Molasses may seem like a sweet, sticky substance, but in fact, it has countless health benefits. The health benefits of molasses may include relief from menstruation-related problems, management of diabetes, acne, and other skin disorders. It also may improve bone and hair health, might maintain the functioning of the nervous system, and might speed wound healing.
What is Molasses?
Molasses is a by-product obtained from the processing of sugar cane and sugar beet into table sugar. It derives its name from the Latin word for honey, Mel. Its viscosity and thick texture gave rise to the famous adage “slow as molasses” used to describe any slow-moving person or thing. Along with its usage as a sweetener in food products, it also may offer a range of health benefits. [1] [2]
It is typically a thick syrup, or treacle, and comes in a variety of forms, depending on what substance is used to extract the sugar. Sugarcane and sugar beets tend to produce thicker molasses. The sugar beet variety has a strong, foul taste, and is usually not considered palatable for human consumption.
Historically, it was produced in the Caribbean, where the cultivation of sugarcane and sugar beet was the highest. From there, it was imported to the United States during the early twentieth century. Today, it is produced on a large scale in Thailand, India, Taiwan, Brazil, the Philippines, and the United States. [3]
Types
Molasses comes in three varieties – light, dark, and blackstrap – all of which come from different foods processed into sugar. The nutritional content and quality of it depend on the method involved in its refining process, the ripeness of the plant from which it is extracted, and the quantity of sugar that is extracted.
- Blackstrap Molasses: It is obtained from raw cane sugar and canned sugar refining. It is also known as final molasses in cane mills and refinery molasses in a refinery setting.
- Cane Molasses: This is a by-product of the refining of sugar from sugar cane juice and beet molasses is a by-product of the extraction of sucrose from sugar beets. [4]
- Sulfured Molasses: Molasses is also referred to as sulfured molasses if it has been extracted from young sugarcane and treated with sulfur dioxide for preservation.
- Unsulfured molasses: Molasses extracted from ripe sugarcane do not need sulfur, and retains their rich, light flavor. This variety is referred to as unsulfured molasses.
- Hydrol: Molasses obtained from starch hydrolysis are called hydrol.
- Other: Other types include pomegranate molasses which are nutritious and made from pomegranate fruit.
How does Molasses taste?
Light molasses has a sweet, mild taste, while dark molasses is richer and full-bodied. Dark molasses is almost like saccharine at times, which is why it’s used to flavor sweet desserts and dishes. Blackstrap molasses tends to be bitter and unpleasant to eat alone.
You can add molasses into your baked goods as a sugar replacement. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
| Serving Size : | |
|---|---|
| Nutrient | Value |
| Water [g] | 21.87 |
| Energy | 290 |
| Energy [kJ] | 1213 |
| Total lipid (fat) [g] | 0.1 |
| Ash [g] | 3.3 |
| Carbohydrate, by difference [g] | 74.73 |
| Sugars, total including NLEA [g] | 74.72 |
| Sucrose [g] | 29.4 |
| Glucose (dextrose) [g] | 11.92 |
| Fructose [g] | 12.79 |
| Calcium, Ca [mg] | 205 |
| Iron, Fe [mg] | 4.72 |
| Magnesium, Mg [mg] | 242 |
| Phosphorus, P [mg] | 31 |
| Potassium, K [mg] | 1464 |
| Sodium, Na [mg] | 37 |
| Zinc, Zn [mg] | 0.29 |
| Copper, Cu [mg] | 0.49 |
| Manganese, Mn [mg] | 1.53 |
| Selenium, Se [µg] | 17.8 |
| Thiamin [mg] | 0.04 |
| Riboflavin [mg] | 0 |
| Niacin [mg] | 0.93 |
| Pantothenic acid [mg] | 0.8 |
| Vitamin B-6 [mg] | 0.67 |
| Choline, total [mg] | 13.3 |
| Fatty acids, total saturated [g] | 0.02 |
| 16:0 [g] | 0.02 |
| 18:0 [g] | 0 |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated [g] | 0.03 |
| 18:1 [g] | 0.03 |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated [g] | 0.05 |
| 18:2 [g] | 0.05 |
| Sources include : USDA [5] | |
Nutritional Value of Molasses
Molasses may be a good source of energy, carbohydrates, and sugars as well. In addition to this, it might offer several vitamins and minerals, such as B-vitamins (niacin or vitamin B-3, vitamin B-6, thiamine, and riboflavin) and possibly essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper, iron, phosphorus and sodium, to name a few. [6]
Health Benefits of Molasses
Molasses is very nutritionally dense – a single tablespoon provides a burst of sugar and carbohydrates.
Possible Antioxidant Properties
Research published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association on the antioxidant content of sugar alternatives shows blackstrap molasses possibly containing the highest amount of antioxidants as compared to refined sugar, corn syrup, raw cane sugar, and other sweeteners. Its antioxidants might protect the body against oxidative damage associated with various disorders and degenerative diseases. This might make it a better alternative to refined sugar for most people. [7]
Might Alleviate Menstrual Cramps
Molasses can be a good source of iron and might be very effective for menstruating women who are at major risk of iron deficiency due to blood loss. It might be a better alternative for contributing iron to the body as compared to other fatty sources like red meat.
A study published in the Journal of Canadian Chiropractic Association states that iron helps to prevent disorders like menorrhagia, which causes excessive blood flow for a longer duration during menstruation. It might contain minerals such as magnesium and calcium, which help prevent the clotting of blood, relieve menstrual cramps, and maintain the health of uterine muscles. It can be a healthy, natural remedy, for menstrual discomfort, which is worth trying for those in need. [8]
May Provide Constipation Relief
Research on the effect of molasses for constipation relief in the journal Pediatric Emergency Care has shown that milk and molasses enemas might be as effective as sodium phosphate enemas given in the pediatric emergency department to cure constipation. It is also noteworthy that curing constipation with sodium phosphate requires additional rectal treatment. However, it is not required after the treatment of milk and molasses enemas (taken orally). [9] [10]
Molasses is a by-product obtained from the processing of sugar cane and sugar beet into table sugar.
