When the sugar cane plant is processed, two products are produced. One the one hand, we have the refined sugar, which is sold in our supermarket shelves, and on the other hand, we have the ‘waste product’, a black goo called blackstrap molasses, which is fed to livestock on farms instead. This is quite ironic, because whereas refined sugar is one of the most toxic ingredients we can put into our bodies and causes innumerable health issues (such as obesity and diabetes), blackstrap molasses is one of the healthiest ingredients we can put into our bodies, since it contains all the trace minerals that were removed from the sugar cane during refinement.
The benefits of blackstrap molasses, as previously implied, are legion. For a start, blackstrap contains a large number of trace minerals that are often lacking in other foods. This is because the roots of the sugar cane plant grow deep into the earth, and therefore intercept soil that is much more fertile and mineral-rich than that reached by most other plants.
As a general summary, one tablespoon of blackstrap molasses contains between 13-18% of our body’s recommended daily doses of magnesium, iron, copper, and calcium. Calcium is important for bones and teeth, iron is needed to carry oxygen to the blood cells, magnesium keeps the heart healthy, and copper helps with enzymatic reactions, cell growth, connective tissues, eyes, hair, and aging.
Blackstrap also contains 18% of our RDA of manganese, 10% of our RDA of potassium, 5% of our RDA of vitamin B6, and 3.5% of our RDA of selenium. These are all important trace minerals that work in tandem with each other to maintain the body’s natural processes.
Another benefit of blackstrap molasses is that it is a natural laxative. It helps to soften the stools and cleanse the bowels, much like fruit. For this reason, it is best to drink blackstrap molasses first thing in the morning before eating
- The recommended dosage of blackstrap molasses is one tablespoon a day. Taking less than this amount might not produce noticeable results. Taking more than this amount is fine, but you might want to monitor the number of other sugary foods you consume during the day to avoid blood sugar spikes or weight gain.
- To prepare the blackstrap for consumption, boil some water, mix the blackstrap into it using a tablespoon, and either wait until it cools or add some cold water on top. Some people like to add a little milk to the mixture to improve its taste.
- As previously mentioned, blackstrap molasses is best taken in the morning, since it is both a laxative and an energy booster. Also, because blackstrap molasses is sugary, it is best to drink it through a straw so that it avoids contact with teeth. Buying a reusable stainless steel straw is a good idea, since disposable plastic straws are an environmental disaster!
- Purchase unsulfured blackstrap molasses, since molasses treated with sulfites does not retain its nutritional value.
http://spiritfoods.net/blackstrap-molasses/
Blackstrap molasses is the third and highest grade of molasses, differing from other grades of molasses insofar as it has a much fuller and more robust flavor. Made from boiling sugar cane three times, blackstrap can serve as a healthy natural alternative to many processed sweeteners. Blackstrap is also considered by some health researchers as a holistic treatment for a range of ailments. Whether eaten for medical purposes or simply for taste, blackstrap is a great ingredient to have at hand for any health-conscious cook, chef, or health food fanatic.
Health Benefits
Blackstrap molasses is great for people who have glucose or blood-sugar level issues since it has a low glycemic index. This means that the glucose and carbohydrates in the molasses are broken down much slower than in processed sugars, meaning that they require much less insulin for the body to process and are therefore healthier for those with blood-sugar issues such as diabetes.Blackstrap is also high in iron, which is a vital mineral used by the body in its production of red blood cells. It is this high iron content that makes blackstrap a great choice for those whom are trying to overcome anemia, a disease that causes red blood cells to shrink in number and surface area, and is usually treated with iron supplements. However, these iron supplements tend to cause nausea and constipation for people with sensitive stomachs. Blackstrap is a healthy natural alternative for people looking to boost their iron intake without dealing with the side effects that artificial treatments invariably provide.
Two additional minerals present in blackstrap molasses are magnesium and calcium. Magnesium and calcium work together to ensure proper bone strength and growth. Magnesium also plays a role in regulating heart health and greatly reduces the risk of a heart attack.
Due to its many uses, blackstrap molasses is one of the most widely used holistic cures among the natural healing community. It can be used to treat many ailments, including arthritis, acne, joint pain, constipation (molasses is a natural laxative), anxiety, and heart palpitations. Blackstrap is also great for treating cardiovascular disease due to its chromium content. Chromium washes away fatty build-ups in veins and arteries that can cause deadly blood clots.
Less orthodox uses of blackstrap include using it to treat hemorrhoids, and, thanks to its copper content, using it to reverse graying hair. Although these claims may seem far-fetched, the truth is that countless people are using blackstrap to successfully treat a variety of ailments.
