By Prof. Raphael Nyarkotey Obu
Blackstrap molasses is a byproduct of sugar production. It contains sugar but also beneficial nutrients, including iron.
Healthline explained that sugar production starts with boiling sugarcane juice to crystallize the sugar, which is then filtered to separate it from the juice. This leaves a thick, brown liquid called molasses.
It’s boiled two more times to create blackstrap, which is even thicker and darker than regular molasses and characterized by a bitter taste.
Because it’s boiled three times, blackstrap molasses is more nutrient-dense than other types of molasses, which explains why it has recently gained popularity as a supplement. Molasses is used as a sweetener, spread, or topping for yogurt or oatmeal.
In this article, I explore the science of blackstrap molasses as a sweetener or supplement.
Nutritious than refined sugar
Blackstrap molasses is a nutrient-rich sugar byproduct. The US Department of Agriculture reported that 1 tablespoon (15 mL) has the following:
• Calories: 60
• Carbs: 14 grams
• Sugar: 10 grams
• Protein: 1 gram
• Fat: 0 grams
• Iron: 20% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Calcium: 10% of the DV
• Magnesium: 10% of the DV
• Potassium: 9% of the DV
• Vitamin B6: 8% of the DV
Blackstrap molasses is made of sugar. But is different from refined sugar — which has no nutritional content. Blackstrap molasses has plenty of iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus.
One study by Lemnaro Jamir et al.(2021) found that ounce for ounce, blackstrap molasses has more abundant iron than eggs, more calcium than milk, and more potassium than any other food.
A previous study by Balakrishnaraja1 et al.(2020) found that it has 18 amino acids.
Prevent anemia
One study by Jain R. and Venkatasubramanian P. (2017) found that due to the iron content, blackstrap molasses is used as a supplement to treat iron deficiency anemia. The same study found that blackstrap molasses has 2–3.5 times as much iron as light and dark molasses, which are produced after the first and second boiling of molasses, respectively.
The research further found that blackstrap molasses plant-based iron has a bioavailability of around 85%, which is regarded as high.
The bioavailability of a nutrient represents the proportion that can enter your bloodstream and have an active effect.
Finally, one study by Hever J and Cronise RJ(2017) found that blackstrap molasses is in the same category as other plant-based iron sources of iron, such as leafy greens, soy products, and legumes.
Treat constipation in children
Some studies(Dehghani et al. 2019; Paknejad et al. 2019) found that blackstrap molasses could act as a natural remedy for childhood constipation.
The same study found that eating a daily dose of 0.5 mL of blackstrap molasses per pound (1 mL per kg) of body weight for a month could improve defecation frequency and reduce abdominal pain in children with constipation.
Dehghani et al. (2019) black molasses have polysaccharides — a type of carb that acts as dietary fiber, thus improving stool consistency and easing bowel movements.
The study found that the high potassium content of blackstrap molasses could regulate muscle contractions to promote evacuation.
Antioxidants
Singh et al.(2015) study found that molasses is rich in polyphenol antioxidants and likely boasts more polyphenols than other sugarcane products such as juice and syrup.
Other studies(García-Conesa MT, Larrosa M, 2020; Durazzo et al. 2019) found that when we eat polyphenols it helps in preventing, delaying, or reducing the effects of chronic illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and cancer.
Promote bone health and Hair Health.
Hever J, Cronise RJ(2017) found that because blackstrap molasses provides 10% of the daily value for this mineral in a single tablespoon (15 mL), its intake may promote bone health.
Almohanna et al.(2019) study found that consuming black molasses may improve signs of premature hair graying.
Stabilizes Blood Sugar Levels
Blackstrap molasses helps stabilize blood sugar levels, which can be extremely beneficial for people with diabetes. It has a low glycemic index and naturally slows the metabolism of glucose and carbohydrates — resulting in less insulin production.
It also contains a high level of chromium, which increases glucose tolerance. Chromium plays a role in the insulin-signaling pathways that allow our bodies to control the amount of sugar we take in, helping balance blood glucose levels and giving us stable energy.
An old study by Anderson et al.(1997) found that chromium is an essential nutrient involved in normal carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. In the study, 180 individuals treated for type 2 diabetes were either given a placebo or chromium supplements over four months, while continuing to take normal medications and not changing eating habits.
As a result of chromium treatment, insulin values, and cholesterol levels decreased significantly compared to the placebo group.