May Keep the Bones Healthy
According to a study in the Journal of Geriatric Cardiology, blackstrap molasse can be a good source of calcium. The presence of calcium plays an important role in maintaining bone health, the functioning of enzymes, and cell membrane function. It is also required to maintain healthy teeth and protect the body against bone diseases common during menopause. In addition to healthier bones, the ability of muscular contraction is also attributed to the presence of calcium in the body. [11]
Might Manage Diabetes
A study published in the European Journal of Nutrition has revealed that blackstrap molasses might help in stabilizing blood sugar levels. It has a moderate glycemic index and may aid in slowing the metabolism of glucose and carbohydrates, which subsequently means less insulin production. This might help in preventing the accumulation of excess fats or lipids in the bloodstream. It might possess the essential trace element chromium, valuable in relation to insulin action, and maintenance of glucose tolerance in the body as well. [12]
Molasses might contain the highest amount of chromium (0.266 mg/kg) as compared to refined white sugar and brown sugar. A deficiency of chromium may result in weak glucose tolerance, according to studies, which can lead to diabetes. This deficiency can represent a serious risk for chronic diseases like atherosclerosis, blood cholesterol, and other cardiac disorders. [13]
Could be a Source of Potassium
Molasses may contain the essential mineral potassium, which is required for the proper functioning of cells. It may help in maintaining the acid-base balance of the body and might prevents heat exhaustion. Potassium also plays an important role in nerve and muscle contraction and may help to maintain cardiac health. Adequate intake of potassium-rich foods like molasses helps prevent disorders as hypokalemia may help in reducing blood pressure as well. [14] [15]
Might Relieve Acne
Historically, molasses has been considered for use as an acne treatment, according to the book, ‘Encyclopedia of Folk Medicine: Old World and New World Traditions [16] [17]. It mentions the use of molasses for acne treatment. It might contain lactic acid, which helps in relieving the symptoms of acne. Lactic acid is produced by lactic acid bacteria and plays an important role in carbohydrate metabolism. It might be effectively used in natural, non-toxic, and non-allergenic treatments of acne, and some other skin disorders as well.
May Speed up Healing
Molasses might have been used in the treatment of wounds and skin burns. It can also promote the healthy growth of tissues. Due to the wide range of essential minerals, it might serve very well as a potent healer. [18]
Might Increase the Red Blood Cell Formation
According to the Journal of Dietary Supplements research, molasses can be incredibly useful in treating anemia. It might help in the absorption of iron, the formation of red blood cells, and the maintenance of a healthy immune system. It may also be rich in the mineral copper, which aids in reducing free radicals from the body. A deficiency of copper and iron can result in anemia, thyroid problems, cardiac arrhythmia, and osteoporosis. [19]
May Maintain Hemoglobin Levels
The iron content may help maintain healthy levels of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin can play a key role in supplying oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body. It can also be vital for the production of energy and aids in boosting metabolism. [20]
May Promote Growth
Blackstrap molasses is sometimes referred to as pregnancy tea, owing to the possible presence of iron, folate, and other essential minerals. Consumption of this tea (molasses in hot water) during pregnancy can provide calcium, essential for the growth and development of the baby. It might also work as a light laxative. [21]
Might Maintain a Healthy Nervous System
It may contain magnesium, which helps in the functioning of the nervous system. It may relax our nerves and blood vessels by balancing calcium volume and blocking it from rushing into the nerves. Unblocked and speedy flows of calcium into the nerves can over-activate them and may lead to the transmission of too many signals and excessive nerve contraction. A deficiency of magnesium in the body might lead to hypertension, muscle cramps, spasms, and general body fatigue. [22]
May Prevent Headache & Fatigue
Blackstrap molasses can be a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6 and pantothenic acid. The deficiency of these vitamins can cause headaches, asthma, fatigue, and stress. Consumption of molasses might help to provide these required vitamins and minerals and maintains good overall health. However, more scientific research is required to corroborate this point. [23]
Hair Care
Anecdotal evidence suggests its extract might be good for hair and can promote healthy hair growth. It might soften and conditions the hair, adds rich texture, and prevents it from prematurely graying. However, more scientific research into this is required.
Uses
There are many uses explained in detail below.
Culinary Uses
- Molasses is quite popular for their use in baked goods like pies, gingerbread, fruit cakes, and even baked beans.
- It is also used in the manufacturing of rum, which is one of the reasons that rum is so popular in the areas where sugarcane cultivation and molasses production is in abundance.
- It is also utilized in providing rich, dark texture and flavor to brown sugar. It is a beneficial sweetener, rich in naturally available nutrients.
- It is commonly included in desserts and many sweet treats as a flavoring agent. It can be mixed with tea or coffee and can be also glazed on vegetables.
However, you can just plug your nose and slurp down a spoonful and see the effects your body will thank you for! if you cannot find molasses easily in the market, try this recipe to make your own batch at home.
Other Uses
- As a natural health remedy, it can be diluted with water for a hair treatment or spread topically on the skin.
- It has been effectively used for animal feeds. It can be a source of carbon and can be effectively used in horticulture to feed the microbes and boost the microbial activity of the soil. Beet molasses is also used to make fertilizer.
Word of Caution: Some people might develop allergic reactions due to sensitivity towards the sulfite present in the sulfured variety. The unsulfured type is free of sulfur dioxide and safe to use in such cases. However, it is always advisable to obtain medical consent before considering it as a therapeutic remedy for various medical conditions.
