by Dr. Cari Case

Blackstrap molasses is a sweetener that is surprisingly good for you. It is the dark liquid derivative of the process of refining sugar cane into table sugar.  Unlike refined white sugar and corn syrup, which are stripped of virtually all nutrients except simple carbohydrates, or artificial sweeteners like saccharine or aspartame, which have been shown to cause health problems in some individuals, blackstrap molasses is a healthful sweetener that contains significant amounts of a variety of minerals that promote your health.

Iron

Blackstrap molasses is a good source of iron.  It can increase your energy by helping to replenish your iron stores.  In comparison to red meat, a well known source of iron, blackstrap molasses provides more iron for fewer calories and is totally fat-free.

Calcium

Blackstrap molasses is a good source of calcium.  Calcium is involved in a variety of important physiological activities, including the ability of the heart and other muscles to contract, blood clotting, conduction of nerve impulses to and from the brain, regulation of enzyme activity, and cell membrane function.

Copper

Molasses is also an excellent source of copper and manganese and a very good source of potassium, and magnesium.

Copper, an essential component of many enzymes, plays a role in a wide range of physiological processes including iron utilization, elimination of free radicals, development of bone and connective tissue, and the production of the skin and hair pigment called melanin.

Like calcium, potassium plays an important role in muscle contraction and nerve transmission.  When potassium is deficient in the diet, activity of both muscles and nerves can become compromised. Potassium is involved in carbohydrate storage for use by muscles as fuel and is also important in maintaining the body’s proper electrolyte and pH balance.

Magnesium

Magnesium is calcium’s balancing mineral.  It is also necessary for healthy bones and energy production.  About 2/3 of the magnesium in the human body is found in our bones.  It helps give bones their physical structure, while the rest is found on the surface of the bone where it is stored for the body to draw upon as needed.  Magnesium, by balancing calcium, helps regulate nerve and muscle tone.  In many nerve cells, magnesium prevents calcium from rushing into the cells, keeping our nerves (and the blood vessels and muscles they innervate) relaxed. If our diet provides us with too little magnesium, calcium can freely go into the nerve cells making them overactive and sending too many signals – causing excessive contraction of muscles and blood vessels. Insufficient magnesium can thus contribute to high blood pressure, muscle spasms (including spasms of the heart muscle or the spasms of the airways symptomatic of asthma), and migraine headaches, as well as muscle cramps, tension, soreness and fatigue. In two teaspoons of blackstrap molasses, you will receive 7.3% of the daily value for magnesium.

Switching from nutrient-poor sweeteners like white sugar or corn syrup or from potentially harmful fake sweeteners like aspartame or saccharin to nutrient-dense blackstrap molasses is one simple way that eating healthy can sweeten your life.

How to Select and Store

Look for blackstrap molasses that is unsulphured since not only does it not contain this processing chemical to which some people are sensitive, but it has a cleaner and more clarified taste. Blackstrap molasses made from organic sugar cane is also available in some markets.

Molasses should be stored in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator or a cool, dry place. Unopened containers should keep for about one year, while opened containers should keep for about six months.

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