This study did have patients continue their normal medications for the treatment of diabetes, so it is important to note that chromium consumption seems to be only partly responsible for the positive results.
others assert that it helps lower the GI of high-carb foods.
Cholesterol-Lowing Potassium
Blackstrap molasses is a good source of potassium.
Potassium-rich foods help lower systolic blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, and support a healthy cardiovascular system, in addition to helping cleanse your liver.
Potassium also plays an important role in keeping the body hydrated and works with sodium to support cellular function with your body’s sodium-potassium pump.
Promotes Skin Health
Chen et al.(2016) study found that blackstrap molasses has lactic acid, which is produced by bacteria and plays an important role in carbohydrate metabolism. Lactic acid serves as a natural acne treatment and treats other skin conditions.
A previous study by Garg et al.(2002) found that lactic acid worked as a preventative solution for acne. The study involved 22 patients who experienced lesions, inflammation, and cysts.
Lactate lotion was used topically all over the face twice a day, and then it was used as a cosmetic for a year. At the end of one year, a 90 percent to 100 percent reduction of the inflammatory lesions was achieved in 41 percent of the patients, and non-inflammatory lesions were reduced in 23 percent of the patients.
The remaining patients showed a 50 percent to 90 percent reduction, while two patients showed less than 50 percent reduction in the non-inflammatory lesions. This research suggests that lactic acid treatment results in a significant reduction of acne symptoms, including the development of lesions.
Blackstrap molasses also promotes the growth of healthy tissues, so it serves as a natural wound healer. Consuming blackstrap molasses accelerates the healing time of cuts, wounds, burns,and signs of acne — helping you maintain clear and healthy skin.
Prevent Cancer
Phillips et al.(2009) study found that blackstrap molasses serves as a good, nutritious alternative to refined sugar because it offers the potential benefit of antioxidant activity. Antioxidants are substances that help prevent certain types of cell damage, especially those caused by oxidation. Oxidative damage plays a major role in disease today and has been linked to many health conditions, including cancer.
High-antioxidant foods, like blackstrap molasses, help reduce free radicals in the body, which are believed to be the primary cause of cancer. The National Cancer Institute explained that free radicals are formed naturally in the body and play an important role in many normal cellular processes. However, at high concentrations, free radicals can be hazardous to the body and damage all major components of cells, including DNA, proteins, and cell membranes.
Natural Treatment for ADD and ADHD
National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health (UK, 2009) study found that the same symptoms found in children with ADD/ADHD- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are also seen in people who are nutritionally deficient in zinc, magnesium, calcium, and iron. ADHD and ADD are neurological and behavior-related conditions that cause difficulty in concentrating, impulsiveness, and excessive energy.
Sugar is a major problem because it causes blood sugar spikes, leading to hyperactivity. Then as blood sugar levels spike down, a person loses focus.
Blackstrap molasses is a more nutritious alternative to refined sugar, and it does not have the same effects on blood sugar levels. Also, consuming molasses provides iron and B vitamins — which can improve ADHD symptoms naturally.
These vitamins and minerals support the nervous system and brain function, thereby improving focus.
Improve Arthritis
Because of the anti-inflammatory properties of blackstrap molasses, it relieves swelling and joint pain, working to improve arthritis symptoms. One study by Tański et al.(2021) found that iron deficiency is common in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The presence of iron, calcium, and antioxidants in molasses allows it to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) remedy. Blackstrap molasses’s purported low GI is said to aid ADHD by preventing blood sugar from spiking, which may lead to a loss of focus.
Warnings
Eileen Abt et al.(2019) study found that blackstrap molasses hasvery high levels of the chemical acrylamide, which may be carcinogenic.
The US FDA reports that acrylamide forms in foods when sugars and the amino acid asparagine are subjected to certain high-heat cooking methods, such as frying, roasting, and baking.
A previous study by Kumar et al.(2018) found no significant association between the consumption of acrylamide in foods and the risk of pancreatic, prostate, breast, ovarian, or endometrial cancers.
On the other hand, other studies have found possible associations between acrylamide consumption and increased risk of melanoma, cancers of the lymphatic system, and overall death from cancer.
Moderation is key here.
Take Home
Blackstrap molasses is a nutritious byproduct of sugarcane production.
Unlike refined sugar, it’s naturally rich in antioxidants, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamin B6.
As such, it may relieve constipation, help treat anemia, and support bone and hair health.
You can get blackstrap molasses at the Nyarkotey Herbal Pharma.
