Blackstrap molasses – don’t fear it! It’s actually super healthy for you and contains benefits you may never knew! It is low glycemic, which is great for diabetics and a better choice than refined sugar overall and contains loads of iron and minerals (high levels of vitamin B6, manganese, magnesium, potassium, iron and selenium) that help with the below.
Skin Health:
Blackstrap molasses contains lactic acid, which serves as a natural acne treatment and heals various skin conditions. A 2002 study published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology found that lactic acid worked as a preventative solution for acne.
*It also promotes the growth of healthy tissues which accelerates the healing time of cuts, wounds, burns and signs of acne!
PMS:
Super rich in iron, blackstrap molasses can improve your mood, which relies on a balance of hormones (including serotonin, dopamine and other vital hormones) that cannot properly be synthesized in the brain when oxygen levels are low. This is why iron deficiency sometimes results in a poor mood, sleep, & energy levels. Also, essential minerals in blackstrap molasses, such as magnesium, manganese and calcium, prevent the clotting of blood, which relieves menstrual cramps and maintains the health of uterine muscles.
Stress:
Vitamin B6 raises serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is an important hormone that controls mood and prevents pain, depression and fatigue, and blackstrap molasses’ vitamin B6 content makes adding it to your diet a great way to relieve stress!
Bone Health:
Because blackstrap molasses serves as a high source of calcium, plus the iron and copper levels, it aids in bone health, broken bones, and reduces the risk of weak and brittle bones (great for not only the elderly, but also young adults in their 20s as that’s the time when we begin to loose calcium)
HOW TO USE IT: Add it to tea, coffee, baked goods, smoothies, and can be used in recipes that call for brown sugar, maple syrup, etc. It’s about two-thirds as sweet as refined sugar.
WHERE TO FIND IT: Most all health food stores carry it in the same aisle as honey, agave, etc.