Blackstrap Molasses: A Nutrient-Dense Superfood & Its Health Benefits

I just turned 41 & have started feeling the grips of hormonal changes along with having a history of huge fibroids. I had 5 lbs of fibroids removed last yr in a robotic surgery that went terrifically & preserved my fertility :) I still want to have children & decided to take a natural, active involvement in my health. I have always worked out religiously since I was 15 so I've been in great shape & been able to tolerate the pain of those fibroids. But at age 41 I was finding that I no longer could run on the junk food that I liked to eat & was lacking energy along with not having a normal cycle. I wanted so much to have a normal cycle without the complications of a birth control pill. ACV gave me that :) But I was also dealing with more heart palpitations that I just couldn't control with my diet & vitamin taking. Yesterday, it was really getting in my way of life so I ran out & got the molasses. And I'm so happy to report that it made those nasty heart palpitations go away, gave me energy to go play tennis that evening ( in fact, I was burning the court with my energetic plays) & is helping my chronic constipation. I've gone to the bathroom 3 times since last evening to this morning and that's simply wonderful!!! I urge everyone to try ACV & molasses ~ they are TERRIFIC!!!!

Regarding any warnings on Earth Clinic about molasses for anemia, I think it's important to remember that iron occuring in natural foods like molasses is balanced by all kinds of other minerals and trace minerals and so has a different effect on the body than a synthesized, inferior source of isolated iron in a pill. All of the minerals work synergistically in the body, buffering and enhancing one another.

In natural foods, you find them all together for a reason. We need them all, in order for any one of them to do their best for us. In addition, trace minerals in molasses such as, specifically, chromium, are essential to our body's metabolism of sugar, so consuming molasses is going to have nowhere near the negative effects on your body as consuming sugar *without* the trace minerals that are absolutely essential for its use by the body (as is the case in white, refined sugar).

Also, when one has a complaint about 'processed foods', it is because what is good for us, the nutrients, have been stripped away from the so-called 'refined' food left behind. In this case, molasses IS what has been stripped away (leaving the worthless refined white sugar behind), so molasses is of the highest nutrient-density. As a student in an M.S. program of study in Holistic Nutrition, I believe natural sources of minerals like molasses are *infinitely* superior to any synthesized supplements and should be encouraged, never discouraged.

Oh, and I like to put a tablespoon or two of blackstrap molasses in heated milk (or nut milk) as a mineral-rich, medicinal alternative to hot chocolate. :-)

WARNING!

PLEASE, PLEASE use caution when increasing iron intake from any source (particularly something like molasses that has been SO over processed -- it astounds me that people will turn their nose up at sugar as being a "processed" food, but ladle on tons of molasses, which is the sludge material left over from processing sugar, and is then further processed). Do I eschew molasses? No, it adds a nice touch of flavor to sweet treats and other foods.

Iron is good for the body, but can also lead to serious toxic problems. My mother had always taken iron supplements (she was once tested as low iron even with supplements -- I am the same). Then, she developed cancer and her iron levels became very, very low. The cancer was happily feeding on all the iron she was putting into her system. While one doctor just advised upping her iron more and more to keep iron levels up, a later doctor indicated that the excessive iron contributed to the rapid spread and return of her cancer. Before I knew the dangers of iron overload, I would eat the same iron-rich foods as I made for her, and even popped an iron supplement or two. Bad move. I damaged my heart.

So, please, before engaging in any iron supplement regimen, get another doctor's opinion about YOUR specific needs. And please, don't treat yourself for an iron deficiency without medical advice. Remember, iron is a heavy metal, and many people -- such as I -- have had to have chelation therapy to detox.

May I suggest maple syrup as a alternative choice for iron and nutrients?

I have excerpted the following from two cancer information website.
http://www.cancerproject.org/protective_foods/building_strength/iron.php
"Iron encourages the formation of cancer-causing free radicals. Of course, the body needs a certain amount of iron for healthy blood cells. But beyond this rather small amount, iron becomes a dangerous substance, acting as a catalyst for the formation of free radicals. Because of this, research studies have shown that higher amounts of iron in the blood mean higher cancer risk.,

Once iron is absorbed by the digestive tract, the body stores it. Most of us accumulate much more iron than we need. In spite of the advertising from iron supplement manufacturers, "iron overload" is much more common in America than iron deficiency. The reason is the daily diet of red meats, which contributes much more iron than most people can safely handle over the long run. A diet of grains, vegetables, fruits, and beans, and natural sugars such as maple, provides adequate iron, without the risk of overload."

