Why You Need Blackstrap Molasses In Your Life

Blackstrap molasses. Sounds like something you wouldn't want to put in your mouth. But what if I told you that you should, and everyday? Find out why you're missing out if you're not taking blackstrap religiously after the jump!

Blackstrap Molasses - what is it and why should you be taking it daily? // Plant Based Bride

First things first, what is blackstrap molasses?

Blackstrap is just one type of molasses. Molasses is the byproduct of removing the sugar from sugar cane juice by boiling. The first boiling produces light molasses (the sweetest type) and second boiling produces dark molasses (the mid-sweetness type). This is because each time the juice is boiled, more sugar is extracted - rendering the left over substance (molasses) less sweet.

Blackstrap molasses is a result of the third boiling, making it thicker, darker, and the least sweet. It is more bitter than regular or light molasses, but also has incredible health effects - as its vitamin and mineral content has been highly concentrated.

The benefits of blackstrap molasses...

...are plentiful. Just one tablespoon of blackstrap molasses is only 60 calories yet carries a serious nutritional punch with:

21% of your recommended daily intake of potassium (important for a healthy nervous system and preventing arthritis);
10% of your recommended daily intake of calcium (essential for bone health);
15% of your recommended daily intake of iron (vital for the creation of red blood cells);
10% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin B6 (another piece of the red blood cell puzzle), and;
8% of your recommended daily intake of magnesium (used in conjunction with calcium for bone production and maintains heart heath).

It has also been noted, anecdotally, that consumption of blackstrap molasses improves hair and skin health due to its copper content, approximately 14% of your recommended daily intake, which aids in cell rebuilding. It also contains manganese and zinc, both essential to good health.

Not enough for you? The vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in blackstrap molasses are speculated to:

soften stool (and therefore improve bowel movement regularity and quality);
reduce skin aging,
improve skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis, and;
help prevent cancer.

So now that you're convinced that you SHOULD take it...

How much do you need?

Most recommendations are for between 1 and 2 tablespoons a day. Depending on the nutrient density of your diet you should adjust blackstrap intake accordingly (aka those who eat a whole food plant based diet may only need 1 tbsp, while junk food vegans may want to take 2!)

How do you take it?

Some like to mix it into a glass of warm water for a mineral tonic, while others simply spoon it into their mouths and chase it with water or another drink! I like to maximize my iron absorption by chasing it with a juice or smoothie that's high in vitamin C.

I hope you'll consider picking up some organic blackstrap molasses and adding it to your daily routine!

Until next time,