Blackstrap molasses is a byproduct of sugar processing that is sweet and rich. It is used in baking and cooking to impart a sweetness with a slightly more hearty flavor than regular table sugar. It is also praised as a healthy food, because it provides calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium. Blackstrap molasses has been explored for different health benefits, including weight loss, but its benefits might be secondary, rather than directly causing weight loss.
How Blackstrap Molasses is Made
Molasses is made from cane sugar juice that has been boiled, reduced, and filtered, according to the B&G Grandma's Molasses website. The sugar solidifies out, and the resulting "first molasses" is mixed with sugar and water to make it sweet and palatable. When first molasses is repeatedly boiled down, the mixture becomes thicker and less sweet and is called blackstrap molasses. Blackstrap molasses is also identified as unsulphured or robust molasses, the B&G Grandma's Molasses website shows.
Nutritional Content of Blackstrap Molasses
Blackstrap molasses provides approximately 15 to 20 percent of the daily value of iron, according to the Wholesome Sweeteners brand of molasses. The exact amount of iron content varies according to the type of molasses, according to the B&G brand website. It also provides about 130 mg of calcium, per one-tablespoon serving, about 10 percent of your daily value, the Wholesome Sweeteners site shows. For a one-tablespoon serving, it provides 60 calories and 0 g fat.
Blackstrap Molasses and Weight Loss
Blackstrap molasses is a slightly sweet liquid that can be used as a sweetener in a variety of products, but since it is not as sweet, it makes a poor substitute for sugar or regular molasses. Its nutritional content improves the nutritional content of the food in which it is included, but it does not turn an indulgent treat into a health food, the Bastyr website shows. It does not contain any components that help with weight loss, but it may provide nutrients that help with the weight loss process.
Blackstrap Molasses, Calcium, and Weight Loss
According to Colleen Pierre, weight loss might cause calcium loss, a side effect that could increase the risk of developing bone loss and weakness. Blackstrap molasses provides about 10 percent of the daily value of calcium, and its addition in the diet during weight loss efforts might help to limit the calcium loss. Combined with exercise, a diet of increased calcium can help to prevent weakening of the bones and result in improved weight, according to the Vegetarian Resource Group website.
Blackstrap Molasses, Iron, and Weight Loss
The Virginia Cooperative Extension office website shows that iron is an essential nutrient in the body for carrying oxygen in the blood throughout the body. Blackstrap molasses provides about 15 percent of your daily needs of iron, so it is a good source of iron. However, since it is a sugar-based product, it can cause the development of dental cavities. It can be used as a partial substitute for molasses in recipes to help cut sugar content and increase nutritional value, resulting in slightly healthier treats or desserts.
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