What Are The Health Benefits Of Eating Molasses?

What Are the Health Benefits of Eating Molasses?

Apr 1, 2011 | By Chance Woods

Blackstrap molasses is a byproduct of refining sugar from sugar cane or sugar beets that is highly valued for its mineral content. Its nutritional value varies depending on the quality of the sugar cane or beets from which it was extracted, so it is not possible to provide a single set of nutritional data that applies to every variety and brand of blackstrap molasses, but most varieties will fall into an estimated range of mineral content.

Calcium

One of the most commonly touted benefits of blackstrap molasses is its high calcium content. It provides approximately 3.6 mg of calcium per calorie, compared with only 2.4 mg per calorie in 2 percent milk. A single tbsp. of blackstrap molasses contains an average of 48 calories and 176 mg of calcium, which is 17.6 percent of the recommended daily value for adults aged 19 to 50 and 14.7 percent of the recommendation for adults over 51.

Iron

Iron plays a vital role in the blood by helping blood cells accept, carry and release oxygen. It is also necessary in the synthesis of protein, hormones and neurotransmitters. With 3.6 mg of iron, each tbsp. of blackstrap molasses provides 20 percent of your needs, according to the Food and Drug Administration's daily value guidelines.

Potassium

Sufficient potassium intake is important in maintaining your body's fluid balance as well as supporting nerve transmissions and the contraction of your muscles. One tbsp. of blackstrap molasses contains 510 mg of the 3,500-mg daily value recommendation, or 14.7 percent.

Copper

Copper is important for the metabolism of iron, which makes it vital in the synthesis of hemoglobin. The recommended daily value for copper is 4 mg, and 1 tbsp. of blackstrap molasses contains an average of 0.42 mg, or 10.5 percent.

Magnesium

Magnesium plays a critical role in metabolizing food into energy and also works with calcium to aid in muscle contractions and blood clotting. The recommended daily value of magnesium is 400 mg. and 1 tbsp. of blackstrap molasses provides 44 mg, or 11 percent.