For more than 150 years, blackstrap molasses has been touted as an effective medicine that can be used to manage type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. Blackstrap molasses also offers several health benefits for females that you may not know about, including acting as an antioxidant and aiding in the treatment of depression and anxiety. Here are some additional facts about blackstrap molasses that every woman should know.
Nutritional Value
If you’re feeling worn down or depleted, it could be a sign of an iron deficiency. The mineral helps red blood cells carry oxygen throughout your body, so if you have low levels, chances are you’re going to feel fatigued. Good news: That glass of blackstrap molasses can help. It’s a good source of iron and also contains vitamin B6, which is essential for making neurotransmitters (chemical messengers that allow brain cells to communicate).
Heart, circulation, & immune system
health
This sweetener has been used traditionally in Ayurvedic medicine as a digestive aid, an antibacterial and an immune-boosting agent. In addition, it may have anti-aging benefits, according to research. Some scientists suggest that molasses can help improve cholesterol levels and prevent heart disease; others propose that it lowers inflammation in the body and helps protect against arthritis. There is also evidence that blackstrap molasses can help relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The key compound involved is manganese, which seems to be able to stimulate production of cell-signaling molecules called cytokines — especially interleukin 1 — that play a role in immune response.
Hair & nail growth
An increase in iron and copper may be one of blackstrap molasses’ health benefits; it may help your hair, skin, and nails grow faster. Look for 100% blackstrap molasses to take advantage of these nutrients. On their own, they’re not magical, but they could certainly be useful additions to a healthy diet. Keep in mind that consuming too much iron or copper can be harmful, so stick with a balanced diet as well as moderate doses of blackstrap molasses. Just like any supplement or medication, talk with your doctor before you incorporate blackstrap molasses into your diet. And don’t expect results immediately; it’ll take time to see an improvement in your hair growth.
Skin care
There’s some evidence that blackstrap molasses can make your skin healthier, but it’s nothing definitive. However, it can make an interesting addition to your skincare routine if you’re looking for something new. While it contains iron, which is a micronutrient that helps our bodies create red blood cells and carry oxygen around, there’s no proof that eating more iron will lead to improvements in your skin. In fact, excess consumption of certain vitamins like A and E could potentially harm your skin. The same goes for excess calcium consumption; while calcium is important, having too much in your system can lead to complications such as constipation and bloating.
Energy level
While refined sugar makes us feel energized—because it gives us a quick rush of energy followed by a crash—natural sources of sugar can help keep our energy level up and steady throughout the day. The key is finding sugar that isn’t accompanied by an influx of calories. One great option is blackstrap molasses, which is a viscous, syrup-like substance that comes from processing sugar cane during refining. Although there are about 50 calories in two tablespoons of blackstrap molasses, it also provides 11 grams of iron, 20 percent of your daily calcium requirement and roughly 100 percent of your daily value (DV) for both magnesium and potassium. And because it’s slow-burning, these benefits don’t come with a crash down low.
Bone health
It’s been shown that blackstrap molasses works in tandem with calcium, making it especially useful as a post-menopausal supplement. The high levels of calcium in blackstrap molasses help prevent osteoporosis, brittle bones and even hip fractures. With about 13 milligrams of calcium per tablespoon, it helps ensure you get enough of your daily allowance. Combine that with vitamin D and you have yourself a potent cocktail! One study found that women who consume 200 milligrams or more of calcium a day had 20 percent less hip fractures than those who consumed half as much. That same amount of blackstrap also contains 1 milligram each of iron and magnesium—both important minerals when it comes to bone health.
Fighting infections
In addition to its use as a sweetener, blackstrap molasses is also known for its medicinal properties. For example, studies have shown that taking blackstrap molasses is an effective way of fighting infections such as colds and even pneumonia in children. This nutritional supplement has also been known to improve general respiratory health and may even reduce asthma symptoms. (4) If you or someone you know suffers from respiratory issues or infections, it’s worth looking into whether blackstrap molasses could be helpful. The syrup is also believed to help with sore throats as well as other types of infections like earaches and thrush.
Women’s cycle health
The menstrual cycle is influenced by factors such as weight, nutrition, and physical activity level. And, although most women don’t typically feel affected by these factors until they try to get pregnant, those who are physically active or exercising can improve their reproductive health through regular exercise. The good news is that when it comes to your menstrual cycle, an active lifestyle can make a difference in how you feel as well as how your body functions. Physical activity may be especially important during adolescence when reproductive health first begins; however no matter what stage of life you are in now you should aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days. Focus on aerobic exercises that work large muscle groups such as running and cycling rather than weights which will affect bone density negatively.
Stress relief
Constantly worried about work, money, your kids, or other issues? Make sure you’re getting enough B vitamins. Getting more of them might help calm your nerves and reduce feelings of stress. They can also help balance chemicals in your brain that affect moods. B vitamins are key components in energy production and they also play a role in protein metabolism and red blood cell formation, meaning they’re important for optimal health overall. Here are some foods rich in Vitamin B: oatmeal, tuna fish, pork chops, eggs and leafy green vegetables like spinach or collard greens.
