by fiona mccormack
During or around the time of the menstrual cycle I'm sure many of you out there crave sugar. In fact, at times, the cravings can be so overwhelming that you find yourselves going to any lengths to get yourself something sweet! I am no exception. During my research over the past few years I thought I had tried just about every kind of sweetener but seemed to have overlooked a very important one - Blackstrap Molasses!
Blackstrap Molasses are something that my grandmother talked about having back when she was a child. I hardly heard of anyone using them anymore so I figured that the more popular choices today eg Agave Nectar, Maple Syrup etc were the way to go.......but perhaps I should have paid more attention to my elders!
Blackstrap Molasses are the result of the third boiling of crushed sugar cane. By the third boiling most of the sugar has already been extracted so what you are left with is a bitter sweet dark treacle like syrup. This by-product is very nutrient rich containing calcium, B vitamins, chromium, copper, magnesium, manganese and potassium. It has an unusual but satisfying bitter sweet flavor and can be added to smoothies, hot tea, baking recipes and savory dishes. This sweetener is actually good for you! Who knew?
Blackstrap Molasses are also an excellent source of iron - making it the sweetener of choice during your menstrual cycle. Not only will it satisfy your sweet tooth but it will help replenish those lost iron stores. Vegetarians/vegans and those suffering from anemia will also benefit greatly from this rich dark substance. The University of Maryland Medical Center also recommends Blackstrap Molasses as a good source of iron.
When buying, make sure you purchase the unsulphured type. Try to find a brand who uses organic sugar cane. A good one is by Wholesome Sweeteners
http://www.wholesomesweeteners.com/brands/Wholesome_Sweeteners/Fair_Trade_Certified_Organic_Blackstrap_Molasses.html
