Is Black Strap Molasses Healthy?

Black strap molasses, a dark, thick syrup, is a type of molasses made in the process of converting sugar cane into white granulated sugar. This product imparts a bittersweet flavor commonly used in baking, although it has other uses. Black strap molasses is high in sugar, but it contains a range of nutrients that makes this relatively healthy as far as sweeteners go.

Calories and Fat

Black strap molasses contains 60 calories per 1 tbsp. serving. It's not common practice to consume black strap molasses on its own, so count the calories in your entire recipe to make your meal plan more accurate. A serving of black strap molasses has no fat.

Carbohydrates and Protein

A serving of black strap molasses serves a source of carbohydrates; each serving has 13 g carbs. Your meal plan requires 130 g carbohydrates per day, although your needs may vary, based on the athletics you participate in, as well as your genetics and lifestyle. The carbs in black strap molasses supply energy and protect the function of your central nervous system. One serving of this type of molasses provides you with 1 g protein, or 1.8 to 2.2 percent of the recommended 46 to 56 g per day.

Nutrients

Consume a serving of black strap molasses, and you will get 23 percent of the potassium you need each day. Potassium in this variety of molasses keeps your heart and muscles working properly. Black strap molasses also serve as a good source of magnesium, a mineral critical for health bones; a serving contains 15 percent of the daily recommended intake of magnesium. In addition, you will take in 10 percent of the iron and 2 percent of the calcium you should eat every day.

Sugar

Because it is made from sugar, it should not come as a surprise that black strap molasses has high sugar content. Each serving of black strap molasses contains 12 g of sugar, and it can put your dental health at risk if eaten as part of a high sugar diet, as well as cause weight gain. Limit your consumption of sugar -- natural sugars in fruits and vegetables should not be a problem -- to 25.2 to 37.8 g per day, so when including black strap molasses in your diet, carefully monitor your meal plan to avoid overconsumption.

Benefits

If you suffer from inflammatory bowel disease or anemia, consuming black strap molasses may help. Evidence published in the August 2004 issue of the "Southern Medical Journal" correlates eating black strap molasses with increased iron levels that can ease anemia symptoms, including ulcerative colitis and other bowel problems.