Black strap molasses has been used for centuries in order to promote health and well being in the body.  Its rich and semi-sweet taste is like no other food on the planet.  Many claim that this black gooey substance helps to relieve several different chronic health conditions in the body. 

In fact, it’s been used to treat conditions such as anemia, all they way to conditions such as constipation.  The uses of this black superfood are endless!

However, black strap molasses naturally contains sugar.  As a result, those suffering from candida overgrowth are typically a bit weary of incorporating this food into their diet.  Yet, it remains unclear as whether the naturally occurring sugars present in black strap molasses will actually contribute to candida overgrowth in the body.

Luckily, by the end of this post, you will be able to make a better informed decision as to whether black strap molasses is right for you.  Below is a complete synopsis of the both the benefits and downfalls of incorporating black strap molasses into your anti-candida diet!

What is Black Strap Molasses?

It’s interesting, but many are completely unaware of what black strap molasses is and where it comes from.  For those in the dark, black strap molasses is the byproduct of the turning sugar beets into white sugar.  However, this black gooey substance contains far more benefits then toxic white sugar.

It’s actually quite ironic, black strap molasses is the most nutritious part of the sugar making process, yet, it’s often discarded while the unhealthy white sugar is sold to the general public.

That being said, only small amounts of sugar are actually present in black strap molasses. One tablespoon typically contains around 10 grams of sugar.

Full of Bioavailable Minerals

Black strap molasses is a rich source of easily absorbable minerals.  It’s naturally full of calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, phosphorus and iron.  Amazingly, one tablespoon of this black substance can provide the body with all of these minerals and more!

It’s for this reason that many health conscious individuals will actually use black strap molasses as a natural multivitamin.  However, unlike synthetic supplements, the minerals in black strap molasses are in a perfect balance and work synergistically together to ensure proper absorption in the body.

It’s well known that mineral deficiencies in the body can contribute to the growth of candida.  For example, one study found that a deficiency in the mineral zinc can lead to the growth of a hyper-activate candida yeast cell in the body which scientist deemed “goliath cell” (1).  Furthermore, magnesium has been shown to help inhibit the growth of candida and can be used to help treat candidiasis (2).

In fact, as well as candida sufferers oftentimes being deficient in several minerals, our food no longer contains the minerals they once did due to modern farming techniques and overworked soil.  Luckily, consuming just a tablespoon a day of black strap molasses can provide the body with much needed minerals.

Helps Keep the Body Regular

Chronic constipation is very common in those dealing with candida overgrowth.  This is mainly due to the fact that candida can cause intestinal inflammation which can have a negative impact on bowel movements.

Thankfully, black strap molasses is one the best things for keeping the body regular.  Its naturally soothing properties helps to ease bowel movements and can help to combat straining.  In fact, it was an old folk remedy for dealing with irregular bowel movements and assisting in complete emptying.

Luckily, a little goes a long way when it comes to black strap molasses.  Typically, one tablespoon of this black gooey substance daily is all that is needed in order to initiate regular bowel movements.  Many find that mixing it in water is the easiest way to take it.

High in Calcium and Magnesium

As mentioned before, molasses is very high in minerals.  In particular, it contains high amounts of both calcium and magnesium.  Both of these minerals are needed in order for proper utilization and absorption of each other.  It’s for this reason that natural food sources will usually have a 2:1 ratio of  calcium to magnesium.

This allows for maximum absorption in the body of these two minerals and ensures that the delicate balance between the two is kept in perfect ratio.  As previously mentioned, magnesium has been shown to have an anti-candida effect in the body.

However, magnesium is also needed for over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body and helps assist in several hundred different biological process in the body (3).  It’s also been shown to have a positive effect on intestinal health and can be used to treat constipation and improve stool consistency (4).

Furthermore, magnesium can help improve overall mood due to its ability to positively combat stress and anxiety (5).  Many find that increasing their magnesium intake naturally induces feelings of relaxation and can help improve overall quality of life.

Does Contain Sugar

Black strap molasses does in fact contain sugar.  You can expect to take in around 10 grams of sugar for every tablespoon of molasses that you consume.  That being said, if your diet is already low in sugar, this shouldn’t be too problematic for those with candida overgrowth.

In fact, many claim that the sugar present in the molasses helps in the absorption of the minerals that are present in it.  However, as always, whenever introducing a new food into your diet it’s important that you take it slow in the beginning.

Start out with as little as a tsp of black strap molasses a day and see how your body reacts.  If no negative side effects occur, increase your amount until you’ve reached a dosage you feel comfortable with.

Everyone is different.  Some may find that they do very well with black strap molasses, while other do not.  It’s for this reason that experimentation is must for anyone wanting to add this food into their anti-candida diet.  Just remember to take it slow in the beginning and to stop taking it if you notice you react poorly to it!

Could be Genetically Modified

One of the biggest problems with black strap molasses is that sugar beets is one of the most genetically modified crops in the world.  It’s important to understand that most black strap molasses comes from sugar beets.  As a result, there is a good chance that molasses could be a byproduct of a genetically modified plant.

It’s for this reason that you want to ensure that if you’re going to incorporate black strap molasses into you diet, always make sure that it’s organic.  Organic farming forbids the use of genetically modified organisms and ensures that you’re getting a natural product.

Furthermore, sugar beets are one of the most heavily sprayed crops in the world.  The use of pesticides is extremely common since sugar beets are vulnerable to falling victim to various insects.

This is yet another reason as to why you always want to choose an organic black strap molasses if you plant to incorporate it into your diet.

The Bottom Line – Should you Use Black Strap Molasses?

The benefits of black strap molasses are apparent and its uses are endless.  It’s one the most mineral rich foods on the entire planet.  As a result, it can be a great functional food for adding in much needed minerals into the diet. 

Those suffering with candida should use black strap molasses slowly in the beginning.  Start out with small doses and slowly work your way up to higher doses.  That being said, there is the possibility that you may find that you react poorly to black strap molasses.  If this is the case, simply remove it from the diet.

However, in our opinion, we believe that it can make an excellent addition to anyone’s diet if well tolerated.  It can provide the body with an abundance of minerals that can contribute to good overall health in the body!

Consider Our Candida Diet

If you haven’t done so we highly urge to check out our Crush Candida Cookbook for mouthwatering recipes that are both good for the gut and candida friendly.  Our cookbook can be perfect for anyone following a candida diet!

Also, be sure to check out our free Candida Diet Protocol Page.  Here you will find a free eating strategy that clearly lays out the best foods to consume if you suffer from candida overgrowth.  Don’t waste your money on an expensive candida eating program when you can get it for free!