Molasses is a viscous substance that is generated as a waste during the production of sugar . It is a sticky liquid with a sweet taste and a dark color.
It can be said, therefore, that molasses is a byproduct of sugar processing . The canes, once harvested, are burned to brown and then pressed to obtain their juice. Said juice is boiled so that the water evaporates and is placed in centrifuges that allow the extraction of the sugar crystals: the resulting liquid is molasses.
Beyond being a waste product, molasses can be consumed and it is even attributed beneficial properties to the body . It is often used in the production of soy sauce , stout beer and rum , and even as a dietary supplement .
Also called cane honey , molasses is suggested as an alternative sweetener to refined sugar. Because it has a moderate glycemic content, it provides few calories , although it supplies iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium and other nutrients.
Cane molasses is the alternative to honey for vegans , who do not consume any products of animal origin. Although one is made by bees and the other is part of a process applied to sugar cane by humans, their appearance and consistency are similar. Molasses is liquid but dense and is ideal for sweetening and decorating foods.
The benefits of molasses are far superior to those of white sugar, since it provides us with a significant amount of vitamins and minerals . It is enough to consume one tablespoon a day to receive the proportion of minerals necessary for proper nutrition, which includes iron, magnesium and calcium. In this way, we keep the body protected and energized, in addition to strengthening the bone system and promoting the development of organs.
Thanks to its vitamin contribution, molasses also reinforces our vitality and, consequently, our mood. This is especially helpful when going through periods of depression or lack of determination in life. Iron is one of the keys to its energy supply, which can help us in case of anemia; The fatigue associated with this disorder arises precisely due to a lack of iron in the body.
For women, the iron from molasses is especially recommended during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and even menstruation. Nervousness and anxiety can also be treated with molasses; In particular, vitamin B6 and calcium improve sleep and promote rest during the night to feel active in the morning.
Another benefit of molasses is its analgesic action in case of arthritis, among other problems that cause pain, such as rheumatism. It also helps prevent heart disease, a reason enough to include it in our diet , especially if we replace white sugar with it. In addition to everything said, molasses is good for keeping skin clean and delaying aging; In fact, it is included in several industrial cosmetic products.
It is important to note that molasses is often used as feed for livestock due to its high energy level. In ruminants, it helps them make better use of fibrous elements such as hay and straw.
Various studies have shown that, by including molasses in the feed rations of cattle and sheep, the digestibility of organic matter in general and of fibers in particular is increased. Another advantage mentioned by experts is that it helps mask the bad taste of other foods, such as urea or low-quality cereals .