Cholesterol-lowing potassium
BLACKSTRAP molasses is a good source of potassium.
Potassium-rich foods help lower systolic blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, and support a healthy cardiovascular system, in addition to helping cleanse your liver.
Potassium also plays an important role in keeping the body hydrated and works with sodium to support cellular function with your body’s sodium-potassium pump.
Promotes skin health
Chen et al.(2016) study found that blackstrap molasses has lactic acid, which is produced by bacteria and plays an important role in carbohydrate metabolism. Lactic acid serves as a natural acne treatment and treats other skin conditions.
A previous study by Garg et al.(2002) found that lactic acid worked as a preventative solution for acne. The study involved 22 patients who experienced lesions, inflammation, and cysts.
Lactate lotion was used topically all over the face twice a day, and then it was used as a cosmetic for a year. At the end of one year, a 90 per cent to 100 per cent reduction of the inflammatory lesions was achieved in 41 percent of the patients, and non-inflammatory lesions were reduced in 23 per cent of the patients.
The remaining patients showed a 50 per cent to 90 per cent reduction, while two patients showed less than 50 percent reduction in the non-inflammatory lesions. This research suggests that lactic acid treatment results in a significant reduction of acne symptoms, including the development of lesions.
Blackstrap molasses also promotes the growth of healthy tissues, so it serves as a natural wound healer. Consuming blackstrap molasses accelerates the healing time of cuts, wounds, burns, and signs of acne — helping you maintain clear and healthy skin.
Prevent Cancer
Phillips et al.(2009) study found that blackstrap molasses serves as a good, nutritious alternative to refined sugar because it offers the potential benefit of antioxidant activity. Antioxidants are substances that help prevent certain types of cell damage, especially those caused by oxidation. Oxidative damage plays a major role in disease today and has been linked to many health conditions, including cancer.
High-antioxidant foods, like blackstrap molasses, help reduce free radicals in the body, which are believed to be the primary cause of cancer. The National Cancer Institute explained that free radicals are formed naturally in the body and play an important role in many normal cellular processes. However, at high concentrations, free radicals can be hazardous to the body and damage all major components of cells, including DNA, proteins, and cell membranes.
Natural Treatment for ADD and ADHD
National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health (UK, 2009) study found that the same symptoms found in children with ADD/ADHD-Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are also seen in people who are nutritionally deficient in zinc, magnesium, calcium, and iron. ADHD and ADD are neurological and behavior-related conditions that cause difficulty in concentrating, impulsiveness, and excessive energy.
Sugar is a major problem because it causes blood sugar spikes, leading to hyperactivity. Then as blood sugar levels spike down, a person loses focus.
Blackstrap molasses is a more nutritious alternative to refined sugar, and it does not have the same effects on blood sugar levels. Also, consuming molasses provides iron and B vitamins — which can improve ADHD symptoms naturally.
These vitamins and minerals support the nervous system and brain function, thereby improving focus.
Improve Arthritis
Because of the anti-inflammatory properties of blackstrap molasses, it relieves swelling and joint pain, working to improve arthritis symptoms. One study by Tański et al.(2021) found that iron deficiency is common in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The presence of iron, calcium, and antioxidants in molasses allows it to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) remedy. Blackstrap molasses’s purported low GI is said to aid ADHD by preventing blood sugar from spiking, which may lead to a loss of focus.
Warnings
Eileen Abt et al.(2019) study found that blackstrap molasses has very high levels of the chemical acrylamide, which may be carcinogenic.
The US FDA reports that acrylamide forms in foods when sugars and the amino acid asparagine are subjected to certain high-heat cooking methods, such as frying, roasting, and baking.
A previous study by Kumar et al.(2018) found no significant association between the consumption of acrylamide in foods and the risk of pancreatic, prostate, breast, ovarian, or endometrial cancers.
On the other hand, other studies have found possible associations between acrylamide consumption and increased risk of melanoma, cancers of the lymphatic system, and overall death from cancer.
Moderation is key here.
Take Home
Blackstrap molasses is a nutritious byproduct of sugarcane production.
Unlike refined sugar, it’s naturally rich in antioxidants, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamin B6.
As such, it may relieve constipation, help treat anemia, and support bone and hair health.
You can get blackstrap molasses at the Nyarkotey Herbal Pharma.
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