Most people know molasses as the key ingredient in gingerbread cookies, but you can use it to enhance a lot more than just your baked goods. While this sugary substance may not seem like much of a superfood at first glance, it actually has plenty of surprising health benefits that few people know about, many of which are completely unmatched by other foods on the market. Here are 10 amazing benefits of molasses that you probably didn’t know about before now!
1) Use it as a natural sweetener
Unsulfured molasses is a natural sweetener that can replace sugar. Its taste is deep and rich and can enhance tastes in food. Furthermore, molasses contains vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, and magnesium. It is also high in antioxidants and has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties. Molasses also contain trace amounts of gluten, which helps to reduce symptoms of gluten sensitivity. Additionally, unsulfured molasses has the ability to slow down sugar absorption into the bloodstream.
2) Use it as an anti-inflammatory in cooking
When your body is injured or infected, it responds naturally. However, chronic inflammation can cause several health problems, such as heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes. Researchers have found that blackstrap molasses may help reduce inflammation in people with arthritis. If you’re looking to fight inflammation, try adding molasses to your next meal. It’ll also give your meal an energy-boosting boost of iron and vitamins. Drink it cold: In the summertime, iced tea is a great thirst-quencher.
3) Lose weight with molasses
A sweetener with a low glycemic index is less likely to spike your blood sugar levels than sugar, so it can help you lose weight. Molasses, on the other hand, can help you shed excess pounds. Molasses is also a good source of iron and magnesium, which can boost metabolism. Try adding a spoonful to your morning coffee or oatmeal for a sweet and satisfying start to the day. It’s also great in baked goods like cookies and gingerbread!
4) Reduce your risk of certain cancers
Cancer is a disease that occurs when cells in the body grow out of control. There are many different types of cancer and many factors that contribute to cancer, each with its own set of risks. Molasses is a thick, dark syrup that is often made from boiled sugarcane or sugar beets. This is an important distinction because different types of cancer are more common than others. Molasses is used to sweeten baked goods and add flavor to food, but it also has many health benefits.
5) Reduce inflammation with molasses
Molasses is a natural sweetener that can be used in place of sugar. It’s also rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, and magnesium. The powerful antioxidant properties found in molasses may help reduce inflammation caused by arthritis and improve blood circulation. Molasses’ vitamin C content will promote healthy gums and boost the immune system.
6) Ease your digestion with molasses
Molasses is rich in dietary fiber, which can ease the digestive process, and contains other nutrients, including iron, calcium, and magnesium, which are good for your gut. It’s a natural sugar sweetener with a lower glycemic index than sugar, so it won’t raise blood sugar levels. It’s a result of the process by which raw sugar cane juice is boiled to remove impurities, resulting in a dark syrup. In addition to cooking, it is a healthy option and has the nutrients our guts need. It’s a natural sweetener that’s healthier than sugar because it has a lower glycemic index.
7) Enhance your athletic performance with molasses
Molasses is a fantastic source of energy as well as a good source of minerals such as iron, calcium, and magnesium. It can aid in digestion and make elimination more regular. There is some evidence that suggests molasses may have some blood sugar lowering properties for people with diabetes. Getting more iron into your diet might be easier if you start with molasses! Be aware that some people are sensitive to the sugar content in molasses and to make sure you’re getting enough sugar before taking any supplements that contain it.
8) Give your body minerals and vitamins with molasses
Minerals and vitamins found in mussels are iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, as well as B vitamins. Iron builds red blood cells, which keeps you energized and healthy; calcium strengthens bones, and vitamin D protects against cancer; magnesium keeps your nervous system in good condition; calcium helps build strong bones; potassium helps regulate fluid balance in your body as well as the B vitamins, which help your body produce energy from food and keep your brain healthy.
9) Help build strong bones with molasses
Molasses is also a good source of iron, which is necessary for the formation of new blood cells. It is also natural, so it is a great way to get your daily dose of calcium without all the sugar. It’s not just for pancakes, honey. This syrup can also be a great ingredient in some face masks and hair products, so keep it in mind next time you’re making a meal. Molasse helps constipation because it contains sorbitol, a type of soluble fiber that helps water enter the colon. Molasses, besides having their sweetness, also delivers small amounts of sodium which help prevent dehydration. Plus, they have enough potassium and magnesium in them to keep your teeth healthy while still being delicious.
10) Get relief from chronic pain with molasses
If you struggle with chronic pain, it might be wise to give molasses a try. This is because molasses, in particular unsulfured molasses, is rich in magnesium. Magnesium helps relieve pain and supports energy production, healthy blood cells, and relief from muscle tension. If you are a person who chooses to avoid gluten, this is great news. Though molasses does contain sugar, it offers excellent nutrients like calcium and potassium in greater quantities than many other foods. Not only does it have more manganese than apples or spinach, but more phosphorus than lentils or broccoli.
main photo: unsplash.com/Sonja Langford
