Blackstrap molasses comes from the third round of boiling sugar cane to create sugar. This dark leftover is a high source of many nutrients. It has a strong flavor, but can be used to sweeten baked goods, baked beans, hot cereal or tea and coffee.
Calories and Macronutrients
In two teaspoons of blackstrap molasses there are 32.12 calories and 0 g of fat and protein. It provides 4 g of carbohydrates.With just 2.75 mg of sodium, it is considered a low sodium food.
Mineral Content
Blackstrap molasses contains 18 percent of the recommended daily allowance for manganese and 14 percent for copper in just 2 teaspoons. This amount also offers 13.3 percent of the RDA for iron and 11.8 percent for calcium. It is also a good source of vitamin B-6 and selenium, according to the World's Healthiest Foods.
Potassium
One tablespoon of blackstrap molasses provides 452 mg of potassium. This makes it almost equal to the 467 mg found in one small banana. Potassium helps to regulate the body's fluid and mineral balance. Potassium may also play a role in regulating blood pressure and decreased the risk of stroke, notes Drugs.com.
Comparison to Other Sweeteners
Other sweeteners do not contain the nutrients of blackstrap molasses. Sugar and corn syrup are composed of only carbohydrates. Honey and agave nectar possess some trace minerals, but nowhere near the amounts provided by blackstrap molasses. Artificial sweeteners may contain no or few calories, but they can cause health problems in sensitive individuals and they provide no nutrition, either.
Considerations
Some blackstrap molasses comes "sulphered," which means it contains a chemical used to prevent discoloration and bacterial growth. Seek out organic, unsulphered molasses when possible to obtain a product with a better taste and to prevent potential reaction to the sulfites. Blackstrap molasses may be kept in a cool cupboard or the refrigerator. Once opened, use it within six months.
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