What Are The Health Benefits Of Black Strap Molasses?

Blackstrap is one version of molasses that is a byproduct of the sugar-making process. Sugarcane or sugar beets are boiled multiple times to become refined sugar, and the liquid remaining after the third boiling is known as blackstrap molasses. With a strong flavor, a dark color and thick consistency, blackstrap molasses is often used to flavor foods like gingerbread and baked beans. It offers more nutrients than other kinds of sweeteners.

Lower Sugar Content

In 2 tsp. of blackstrap molasses, there are 32.12 calories and 8.31g of carbohydrates---almost exactly the same amounts as found in granulated sugar. It does contain 5.85g of sugar, which is 2.53 fewer than that in granulated sugar. Both blackstrap molasses and sugar contain no fat.

Calcium

Blackstrap molasses is a good source of calcium, with 2 tsp. providing 11.75 percent of the daily recommended allowance. Calcium is a mineral essential to bone health.

Iron

Two teaspoons of blackstrap molasses provide 13.28 percent of daily iron needs. Iron plays an important role in cellular oxygen transport and cell growth. Too little iron results in anemia, characterized by fatigue and decreased immunity, reports the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.

Potassium

Two teaspoons of blackstrap molasses may be categorized as a high-potassium food, according to Drugs.com. With 340mg, it provides 9.73 percent of the daily recommended allowance. This is about the same amount provided in 1/3 cup of raisins, a cup of soy milk or 1/2 cup of lentils. Potassium is a mineral necessary to maintaining a body's fluid and mineral balance. It can help manage blood pressure and decrease risk of stroke.

Other Nutrients

Two teaspoons also provides 14 percent of the daily recommended allowance of copper, 7.34 percent of magnesium, 18 percent of manganese and 3.47 percent of selenium. Blackstrap molasses provides 5 percent of the daily recommended allowance for vitamin B6. All these minerals and vitamins are critical to healthy functioning. Sugar provides no nutrients.