Something that could help your anemia...

Thanks so much for the suggestion, will try it when I am back home State side...not sure if I can get it here...Sharon

I was actually thinking of trying this; so funny you posed it! I do a lot of baking anyway, and I actually don't mind the taste. Good suggestion!

be careful molasses can cause digestive and excess gas for some people.

also cooking in old fashioned cast iron pans helps get more iron in your diet.

Blackstrap Molasses has a lower sugar content (has a low glycemic index), so those with sugar issues should be less bothered by it. As for gas, yes, it could up that, but it's a more natural source of a bunch of nutrients, and more holistic, than taking a pill... I think it's still worth a shot for some. Iron pills constipate me, even those less likely to do so (like iron glycinate), so the trade off for me is big.

If you notice it to be bothersome that way, cut back to a tsp or 2, rather than a TBSP.

Yes, the point is, it doesn't hurt to try, especially if you don't tolerate oral iron well. If you find that the molasses is causing gas or other issues, simply discontinue it, as with anything else.

I take a teaspoon of it every morning with my plain yogurt, I let it sit for a while before eating it.Is very tasty and it has a lot of minerals.

Does anyone know if this would be okay on the FODMAP diet? My daughter is trying the diet and her iron is low. Molasses is on the no list for FODMAP, but I don't know if black strap is different, or is all molasses the same?
Thank you.

I don't know about the diet, but here's a blurb on it:


Blackstrap molasses has a low glycemic index, which means the glucose and carbohydrates are metablolised slowly, demanding less insulin production and stabilising blood sugar.
While regular ol’ white sugar actually depletes your body of nutrients, blackstrap molasses will provide you with a whole host of important minerals. Being high in iron, folic acid and B vitamins means it is great for your blood. It is high in calcium and magnesium, which is important for bone production and energy. Because it contains potassium, magnesium and manganese it is also beneficial to the nervous system and heart health. On top of those it contains copper and zinc.

Blackstrap molasses has been touted for its wide spread healing ability with cases including growths, strokes, arthritis, ulcers, skin conditions, high blood pressure, constipation, varicose veins, anaemia, bladder issues, gall-stones, nerve cases and pregnancy. It is also among the list of alkaline foods, while white sugar is highly acidic.

Its a big NO on FODMAP diet. Also beware as it is a "hidden" ingredient in many foods.

I suppose it's something for your daughter to avoid then.

One more thing to add about blackstrap - until I read the carton last night, I hadn't realized how high it is in potassium, on top of everything else. Just one TBS has 530mg, which is a significant amount. I've been low on potassium before, so that's another thing I can go to for a boost.

That being said, in my travels I've noticed that blackstrap is not always readily available at major chain stores (fancy molasses seems to be almost exclusively stalked, probably because it's more commonly used in baking than blackstrap), so your best bet would be a health food store or a shop that stalks specialty baking supplies. In Canada, you can also buy it "loose" at Bulk Barn. Also, if you live in the Toronto area, Ambrosia Natural Foods definitely carries it and this is where I've typically purchased mine for recipes in the past.

I am bringing this back up since I am low in Copper, Zinc, Iron and Vitamin D. the D I am on a very high dose to get back up. Neurology at CC first said people with the issues I am having are HIV patients. Since I got a blood transfusion 2 years ago they tested me to be safe.

But I am wondering if anyone has a brand of black strap molasses that they can recommend? I need to start using it to get the levels up.

Thanks for this - I will try it!

Oddly enough I found this post when searching FODMAP, but I actually have been struggling with Aenemia for awhile and after infusions am still not keeping my iron up.

My understanding from my GI is that with the FODMAP you can try introducing foods, so some people may be OK with blackstrap molasses and some may not.

Good luck to you all. And if you are still on here - is there a brand of blackstrap molasses you'd recommend?

I use Grandma's unsulphured molasses - Robust. The label says a one teaspoon serving contains 8% of the daily requirement for iron. There were a few different brands of molasses on the grocer's shelf that had iron contents of 2 to 4%. Read the label carefully.

Brer Rabbit unsulphered black strap molasses is my choice.

http://www.foodfacts.com/Nutri...asses-12-fl-oz/67831