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

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."

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.

I just had a hunch to look up molasses today I had not seen anything in regards to Blackstrap Molasses iv'e been taking and mom always used in cooking . I have fibro and I am now taking it again and feeling better. Only thing I have a high calcium level Blackstrap Molasses has calcium. Hoping I have no problem. Thanks for listening. GB all. Marilyn

I've been taking a tablespoon of BSM daily for Heart Palpitations (which worked by the way). When cutting my nails yesterday, I noticed that the white, half moons at the base of my nails (I've forgotten the name for these) reduced in size by half within one week! I'm completely amazed! I heard these were due to mineral deficiency but I'd been taking supplements and had just given up. Thanks Earth Clinic!

Are you using the unsulphured blackstrap? It only has 11 grams of sugar. I would say be mindful of what else you are using in conjuction with BSM. I have no side effects at all. Also remember body chemical is different for everyone. I am sure the benefits differ with individuals

re: black strap molasses. It cured my daily nose bleed. just a tablespoon in cup of hot water daily for a while a few years back. And now I'm wondering for better circulation of blood in feet & up legs.

In regards to molasses spiking your blood sugar level, try using cinnamon with raw honey or sprinkled on your cereal. Cinnamon is said to help regulate your sugar. I have talked to people who had diabetes, and they said it helped. You can research this.

Molasses (Remedy): Molasses is packed with iron and other nutrients. I have a large fibroid and have been losing lots of blood during period, this caused my iron deficiency! I was diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia and was not craving ice like many of the other writers, but was eating tons of MINTS. Ice craving, I have read many times, is associated with iron deficiency! It's actually called "Pica," or a craving for unusual substances without nutritional value. People often eat dirt as well. I noticed that when I ate molasses as well as started an iron supplement along with my usual multivitamin, my mint craving went away. I see that people say their ice craving went away after taking molasses and that made me want to mention the link with iron deficiency and this strange craving! Thanks, Katy.

I went to the health food store to ask about what I could give my 15 month-old son for constipation. They suggested 1-2 tsp. of blackstrap molasses in his bottle. I bought the bottle, came home, came to this website and discovered all different things this stuff is good for. I am 8 months pregnant. I was having a lot of trouble sleeping and developing symptoms of restless leg syndrome (common in pregnancy). I decided to give it a shot. Long story short, my son is pooping like a champ and I started sleeping through the night without any jerking limbs ON THE FIRST DAY! I ran out for one day, and I had a horrible night sleep. I am amazed and delighted.

I have been reading about iron because I'm not into meat... But I read you and your husband are mixing the black strap with tea.... There are beverages that block iron absortion and tea-coffee-milk are some of the drinks. So you might want to change that to reap the full benefits...

I started taking molasses; 1 tbsp in warm water in the morning and again in the evening; a few minutes before meals and I think it's cured my constipation. I stumbled upon this site when I was researching ACV. I also advised my friend to take it because she's been anemic all her life and she too is having free bowels. We only started taking it 5-6 days ago but I'll keep you all updated on her anemic condition and on my fibroids. Please remember us in your prayers. Thx. P.S. If anyone has any more information on any other remedies for uterine fibroids please do not hesitate to e-mail me; I'd really appreciate it.

Yes, Bonnie, the BSM keeps my iron levels and ferritin numbers up where they should be.

I've been taking molasses for about 1 month now and can feel the difference. I have more energy and yes, my dark brown hair is getting dark again! The gray is becoming less and less!

If you take a tablespoon of Black Strap Molasses after a night of drinks and then one in the morning, the effects don't seem as bad. I'm thinking it's the potassium that is the helper. This molasses has a lot of potassium. My husband tried it and he agreed that he felt much better in the morning. I at first recommended the molasses to my mother who was iron low and had a hard time with iron pills. Her iron was normal a few weeks later at her scheduled doctor apptmt. I read the bottle and noticed the potassium percentage and decided to try it after a cocktail party and was amazed!

