Read about the nutrition facts, health benefits, nutritional value and calories found in Blackstrap Molasses

Blackstrap Molasses Nutrition

During the time of early colonists, molasses began getting imported into United States from the Caribbean Islands. Until the late 19th century, molasses remained the most popular sweeteners since it was easily affordable than refined sugar, which was quite expensive at that time. Molasses have had an interesting history with a couple of important historical events associated with it. The first event relates to the Molasses Act of 1733, a tariff passed by England to discourage the colonists from trading with areas of West Indies that were not under British rule. This legislation is considered to be one of the events that catalyzed pre-revolutionary colonial dissent and unrest. The second event occurred in 1919, also known as the Great Molasses Flood, which took place when a molasses storage tank, holding over two million gallons of molasses, suddenly broke and the sticky content of the tank flooded the city streets of Boston, Massachusetts killing 21 people and destroying significant properties. The popularity of blackstrap molasses increased in the mid-20th century after the advent of the health food movement. Currently, India, Brazil, Taiwan, Thailand, the Philippines and the United States are the major producers of molasses.

 

Health Benefits of Blackstrap Molasses

 

  • A rich source of iron, blackstrap molasses is of great significance to menstruating women, who are at higher risks of iron deficiencies. Iron, being an integral component of hemoglobin, helps in transporting oxygen from lungs to all body cells. Additionally, iron is also significant for energy production and metabolism. It fulfills the daily requirement of iron in lactating mothers and growing children.

  • Enriched with calcium, blackstrap molasses help in performing various physiological activities, including the ability of the heart and other muscles to contract, blood clotting, conducting nerve impulses to and from the brain, regulation of enzyme activity and cell membrane function.

  • The calcium present in blackstrap molasses is also significant for the formation and maintenance of strong bones and teeth during youth and adolescence. It prevents the loss of bone during menopause and assists in treating rheumatoid arthritis. Its ability of binding and removing toxins from the colon reduces the risk of colon cancer and prevents migraine attacks.

  • Blackstrap molasses contains copper which is an essential constituent of many enzymes, thereby playing a vital role in various physiological processes, including iron utilization, elimination of free radicals, development of bone and connective tissue and production of the skin and hair pigment called melanin. Regular consumption of blackstrap molasses helps in preventing problems caused due to deficiency of copper, such as ruptured blood vessels, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, brain disturbances, irregular heartbeat and increased susceptibility to infections.

  • Essential trace elements like manganese are also found in blackstrap molasses which helps in producing energy from protein and carbohydrates, and is involved in the synthesis of fatty acids that are important for a healthy nervous system. Further, it is essential for the production of cholesterol that is used by the body to produce sex hormones.

  • Manganese present in blackstrap molasses helps in regulating nerve and muscle tone, the lack of which can cause calcium to enter and force the nerve cells to become over-activated, thereby sending too many messages and causing excessive contraction. Deficiency of magnesium can also result in high blood pressure, muscle spasms, migraine headaches, muscle cramps, tension, soreness and fatigue.

  • Utilization of iron, development of bones and connective tissues, production of melanin which produces skin and hair pigment, and elimination of free radicals from the body are effectively carried by the nutrient copper, found in blackstrap molasses. Apart from taking care of these processes, copper is also necessary for preventing anemia, elevating bad cholesterol, fluctuating heartbeats and increasing the risk of infections.

  • Ulcers, psoriasis, varicose veins, dermatitis, rheumatism, benign tumors, anxiety, constipation and heart palpitations are some other ailments that are successfully treated with the consumption of blackstrap molasses.

 

Nutritional Value & Calories In Blackstrap Molasses 

Amount: 2 tsp

Weight: 13.67 g

 
Nutrients
Amount
Basic Components
 
Calories
32.12

Water

3.92 g

Ash

1.12 g

 
 
Carbohydrates
 

Total Carbohydrates

8.31 g

Sugar

5.85 g

 
 
Vitamins
 
Riboflavin

0.01 mg

Niacin

0.15 mg

Folate

0.14 mcg

Vitamin B6

0.10 mg

Pantothenic Acid

0.12 mg

 
 
Minerals
 
Calcium

117.53 mg

Iron

2.39 mg

Magnesium

29.38 mg

Phosphorus

5.47 mg

Potassium

340.57 mg

Sodium

7.52 mg

Zinc

0.14 mg

Copper

0.28 mg

Manganese

0.36 mg

Selenium

2.43 mcg

 

How many calories in blackstrap molasses (per 100 gm)

Blackstrap molasses have about 332 calories per 100 gm of weight.

 

How to Buy Blackstrap Molasses

 

  • While purchasing blackstrap molasses, look for the un-sulfured version since it does not contain sulfur, to which some people are sensitive. To add on, the un-sulfured version offers a cleaner and clarified taste.

  • You can also select blackstrap molasses made from organic sugar cane available in some markets.

 

Blackstrap Molasses Storage Tips

 

  • Always store blackstrap molasses in an airtight container in the refrigerator or in a cool, dry place.

  • Blackstrap molasses, stored in unopened containers, will remain fresh for about one year, while opened containers should be consumed within six months.

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