Molasses

Sugar

  • Added Sugar

Definition

Thick syrup that is a byproduct of the sugar making process from sugar beets or sugar cane. There are many types including light, dark, and blackstrap molasses.

Also Known As

Treacle

Health Impact

Molasses may be a slightly healthier choice if you are going to eat sugar because unlike table sugar which has no nutritional value, molasses can contain many vitamins and minerals. However, excessive sugar intake is associated with adverse health conditions, including obesity, metabolic syndrome, and inflammatory diseases. Molasses is high in sugar, therefore, over consumption can lead to obesity, diabetes, and poor oral health. Consuming large amounts of molasses can lead to digestive problems such as diarrhea, bloating, and gas due to its high sugar content. Excessive sugar consumption may trigger neuroadaptations in the brain that decouple eating behavior from caloric needs and leads to compulsive overeating. The American Heart Association suggests an added-sugar limit of no more than 24 grams of sugar for most women and no more than 36 grams of sugar for most men each day.

Sources