Sticky, thick and robustly flavored, molasses is a byproduct of sugar production. Its distinctive flavor makes it a common ingredient in baked beans, gingerbread and other savory foods. Unlike refined sugar, molasses retains some of the original vitamins and minerals found in sugar cane, and its high iron content makes it useful in the treatment of iron-deficiency anemia. Consult your physician before attempting to treat anemia on your own.
Definition
Anemia is a medical condition that occurs when your body can't produce enough red blood cells to adequately transport oxygen, leading to fatigue, weakness, pale skin, lightheadedness, headaches, low body temperature and shortness of breath, the University of Maryland Medical Center explains. Although the most common type of anemia results from iron deficiency, anemia can have other causes as well, including folate or B-12 deficiency, digestive conditions like celiac disease, autoimmune disorders, certain medications and an inherited condition called sickle cell anemia.
Benefits
Molasses is a rich source of iron, with 1 tbsp. providing 20 percent of your daily requirement for this mineral, according to the National Institutes of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements. If you suffer from anemia caused by inadequate iron consumption, adding molasses to your diet -- either as a food ingredient or a supplement straight off the spoon -- can help increase your intake of this mineral. Because molasses is derived from plant sources, it's suitable for vegetarians or vegans who don't consume iron-rich meat or seafood.
Drawbacks
Molasses contains nonheme iron, the form of iron available from plant foods. Unlike heme iron found in animal products, nonheme iron is absorbed inefficiently and may not be fully used by your body, the Office of Dietary Supplements explains. To increase your absorption of the nonheme iron in molasses, consume it alongside vitamin C rich foods such as citrus, or eat it with animal foods containing heme iron such as red meat, poultry and shellfish. If your anemia is the result of something other than iron deficiency, such as an autoimmune or digestive disorder, consuming molasses may not help improve your condition.
Considerations
Although rich in iron and other minerals, molasses is a form of concentrated sugar, containing virtually no fiber, protein or fat. If you're on a calorie- or sugar-reduced diet, or if you have diabetes or other conditions related to blood glucose control, you may need to limit your consumption of this food. If you have anemia, consult your physician to determine a treatment plan including diet, supplement or medication adjustments.
