Mmmm. Molasses.
More specifically, Blackstrap Molasses.

What exactly is molasses?
Simply put, molasses is the thick syrup that is produced when sugar cane or sugar beets are processed to make the refined sugar that we are all used to. But, where that refined sugar is destined for the baking aisle of the grocery store, most molasses is actually sold as (gasp!) livestock feed!

Livestock feed?!?
Yup. Livestock feed. Because molasses contains all the nutrients and minerals that were absorbed by the original plant, it has a high nutrition value, making it ideal for animals to consume…and people!
This fact is slowly becoming better known, and has resulted in different grades of molasses being sold as mineral supplements, baking ingredients, and sugar substitutes.

The best of the best…
Blackstrap molasses is considered the highest and most nutritious grade of molasses, made from the third boiling. It also has a ton of great health benefits!

• Energy Boost
• Bone Health
• Colon/Digestive System Health
• Heart Health
• Antioxidant/Skin Health

Energy Boosts
Taking a spoonful of blackstrap molasses can give a quick energy boost when you need it. The easily digestible carbohydrates are quickly transformed into energy. The iron contained in the molasses can help replenish low iron in the body, and provides much needed vitamin B6.

Bone Health
Molasses contains many of the much needed minerals to keep bones strong and healthy, including iron, potassium, calcium, copper, manganese, and magnesium.

Colon/Digestive System Health
The calcium in molasses can help cleanse the colon of toxins. Calcium has often been associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer. Molasses also can help regulate the digestive system, alleviating both diarrhea and constipation. (I’ve been known to give my kids cookies when they have tummy troubles!)

Heart Health
Blackstrap molasses has many of the minerals and vitamins we need to keep our hearts healthy! This includes copper, calcium, B6, potassium, magnesium, and manganese. Together, these combine to help treat blood clotting, lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation of the cardiovascular system, and reduce the risk of stroke and/or heart attacks. Who wouldn’t want to trade a handful of pills for a spoon of molasses each day?

Antioxidant Skin Health
Molasses contains around 25% of our daily value of manganese per tablespoon. It is thought to help the body fight free radical damage to cells and DNA, and is also thought to help stop premature aging by lowering the risk of lines and wrinkles. It also helps with other skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne.

Adding Molasses to a Healthy Diet
Simply switching white sugar for blackstrap molasses can be a great way to incorporate molasses into your diet in a healthy manner, and can help increase your intake of vitamins and minerals. Or, you can take a tablespoon daily as a supplement – but be careful! It is still a simple sugar, and can cause a blood glucose spike. If you suspect anemia or another health condition, speak to your doctor about adding molasses as a part of your health regimen.

-Catlin