Made from the juice of pure cane sugar, blackstrap molasses is an excellent alternative to other artificially processed sugars. It also has a variety of minerals that provide various health benefits, making it a great addition to any healthy diet.
http://metamorpheus.hubpages.com/hub/benefits-of-blackstrap-molasses
Iron and Copper Content
Firstly, blackstrap an excellent source source of much-needed trace minerals, especially iron and copper. Iron, of course, is especially good for blood (iron is an important mineral for hemoglobin, a component of red blood cells that helps the cells to transport oxygen from our lungs to our bodily tissues). Many people in the world are deficient in iron, which leads to the common condition known as anemia. Therefore, blackstrap molasses is a great way to cure anemia in a natural manner, without resorting to synthetic drugs such as ferrous sulphate. (Remember: iron is one of the few nutrients that our bodies cannot excrete. This means that an excess of iron in our bodies – from supplements or otherwise – can actually poison us through heavy metal toxicity. Since 2 teaspoons of blackstrap molasses will provide you with approximately 13% of your daily recommended intake of iron, the possibility of excess iron consumption is unlikely).
Copper, on the other hand, is often taken as a supplement for the physical benefits it provides, including its anti-aging properties (it is not unheard of for people's hair to return to its original color after taking molasses for an extended period), and its cell growth benefits. 2 teaspoons of blackstrap molasses will provide approximately 14% of your daily recommended amount of copper.
Aside from iron and copper, 2 teaspoons of blackstrap also contains 18% of your RDA of manganese (required for good bones and energy building), 13% of your RDA of calcium (aids in tooth and bone care), 10% of your RDA of potassium (regulates blood pressure), and 3.5% of your RDA of selenium (a powerful antioxidant).
Copper, on the other hand, is often taken as a supplement for the physical benefits it provides, including its anti-aging properties (it is not unheard of for people's hair to return to its original color after taking molasses for an extended period), and its cell growth benefits. 2 teaspoons of blackstrap molasses will provide approximately 14% of your daily recommended amount of copper.
Aside from iron and copper, 2 teaspoons of blackstrap also contains 18% of your RDA of manganese (required for good bones and energy building), 13% of your RDA of calcium (aids in tooth and bone care), 10% of your RDA of potassium (regulates blood pressure), and 3.5% of your RDA of selenium (a powerful antioxidant).
Taking the Molasses
To get the best benefits from blackstrap, I recommend taking at least one tablespoon of it per day, first thing in the morning. This could be viewed as a 'maintenance' dose (i.e. a dose that provides the body with minerals). Personally, I feel that the best way to take the blackstrap is in a mug of warm water (boil the kettle and mix the tablespoon of blackstrap into the hot water, then either wait for the mixture to cool, or add cold water to make it of drinkable temperature) with a straw. I recommend straws because blackstrap molasses is sugary, so the straw will help the blackstrap bypass the teeth.
Do not expect the blackstrap molasses to improve your hair immediately, however. If your hair is graying, you will need to wait a few months (of taking at least one tablespoon a day) to notice real changes. After all, the blackstrap won’t be returning an existing hair to its original color, but rather, causing the ‘aged’ hair to fall out and be replaced by a new and more youthful hair.
Incidentally, if you’re a man whose hair is receding and you wish to restore hair growth, then you’re in luck. Not only can blackstrap molasses stimulate hair growth, but it can do so in half the time it takes to replace a graying hair, since the body does not need to remove aging hair before replacing it. Therefore, if you’re someone who wants to both stimulate hair growth and revitalize existing hair using blackstrap, expect to see hair growth first, before the blackstrap can ‘deal’ with existing gray or brittle hair. But the most important thing is that it will deal with both, as long as you stick with it as a supplement. If you find that nothing is happening after a few months, then you may wish to increase your dose of blackstrap. However, one tablespoon a day is ideal for almost all people.
http://zentofitness.com/the-benefits-of-blackstrap-molasses/
The high and bio-available source of Iron makes it a great addition to females diets as well as growing children – To put it in perspective Molasses has more iron than red meat. It is also rich in calcium which makes people think of dairy or green vegetables as the only source. We forget how important calcium is for metabolism, muscle contractions and correct cell function. 2 TSP’s of blackstrap molasses will provide you with a large proportion of your daily needs of many of these vitamins and minerals, most importantly though they come in a form that our bodies are familiar with and can make use of.
You want to look for unsulphured and preferably organic blackstrap molasses, this means it will be free from nasty chemicals used in processing and ultimately leads to a purer product. Store it in a cool and dark cupboard and once opened it will last for around 6 months.
http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/molasses.html
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MOLASSES AND BLACKSTRAP MOLASSES?Regular ole molasses is the first or second boiling of cane sugar syrup while blackstrap is the third boiling of the syrup. Iron levels appear to increase 5% in the 3rd boiling (see Nutritional Chart).
07/07/2010: Maria from Mt. Laurel, Nj replies: "I drink black strap molasses in hot water with the juice of half a lemon. From my research Vitamin C helps with the absorption of iron. Before I started the bsm I would start my day with a glass of hot water and lemon... Now I just add the tablespoon of blm. I want to try it in warm almond milk next as suggested on this site. I'm drinking bsm for the myriad of heath benefits. Thanks for all the great tips here."
