasses tea daily will help up your B6 intake.
7. Lower Blood Pressure
There are a lot of foods that help lower blood pressure, and many of them have one thing in common: potassium. Potassium helps to negate the impact of sodium on your body, helping to lower your blood pressure by essentially reducing your sodium intake. Blackstrap molasses has plenty of sodium, so taking a tablespoon or two daily can help you lower your blood pressure naturally.
8. Anti-Inflammatory
Inflammation can cause problems in just about every area of your body, so it’s best to keep it in check when possible. The best way to do this is by eating foods that have natural anti-inflammatory properties. Blackstrap molasses can be made into a BBQ sauce, used for oatmeal, or used in smoothies or other recipes.
9. Bone Strength
Bone strength is a bigger problem than you might think. The best way to improve bone health is by giving your body the nutrients it needs, which include vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium. Luckily you can find a decent amount of both magnesium and calcium in blackstrap molasses, making it a good supplement for healthy bones.
10. Balance Blood Sugar
Among the many benefits of blackstrap molasses is its ability to help you keep your blood sugar levels in check. Blackstrap molasses is rich in many different nutrients and has a low Glycemic Index, both of which make it a good form of sweetness to indulge in. However, it’s not quite as sweet as traditional sugar, so you might have to get a bit creative.