I use Plantation Unsulphered blackstrap molasses. It cured anemia and increased my iron levels. Prior to taking molasses again, I used otc iron pills with minimal visible results. I now take two TBS daily of the molasses, and my iron levels rose. Although the molasses tastes different, it's better to take molasses now then chemo later in life.

I am extremely Anemic, especially during that time of month. I have tried Iron pills and Iron efficient foods such as spinach, but nothing really helped. So I looked in a natural cure book and I found out that pure black strap molasses has a high Iron proficiency so I mixed two heaping tablespoons of molasses in a glass with 16 oz of cold milk. I drank this concoction once or twice a day. It gave me so much energy and I didn't feel so sluggish during that time of month. Plus This molasses drink tastes so good (Much better than taking it straight), and just as effective. the sad part is pure black strap molasses is kind of expensive so I am not able to take it all the time. I would appreciate it if someone knows where I could get pure molasses for a cheap price to post it on this site, as I visit it frequently to find different cures.

i noticed that taking flax seed oil with the black strap turns your hair a lot faster. i have been taking both for a month and i am seeing streaks of my brown hair which i have not seen for years.

How in the world can you take two tablespoons? Wow I wish!! I tried half a teaspoon in hot chocolate and it still makes me gag, first time I tried BSM I took it straight, 1Tbs and I was vomiting all night😳

I have been extremely anemic most of my life. When I was pregnant they gave me the iron pills and they will constipate you and are not even a good source of iron. I got on the House of herbs black strap molasses and it made such a difference. It has 70% iron and I haven't found any other with such high content. I lost a baby and they wanted me to have a blood transfusion, but I didn't want to so instead to build my blood back up fast, I used the black strap molasses. I was recently diagnosed with degenerative disc disease and rheumatoid arthritis and am more anemic with the disease and recently I have been so fatigued and in reading about my disease and realizing I was just extremely anemic, I got the molasses out and instantly, I felt better in my head and had more energy. I have now ran out of it and have not been able to find the House of Herbs kind anywhere. This is why I got on here and if anybody can tell me where to order it, I would sure appreciate it. It is a life saver and the difference between feeling good and not. Thank you!

To one of the readers that had a miscarraige and rhuematoid arthritus and osteoporosis and severe anemia; and in fact, to all of you on this website that have unexplained anemia. Please look up and research thoroughly Celiac Disease. Celiac is a autoimmune response to gluten found in wheat, barley and rye. Just for pure knowledge (because few drs ever mention it), it is fascinating. I stumbled upon it myself and have 2/3rds of the symptoms. The major symptom is unexplained anemia. The number of diseases it's associated with is astonishing. Also google things like: 'testimonials of people who stopped eating wheat' and versions of testimonials. It's enlightening. Wishing you all good health. Note: This site is great. I'm going to frequent it! -L

Will have a feedback soon. So far I have natural bowel movements 2-3 times a day. Energy level much better. Suffer from high blood pressure but it has gone down without medications. Have a checkup the 21st of june let you know what they said and how molasses did to prepare me for the checkup also potassium was low use to take potassium pills let you know what happened at the doctor. Peace namaste.

Using blackstrap molasses, along with brewer's yeast and wheat germ, completely reversed the graying that had took hold of my dark brown hair. You could actually see individual strands that were gray/white turning brown again! My comment is to Wanda and everyone else who wanted to know how much molasses, brewer's yeast and wheat germ to use to reverse gray hair.

I always understood that "Consumption" meant T.B. i.e.Tuberculous?

Hi there,

I have never tried blackstrap molasses but I might be willing to take. Just kind of skeptical as to what I read here as blackstrap molasses has been used for curing cancer. This is because I have read where cancer cells love sugar and/or carbs and multiply that way. I'm just wondering if that would be defeating the purpose for cancer patients, since molasses contain sugars and carbs. Can anyone set me straight on this?

Thanks

It gave me the rest that I really needed. I was just recovering from a bad sinus infection. I was unable to sleep due to antihistamine D. Finally, I realized that Black Strap Molasses had loads of minerals. Therefore, I took 1 tablespoon in the morning and 1 tablespoon at night. I slept so well that night, the next day,I was almost late for work.