12/01/2011: Lynette from Brisbane, Australia replies: "I HAVE JUST HEARD OF THE POWER OF BLACKSTRAP MOLASSES IN CONJUNCTION WITH APPLE CIDER VINEGAR (WITH MOTHER AS OPPOSED TO ONE DEADENED BY PASTUERISING). I SUFFER FROM ARTHRITIS IN THE KNEES AND HAVE 2 TEASPOONS OF THE APPLE CIDER VINEGAR WITH 1 TEASPOON OF BACKSTRAP MOLASSES IN A GLASS OF WARM WATER THAT HAS HAD LEMON JUICE SQUEEZED INTO IT. DO THIS MORNING AND NIGHT. IT WAS RECOMMENDED TO ME BY SOMEONE WHO NO LONGER SUFFERS FROM GOUT IN HIS FOOT DUE TO THE EFFICIENCY OF THIS CONCOCTION.
How and When to Take the Molasses
Blackstrap molasses is a health food and should be used as such. Any physical benefits it provides your body, such as improved hair and skin, should really be viewed as a bonus rather than the main reason for taking it. Fortunately, the recommended dose of one tablespoon per day – preferably in the morning, since that’s when you’ll probably need the energy most – is enough blackstrap to serve as both a health supplement, and a method of improving one’s hair and general appearance.Do not expect the blackstrap molasses to improve your hair immediately, however. If your hair is graying, you will need to wait a few months (of taking at least one tablespoon a day) to notice real changes. After all, the blackstrap won’t be returning an existing hair to its original color, but rather, causing the ‘aged’ hair to fall out and be replaced by a new and more youthful hair.
Incidentally, if you’re a man whose hair is receding and you wish to restore hair growth, then you’re in luck. Not only can blackstrap molasses stimulate hair growth, but it can do so in half the time it takes to replace a graying hair, since the body does not need to remove aging hair before replacing it. Therefore, if you’re someone who wants to both stimulate hair growth and revitalize existing hair using blackstrap, expect to see hair growth first, before the blackstrap can ‘deal’ with existing gray or brittle hair. But the most important thing is that it will deal with both, as long as you stick with it as a supplement. If you find that nothing is happening after a few months, then you may wish to increase your dose of blackstrap. However, one tablespoon a day is ideal for almost all people.
http://zentofitness.com/the-benefits-of-blackstrap-molasses/
The high and bio-available source of Iron makes it a great addition to females diets as well as growing children – To put it in perspective Molasses has more iron than red meat. It is also rich in calcium which makes people think of dairy or green vegetables as the only source. We forget how important calcium is for metabolism, muscle contractions and correct cell function. 2 TSP’s of blackstrap molasses will provide you with a large proportion of your daily needs of many of these vitamins and minerals, most importantly though they come in a form that our bodies are familiar with and can make use of.
You want to look for unsulphured and preferably organic blackstrap molasses, this means it will be free from nasty chemicals used in processing and ultimately leads to a purer product. Store it in a cool and dark cupboard and once opened it will last for around 6 months.
http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/molasses.html
Molasses Cures
Thanks to the wonderful feedback we have received over the past eight years, blackstrap molasses appears to be making headlines as one of the best home remedies around! We have emails from our readers about blackstrap molasses curing cancerous tumors, fibroid tumors, anxiety, constipation, edema, heart palpitations, anemia, arthritic pain, joint pain, and acne, just to name a few. It has also been reported that molasses turns gray hair back to its original color and is a wonderful skin softener!WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MOLASSES AND BLACKSTRAP MOLASSES?Regular ole molasses is the first or second boiling of cane sugar syrup while blackstrap is the third boiling of the syrup. Iron levels appear to increase 5% in the 3rd boiling (see Nutritional Chart).
07/07/2010: Maria from Mt. Laurel, Nj replies: "I drink black strap molasses in hot water with the juice of half a lemon. From my research Vitamin C helps with the absorption of iron. Before I started the bsm I would start my day with a glass of hot water and lemon... Now I just add the tablespoon of blm. I want to try it in warm almond milk next as suggested on this site. I'm drinking bsm for the myriad of heath benefits. Thanks for all the great tips here."
12/01/2011: Lynette from Brisbane, Australia replies: "I HAVE JUST HEARD OF THE POWER OF BLACKSTRAP MOLASSES IN CONJUNCTION WITH APPLE CIDER VINEGAR (WITH MOTHER AS OPPOSED TO ONE DEADENED BY PASTUERISING). I SUFFER FROM ARTHRITIS IN THE KNEES AND HAVE 2 TEASPOONS OF THE APPLE CIDER VINEGAR WITH 1 TEASPOON OF BACKSTRAP MOLASSES IN A GLASS OF WARM WATER THAT HAS HAD LEMON JUICE SQUEEZED INTO IT. DO THIS MORNING AND NIGHT. IT WAS RECOMMENDED TO ME BY SOMEONE WHO NO LONGER SUFFERS FROM GOUT IN HIS FOOT DUE TO THE EFFICIENCY OF THIS CONCOCTION.
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