10 health benefits of molasses
Learn about the advantages associated with molasses which is obtained from the processing of sugar cane and sugar beet.
Molasses is a dense, viscous byproduct 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 designation of something or someone being “slow as molasses” for any slow-moving thing.
10 health benefits of molasses:
1. Antioxidant capacity:Â Blackstrap molasses contain the highest amount of antioxidants compared to refined sugar, corn syrup, raw cane sugar and other readily available sweeteners. These antioxidants protect the body against the oxidative damage associated with cancer, cardiovascular disorders and degenerative diseases. This makes it a much better alternative to refined sugar.
2. Menstruation: Molasses is a good source of iron and is very effective for menstruating women who are at major risk of iron deficiency due to blood loss. With no fat and very few calories, it is a better alternative for contributing iron content in the body as compared to other fatty sources like red meat.
Iron prevents various disorders like menorrhagia which causes excessive blood flow for a longer duration during menstruation. The minerals such as magnesium and calcium that are present in it help to prevent the clotting of blood, relieve menstrual cramps and help in maintaining the health of uterine muscles.
3. Obesity: The polyphenols in molasses have antioxidant effects which may prove effective in reducing obesity and manage weight gain. In the investigation conducted to assess the impact of molasses on a high-fat diet, it was evident that its extract helps in lowering the body weight and fat content by reducing the absorption of calories in the body.
4. Healthy bones: Black strap molasses is a good source of calcium, which plays an important role in maintaining bone health, the functioning of enzyme system, the removal of toxins from the colon and cell membrane function. It is also required to maintain healthy teeth and protects the body against bone diseases common during menopause.
5. Diabetes: Blackstrap molasses helps in stabilising blood sugar levels. It has a low glycemic index and aids in slowing the metabolism of glucose and carbohydrates, which subsequently means less insulin production. This helps in preventing the accumulation of excess fats or lipids in the blood stream.
6. Acne:Â This substance contains 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 is effectively used in the preparation of natural, non-toxic and non-allergenic treatments of a physiological nature for curing acne and other skin ailments.
7. Formation of new cells: Blackstrap molasses is also sometimes referred to as pregnancy tea, owing to the presence of iron, vitamin B and other essential minerals. Consumption during pregnancy also provides calcium, which is required for the growth and development of the baby.
8. Headache and fatigue: Blackstrap molasses is a good source of various minerals and vitamins such as vitamin B6 and pantothenic acid. The deficiency of these vitamins can cause headaches, asthma, fatigue and stress.
9. Hair care: Molasses extracts are good for hair and they promote healthy hair growth. It softens and conditions the hair, adds a rich texture and prevents it from prematurely graying.
10. Culinary use: Molasses is quite popular for its use in baked goods like pies, gingerbread and 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.
How to use molasses?
You can use molasses in any number of ways, but due to the flavour profile, molasses are commonly included in desserts and other sweet treats. As a natural health remedy, the substance can be orally consumed, diluted with water as a hair treatment, spread topically on the skin, mixed with tea or coffee, glazed on vegetables or mixed in a protein-packed power ball!
How much blackstrap molasses should I take?
It isn’t recommended to go overboard with your consumption. It is considered safe to consume 2 tablespoons every morning, if you are trying to make it a regular part of your health regiment.
How to take blackstrap molasses?
Some of the best ways to consume blackstrap molasses would be to blend it into strong coffee, use it in strongly flavoured desserts, such as fruitcakes or gingerbread, or just plug your nose and slurp down a tablespoon – your body will thank you!
Read the original story on Organic Facts
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