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http://www.menweb.org/alexiron.htm

"Iron acts as a cancer-promoting agent by two separate yet synergistic mechanisms: 1) by producing "free radicals," and 2) by feeding cancer cells. Iron increases the production of free radicals, and-in fact-the production of free radicals is largely proportionate to the level of iron.4 This means that the more iron there is in the body, the more free radicals will be produced and thus the greater the risk of disease, in this case, cancer. Free radicals are oxygen-containing molecules which damage (oxidize) the DNA of cells. Since DNA controls the activities of the cell, once the DNA is damaged, the cell becomes "out of control." Essentially, all cancer cells are out of control. These cancer cells then replicate and grow rapidly and eventually infiltrate and damage the body's organs.

Additionally, cancer cells consume many nutrients and thereby starve the host. One of the nutrients cancer cells need most is iron. In fact, researchers now think that iron may be a "rate-limiting" nutrient for cancer cell growth.5 This means that the more iron that is available, the more the cancer cells will divide and flourish, and the better chance they have of killing the host. Recent research has shown that people with high levels of iron have an increased risk for cancer."

Black Strap Molasses has really helped my heavy bleeding and clotting due to fibroids. I do not know how it works but it is working.

I've been taking blackstrap molass in my coffee every day for the last 3 weeks and haven't noticed any changes in reversing gray hair. I'll keep at it until the jar finishes and see how that goes.

It provides me with a lot of energy. After a run, i normally get tired but takign 2 teaspoons with a drink, i don't feel the need for a nap. However, the calories in it makes you very fat if you don't work it off and I noticed that it gives me a lot of phlegm when I take it.

Starting using Blackstrap Molasses for Insomnia. Worked the very first night and then after. I take one-two tablespoons right before bedtime. I now get a full night sleep, no waking up in the middle of the night.

I was considering Molasses as I had a friend that used it successfully for her arthritis. I appreciate the warning on the iron as I recently had a blood test as part of a normal physical check-up, and although I am very healthy, I have been warned not to take iron supplements and to give blood 3 times a year due to my body storing the iron. Therefore, it is kind to warn people as not everyone might be aware of having this condition. I certainly wasn't until recently.

Yes, yes, yes. I have heard of this before. Used to be a vitamin product by sold by multilevel organization. The key component in the supplement was molasses. In fact the potassium concentration was identical to blackstrap molasses. Some people reported head aches if they took too much. I would definately cut back and take it with tons of water. Bret

I started taking one teaspoon of blackstrap molasses about four days ago and noticed the second day that about 3 hours after taking it I got a throbbing headache. I also feel a slight tingling all over my body a few hours after I take it? Is this normal? Do you think someone can develop diabetes from taking molasses first thing in the morning for long periods of time?

As kids we had a chiropractor "prescribe" black strap to us. We were maybe 10 and 7 and we each took a Tablespoon 2x per day so I'm sure the 2 Tablespoon dosage per day for your puppy would work also. Good Luck!

I had been wanting to find something - ANYTHING - to help with my lack of energy and pain throughout my body. A friend told me about your site, and I started reading about BSM. I rushed out and was able to buy some at Whole Foods. It is the Plantation Brand. I bought some for myself, my parents and my daughter. I started taking two tablespoons in the morning and one at night. Within 3 days, my energy levels are up and my body pain in nearly gone. The stiffness is subsiding. Throughout my life, I have been very active, but the past couple years have been very discouraging. After taking BSM for a mere 3 days (starting on my 4th) I cannot tell you how thankful I am.

My father, who just turned 77, was able to workout yesterday, felt energized along with feeling much less pain in his upper back. He also said that he felt very good when he got up yesterday morning. He's a weight-lifter and broke the world record at 75. Dead-lifted 500 lbs, so he would know if his energy level is up.

