I recently discovered, and proceeded to purchase my first bottle of blackstrap molasses. It seemed a cruel joke that after purchasing it, I found out its health benefits have been known for generations– my grandmother’s generation, using it as a health tonic and treatment for anemia. The minerals in the blackstrap mollases bottle that I bought read boldly: iron, calcium, potassium. The presence of these three minerals, along with essential trace minerals, make it a popular power food. The refining process of sugar cane that leads to the byproduct, blackstrap molasses, is an interesting one. Essentially, blackstrap mollases is the residue left over after refining raw sugar cane into white sugar.

Here are just a few of the diseases that blackstrap molasses is said to have cured or ameliorated: low iron count, certain cancers, fibroid tumors, iron anemias, sickle cell anemias, acne, arthritis, grey hair, hair loss. There are many testimonials of people who claim that blackstrap mollases has helped to improve the symptoms associated with the aforementioned conditions.

It is not considered the best tasting health food. It is commonly mixed in a blender with fruit and juices or milk to make it more palatable. Many acquire a taste for it, even using it as a substitute for sugar in their morning coffee. Those wishing to increase their iron count, typically wash it down with lemon juice, because the iron is better absorbed with vitamin C.

It is a great tonic to use for menstrual symptoms. Consistent use has not only been known to shorten the time for menstrual cycles, but has also been known to replenish the lost iron that can lead to anemia like symptoms during that time of the month– as well as reduce the severity of cramps. Although it is very nutrient dense, it is very important to not consume too much; this is especially true for men who are more susceptible than women to iron build up.

The unsulphured blackstrap molasses that I purchased, came in an unassuming bottle and was at the bottom of the Whole Foods shelf. Who knew that this power food could have so many uses! Blackstrap mollases will not likely be in your neighborhood grocery store. You might have to look in a Whole foods or Central market to find it– and there are different forms of blackstrap mollases; for example, unsulphhured versus sulphured mollases are two choices that you will find, so named, due to the method of processing of the sugar cane. Unsulphured mollases is considered a healthier choice.