Blackstrap molasses is a dark syrup obtained when processing sugar cane to produce table sugar. Originating from the Caribbean Islands, it has been imported to the United States for hundreds of years. Although blackstrap molasses can raise blood sugar levels in people with diabetes like any sugars, whether natural or refined, it can still be part of a healthy diabetic diet with proper planning, says the WHFoods website.
Blackstrap Molasses
Blackstrap molasses is a byproduct of the extraction of table sugar from sugar cane. According to WHFoods, "It is made from the third boiling of the sugar syrup and is therefore the concentrated byproduct left over after the sugar's sucrose has been crystallized." Molasses used to be the most popular sweetener until the late 19th century because of its cheaper price compared to refined sugar. Its bittersweet flavor is famous in gingerbread and baked beans, notes WHFoods.
Sweeteners and Diabetes
In the past, people with diabetes were told to avoid sugar completely to avoid raising their blood sugar levels. However, the latest recommendations claim that the amount of carbohydrates, including both starches and sugars, is the biggest factor to consider to optimize diabetes control. A total of 45g to 60g of carbohydrates per meal works well for most people, according to the American Diabetes Association. Sugars can be part of the diet of people with diabetes, but the American Diabetes Association suggests to save them for special occasions and to limit them to small portions.
Carbohydrates in Blackstrap Molasses
A tablespoon of blackstrap molasses contains 58 calories and 15g of carbohydrates, according to the USDA National Nutrient Database. The amount of carbohydrates present in molasses is very similar to other popular sweeteners, such as refined sugar, brown sugar, maple syrup, honey and other types of molasses.
Blackstrap Molasses and Diabetes
People with diabetes wishing to include blakcstrap molasses in their diet need to take into account the carbohydrates it provides. The carbohydrates intake should stay within 45g to 60 g per meal, as recommended by the American Diabetes Association, to prevent blood sugar levels from raising above target. Adding carbohydrates from blackstrap molasses simply means cutting back on other carbohydrates eaten at the same meal to maintain a consistent carbohydrate intake. In other words, adding 1 tbsp. of blackstrap molasses, 15g worth of carbohydrates, leaves only 30g to 45 g for carbohydrates for other foods at that meal.
Other Nutrients in Blackstrap Molasses
One of the unique characteristics of blackstrap molasses is that, unlike other refined sugars, it hasn't been stripped off of all of its important nutrients. Blackstrap molasses is a good source of minerals, including iron, providing 3.6 mg per tablespoon, or about 20 percent of the daily value for this nutrient. In addition, a 1-tbsp. serving of this sweetener also provides almost 18 percent of the daily value for calcium; 27 percent for manganese; 21 percent for copper; almost 15 percent for potassium and 11 percent for magnesium, notes the USDA.