BSM is certainly a marvelous way to energize yourself and feel better. To Earth Clinic, thank you very much for the wonderful service you provide.

Lee

I had tried a lot of things to beat depression, Including: St John wort and different traditional medications. Molasses worked - no side effects. It is just a healthy food to eat. I have about 1- 2 table spoons a day. TO make it easier to eat I made a made a molasses based taffy.

Update: Since experimenting with other possibilities, I find that Aloe Vera works well at night, and Blackstrap Molasses in the morning. Raw Aloe works best. One or two tablespoons should be all you need. A perfect cure!

Purchased some blackstrap molasses 5 days ago for the first time and I cant believe after only taking 2 teaspoons for 3 days, I am no longer having hot flashes. I am shocked and will continue to take this for my usual low blood count. I feel so enegetic. I shared information with co-worker and picked her up a bottle too. Lets keep sharing this information so others will know the benefits of BSM. Joyce

I have been anemic all of my life, but it got worse when I my fibroids began to grow. After surgery my iron levels were still very low. My Hct hoovered around 21, the average is 41-53. I decided to try the BSM instead of taking iron pills. My Dr. checked my levels 2 weeks after taking BSM (1 TBSP/day in a cup of coffee or tea). I was still low, but it had increased to 34 instead of 21 which was a norm for me. The Doctor told me to keep doing what I am doing. I do have more energy while take BSM but I do notice that if I skip the weekend doses I begin to feel drained by Monday.

To the author of My Story: Maybe the black strap molasses you were using wasn't unsulphered. Thank you for the tip about sulpher causing heavy bleeding. Unsulphered seems the way to go for women.

Hi ,I just had to tell you what a blessing your site is! I just started using two tablespoons of molasses daily for my arthritis and hot flashes.Wow I just can't believe it works !!! Within two days my pain has almost gone away and no hot flashes and as an added bonus I have so much more energy! I am 53 and I don't feel or act like I am ,any longer!! God bless who ever came up with these {inexpensive} remedies. I am going to try some of thr rosacea remedied, I hope they work too. Thanks. Suzy

I tried Blackstrap Molasses after reading about it on this site. I was so amazed that it worked so quickly. I was only taking a teaspoon once a day for a couple of days before my period started and I didn't have any cramps. And I ALWAYS get cramps. Thanks Earth Clinic and all the people who write about their experiences!

Hi! This is a great website. I just tried the ACV yesterday and noticed an increase in my energy. I'm interested in trying the BSM for constipation. I bought some molasses, but it doesn't say "black strap" on it. Does it have to be black strap molasses, or is all molasses considered black strap molasses? Thanks, and God bless.

Should molasses be used in a glass of hot water or cold water?

Black strap molasses. Read the label. Very high in potassium. Potassium is never stored in our bodies. We lose it when urinating, diarhea, perspiration, and cell death. Potassium enters the cell quite readily and raises the ph. Higher ph then increases the perfusion of oxygen accross the cell membrane. Also, potassium aids in nerve transmission and strengthens contractility in heart muscle if potassium is low raising it is helpful. Also, Organic molasses has iron, iron increase hemoglobin production. This also means improved oxygen utilization. So, Molasses may indeed aid with energy, cognition, concentration, and endurance. Hope this helps.

I have been taking a teaspoon of blackstrap molasses every a.m. for the last two plus months. my energy level has increased by leaps and bounds. as far as the gray hair goes ??? I haven't really noticed a huge change but maybe with time it will show. I am a 55 year old female from MN. and have a positive feedback with blackstrap molasses.

I think the idea of black strap molasses to avoid graying hair is a great idea. As I think of it, my father used to eat some molasses every day on his biscuits and he was into his sixties before the gray began to show a bit. When he developed diabetes, he was ordered to stop the molasses, and his hair really became quite white within a year. I have heard that a B vitamin deficiency can cause gray hair. You are right, it cost a packet to color your hair and I don't think the toxic chemicals in most commercial hair dyes are good for your health- quite the contrary. I will buy some molasses soon and see what happens. I only have a small amount of gray, but if molasses will help, then why not. Maybe it will help with other complaints as well.
Thanks Earth Clinic angels!