Molasses for Weight Loss

Molasses, a dark, rich, sweet liquid, is a by-product of the sugar manufacturing process, according to the Epicurious Food Dictionary. The dictionary reports that while molasses is a traditional ingredient in foods such as shoofly pie and gingerbread, it has a following among the health-conscious. Though not all the claims made it about it are true, used correctly, it can and should be a part of your weight-loss food plan.

Misconceptions

Molasses, especially blackstrap molasses, is one of many foods which can supposedly cause weight loss by “detoxifying” the body. According to Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist Michael Picco, M.D., cleansing or detox diets simply don't work. The human digestive tract, reports Dr. Picco, gets rid of toxins on its own; it doesn't need help from blackstrap molasses or anything else. Also, despite the claims of some health-conscious individuals, blackstrap molasses isn't a super-nutrient food, though it is more nutritious than refined sugar.

Calorie Counts

Molasses has a slightly higher calorie count than refined sugar. Molasses contains 58 calories per tbsp., according to the Fat Secret nutrition information database. Refined sugar, by contrast, 48 calories per tbsp. However, because molasses has a rich flavor, you may find you need less of it. It's also worth noting that molasses has fewer calories than honey, which contains 64 calories per tbsp., according to Fat Secret.

Nutrients

Molasses is more nourishing than refined sugars, with 1 tbsp. providing 4 percent of the daily value of iron and 5 percent of the daily value of calcium, according to Fat Secret. Molasses is also a good source copper and manganese, according to nutritionist and cookbook author Ellie Krieger. The calcium in molasses may also help you lose weight. In a study conducted at the Université Laval's Faculty of Medicine in Canada, two groups of women were instructed to eat a low-calorie diet, but one group was given a calcium supplement and the other a placebo. The women getting the calcium lost more weight than the control group.

Healthy Cooking

Molasses can help you make lighter versions of your favorite foods. It is a traditional ingredient in some spiced cookies, such as gingersnaps, which have fewer calories than other cookies because they rely on molasses and spices, not butter or cream, for their flavor. Nutritionist Ellie Krieger also recommends mixing molasses with tropical fruit purees and using the mix as a sweet, low-calorie glaze for chicken breasts.

Considerations

Even though molasses can help you lose weight, don't go overboard on it. Molasses, especially blackstrap molasses, is a natural laxative, according to The Doctors Book of Food Remedies. While this may be helpful if you're experiencing constipation, running to the restroom every few minutes might also put a crimp in your exercise regimen.