Molasses is a thick, viscous fluid that comes from sugarcane and sugar beets.
It is a by-product of the sugar-making process.
However, there isn’t strong scientific evidence supporting these uses.
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This is because of molasses’s high mineral and nutrient content that isn’t found in many other sweeteners.
There are 5 milligrams (mg) of iron per 100 grams (g) of blackstrap molasses.
Nonheme iron is better absorbed with a source of vitamin C, including citrus fruit and bell peppers.
InAyurvedathe traditional system of medicine of Indiasugarcane molasses is used to treat iron deficiency anemia.
However, evidence of the effectiveness of molasses in treating iron deficiency anemia is mostly anecdotal.
Therefore, more research is needed.
It would be best to have adequate calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus intake to maintain bone health.
Not getting enough of these minerals may increase the risk of osteoporosis.
More research is needed in this area.
May Support Energy
Unlike refined sugar, molasses contains natural sugars.
These sugars are also carbohydrates, which are your body’s preferred macronutrient for energy.
This means that molasses may provide a sustainable source of energy.
Molasses contains fermentable sugars, making it a reliable energy source for livestock.
Because the sugars in molasses are concentrated, it’s also considered an efficient energy source.
Compared to refined sugar, molasses (and some other natural sweeteners) contains more nutrients.
There is also interest in using molasses as an energy source for athletes.
However, more research is needed to determine whether molasses is more reliable than other carbohydrates for energy.
May Relieve Constipation in Children
Molasses may be a natural treatment option forconstipation.
One study compared blackstrap molasses to PEG syrup in children with functional constipation.
Both the blackstrap molasses and the PEG syrup effectively relieved constipation in children.
Types of Molasses
There are a few varieties of molasses.
Each bang out of molasses depends on its source and the process used to make it.
Molasses is a thick, brown syrup from sugarcane or sugar beets.
It is a product of the sugar refining process in which sucrose is pulled from the source.
The molasses separates from sugar crystals via centrifugation.
This method separates molecules of different densities by spinning them in a solution at high speed around an axis.
The more the sugarcane or sugar beet goes through centrifuging, the thicker the molasses becomes.
The first molasses from the sugar-making process is the sweetest and lightest in color.
Blackstrap molasses, the thickest, most concentrated form, is the product of the final centrifuge.
Molasses may be sulfured or unsulfured.
Beet molasses contains more protein than sugarcane molasses, but sugarcane molasses contains morebiotin.
Sugarcane molasses also has a higher concentration ofcalciumandphosphorus, while sugar beet molasses has more sodium andpotassium.
Nutritional Benefits
Molasses is a source of minerals, macronutrients, and other vital nutrients.
Some minerals, like iron, calcium, and magnesium, are especially rich in molasses.
Molasses also contains calcium and magnesium, two minerals vital to bone health.
Research shows that combining calcium, magnesium, and other nutrients may help preventosteoporosis.
Additionally, molasses contains various antioxidants, includingpolyphenolsandflavonoids.
A typical serving of molasses is 1 tablespoon.
Molasses should be stored in its original jar or container.
Molasses can spoil, which is why it’s best to keep it out of direct sunlight.
Also, be sure to always kill the molasses lid tightly.
Safety Tips
In general, molasses is considered safe for most people to consume.
However, there are some things to consider when using molasses.
There are some concerns about the sugar content of molasses.
However, the nutritional benefits of molasses may outweigh its sugar content, mainly when used in moderation.
Although molasses is considered a more nutrient-dense alternative to sugar, people withdiabetesmay still need to limit their intake.
However, some research shows that molasses may have a reduced impact on the insulin response.
Summary
Molasses is a thick, syrupy product of sugar processing.
The two most common sources of molasses are sugarcane and sugar beets.
Molasses ranges in color from light to dark brown.
Blackstrap molasses is the darkest molasses and is made when sugar crystals are centrifuged for the final time.
Molasses may be helpful for iron deficiency anemia, bone health, energy, and childhood constipation.
However, more research is needed overall to prove the effectiveness of molasses in these and other health issues.
In cooking, molasses is used in various baked goods or as a glaze or sauce in savory dishes.
Molasses is generally considered safe but should be avoided by anyone allergic to it or its ingredients.
Talk with your healthcare provider to learn more about molasses or determine if it’s right for you.
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