Blackstrap Molasses
What is Blackstrap Molasses? Blackstrap molasses is just one type of molasses, the dark liquid byproduct of the process of refining sugar cane into table sugar. It is made from the third boiling of the sugar syrup and is therefore the concentrated byproduct left over after the sugar’s sucrose has been crystallized. Blackstrap molasses may also be used as a natural iron supplement for those who cannot tolerate the constipation associated with other iron supplementation.
Blackstrap molasses is teeming with all kinds of minerals that are highly absorbable for the system. Molasses is also an excellent source of manganese, calcium, copper and a very good source of copper, potassium, magnesium, B6 and selenium. (See the Nutrition section for natural forms of all of these vitamins/minerals).
How do you know you need extra iron? If you are craving sugar, are vegetarian or vegan, or have a tan area below your cheek areas or on your chin you are low in minerals—specifically iron. Most likely you will just be totally drained of energy by the time the chin is tan.
When I see a tan chin, I know my client is just about at that stage where they will need to go to a medical doctor who will then put them on iron pills (which are very constipating and sometimes cause nausea…and I see lots of clients who don’t take all their pills.)
Most likely, if you need the minerals, you will like the molasses. You should be able to get it at your local health food store or Co-op. I use Plantation brand, but there are other excellent brands on the market (Brer Rabbit, Grandma’s, Mother Hubbard’s) . Get a brand made from cane sugar (these days it needs to be organic because they spray sugar cane 3-4 days prior to harvesting it with Round up to increase the sugar content so they can make more money) instead of beet sugar (beet sugar has sulfites in it). Reference: https://naturalsociety.com/which-of-your-foods-are-sprayed-with-round-up-just-3-days-before-harvest/
Organic Cane Sugar Blackstrap Molasses ensures that it is not contaminated with Round-up.
Some of my clients prefer to actually purchase Floridex, which is a natural liquid iron supplement you get in the health food store as well. It just seems outrageously expensive, has a short shelf life and it tastes horrible. Very effective though.
Often I’ll have diabetics ask me if it’s safe for them to take blackstrap molasses. Usually the dose is only 1-2 teaspoons/day. If you mix it with some food that has protein in it, (like yogurt or a fruit/veggie combo smoothie with protein powder added) you should be just fine.
Helpful Links and References for Blackstrap Molasses:
- Tan chin and iron deficient anemia: https://naturalhealthtechniques.com/specificdiseasesanemiatanchin/
5 Benefits of blackstrap molasses: https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/benefits-blackstrap-molasses#1 - 19 Uses for Blackstrap Molasses: https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/other/health-benefits-of-molasses.html