Molasses: Natural treatment for ADD and ADHD, improves constipation in children, anaemia, stabilises sugar, and more (Part 1)
Blackstrap molasses is a byproduct of sugar production. It contains sugar but also beneficial nutrients, including iron.
Healthline explained that sugar production starts with boiling sugarcane juice to crystallise the sugar, which is then filtered to separate it from the juice. This leaves a thick, brown liquid called molasses.
It’s boiled two more times to create blackstrap, which is even thicker and darker than regular molasses and characterised by a bitter taste.
Because it’s boiled three times, blackstrap molasses is more nutrient-dense than other types of molasses, which explains why it has recently gained popularity as a supplement. Molasses is used as a sweetener, spread, or topping for yogurt or oatmeal.
In this article, I explore the science of blackstrap molasses as a sweetener or supplement.
Nutritious than refined sugar
Blackstrap molasses is a nutrient-rich sugar byproduct. The US Department of Agriculture reported that 1 tablespoon (15 mL) has the following:
• Calories: 60
• Carbs: 14 grams
• Sugar: 10 grams
• Protein: 1 gram
• Fat: 0 grams
• Iron: 20% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Calcium: 10% of the DV
• Magnesium: 10% of the DV
• Potassium: 9% of the DV
• Vitamin B6: 8% of the DV
Blackstrap molasses is made of sugar. But is different from refined sugar — which has no nutritional content. Blackstrap molasses has plenty of iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus.
One study by Lemnaro Jamir et al.(2021) found that ounce for ounce, blackstrap molasses has more abundant iron than eggs, more calcium than milk, and more potassium than any other food.
A previous study by Balakrishnaraja1 et al.(2020) found that it has 18 amino acids.
Prevent anemia
One study by Jain R. and Venkatasubramanian P. (2017) found that due to the iron content, blackstrap molasses is used as a supplement to treat iron deficiency anemia. The same study found that blackstrap molasses has 2–3.5 times as much iron as light and dark molasses, which are produced after the first and second boiling of molasses, respectively.
The research further found that blackstrap molasses plant-based iron has a bioavailability of around 85 per cent, which is regarded as high.
The bioavailability of a nutrient represents the proportion that can enter your bloodstream and have an active effect.
Finally, one study by Hever J and Cronise RJ(2017) found that blackstrap molasses is in the same category as other plant-based iron sources of iron, such as leafy greens, soy products, and legumes.
Treat constipation in children
Some studies (Dehghani et al. 2019; Paknejad et al. 2019) found that blackstrap molasses could act as a natural remedy for childhood constipation.
The same study found that eating a daily dose of 0.5 mL of blackstrap molasses per pound (1 mL per kg) of body weight for a month could improve defecation frequency and reduce abdominal pain in children with constipation.
Dehghani et al. (2019) black molasses have polysaccharides — a type of carb that acts as dietary fiber, thus improving stool consistency and easing bowel movements.
The study found that the high potassium content of blackstrap molasses could regulate muscle contractions to promote evacuation.
Antioxidants
Singh et al.(2015) study found that molasses is rich in polyphenol antioxidants and likely boasts more polyphenols than other sugarcane products such as juice and syrup.
Other studies (García-Conesa MT, Larrosa M, 2020; Durazzo et al. 2019) found that when we eat polyphenols it helps in preventing, delaying, or reducing the effects of chronic illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and cancer.
Promote bone health and hair health
Hever J, Cronise RJ(2017) found that because blackstrap molasses provides 10% of the daily value for this mineral in a single tablespoon (15 mL), its intake may promote bone health.
Almohanna et al.(2019) study found that consuming black molasses may improve signs of premature hair graying.
Stabilises blood sugar levels
Blackstrap molasses helps stabilise blood sugar levels, which can be extremely beneficial for people with diabetes. It has a low glycemic index and naturally slows the metabolism of glucose and carbohydrates — resulting in less insulin production.
It also contains a high level of chromium, which increases glucose tolerance. Chromium plays a role in the insulin-signalling pathways that allow our bodies to control the amount of sugar we take in, helping balance blood glucose levels and giving us stable energy.
An old study by Anderson et al.(1997) found that chromium is an essential nutrient involved in normal carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. In the study, 180 individuals treated for type 2 diabetes were either given a placebo or chromium supplements over four months, while continuing to take normal medications and not changing eating habits.
As a result of chromium treatment, insulin values, and cholesterol levels decreased significantly compared to the placebo group.
This study did have patients continue their normal medications for the treatment of diabetes, so it is important to note that chromium consumption seems to be only partly responsible for the positive results.
others assert that it helps lower the GI of high-carb foods.
NB:
Prof. Nyarkotey has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations to justify his write-ups. My articles are for educational purposes and do not serve as Medical advice for Treatment. I aim to educate the public about evidence-based scientific Naturopathic Therapies.
The writer is a Professor of Naturopathic Healthcare, a Medical Journalist, and a science writer. President, Nyarkotey University College of Holistic Medicine & Technology (NUCHMT)/African Naturopathic Foundation, Ashaiman, Ghana. E. mail: professor40naturopathy@gmail.com. Visit-profnyarkotey.com for more.
Author- “Life in the Gambia-Tales from a Professor and an Aspiring Barrister.”
Nyarkotey Herbal Mall houses quality natural products from all over the world. You can now buy all your vitamins, herbs, supplements, homeopathy drugs, Ayurveda drugs and more. It is located at Amrahia, Dodowa Road, behind Potbelly. Call on: +233207844338/0249494228.
BY PROF. RAPHAEL NYARKOTEY OBU