Molasses is a thick syrup that people use as a sweetener. It is a byproduct of the sugar-making process, and it comes from crushed sugar cane or sugar beets. First, manufacturers crush sugar cane or sugar beets to extract the juice.
How do you make molasses?
Molasses is a thick, dark syrup made during the sugar-making process. First, the sugar cane is crushed and the juice is extracted. The juice is then boiled to form sugar crystals and removed from the liquid. The thick, brown syrup left after removing the sugar from the juice is molasses.
The lighter grades of molasses made from sugarcane are edible and are used in baking and candy-making and to make rum. Blackstrap and other low grades of cane molasses are used in mixed animal feed and in the industrial production of vinegar, citric acid, and other products.
Is molasses healthier than sugar?
Many people use blackstrap molasses in place of refined sugars for health reasons. They’re lower on the glycemic index than conventional sweeteners, which means they won’t spike your blood sugar as much. This makes blackstrap molasses a great alternative for people working to maintain healthy blood sugar level
Should diabetics avoid molasses?
Molasses does not quickly break down into glucose, making it somewhat safer than other sweeteners for people with diabetes or insulin resistance. However, because molasses is high in carbohydrates, people living with diabetes should consume it in moderation.
By slipping this versatile sweetener into your daily meals, you may enjoy a variety of health benefits. These include bone and hair health to tackling anemia and constipation. However, it’s key to remember that blackstrap molasses is still a source of sugar and should be eaten in small amounts.
Nutrition Facts
Sources include: USDA
|
Amount Per |
| Calories 290 |
| % Daily Value* | |
| Total Fat 0.1 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat 0 g | 0% |
| Cholesterol 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium 37 mg | 1% |
| Potassium 1,464 mg | 41% |
| Total Carbohydrate 75 g | 25% |
| Dietary fiber 0 g | 0% |
| Sugar 75 g | |
| Protein 0 g | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0% | Calcium | 20% |
| Iron | 26% | Vitamin D | 0% |
| Vitamin B6 | 35% | Cobalamin | 0% |
| Magnesium | 60% |
| *Per cent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. |