A by-product of sugar can reduce sugar cravings

I find it so interesting that one of the minerals that is removed from the sugar cane as it is processed is the same mineral that helps prevent sugar cravings, which is just another reminder that we should be eating foods in their natural form.

When sugar is made

When white sugar us made, the juice from the sugar cane is stripped of all its nutrients so that we’re left with just the simple carbohydrate. Raw sugar has a tiny bit added back in and brown sugar a little bit more. The problem here is that if the nutrients were never removed, we wouldn’t be constantly craving the sugar, so let’s look at adding them back into our diet.

Molasses

Blackstrap molasses, or simply molasses as it’s known in Australia, is the by-product of refined sugar, and because so much of the water has evaporated in the process of making sugar, it’s particularly high in nutrients.

Chromium

One of the minerals that has been highly studied in both its ability to regulate metabolism, as well as reduce sugar cravings is chromium.  Chromium improves glucose metabolism in those with type 2 diabetes, as well as reducing cholesterol levels. What’s interesting is that this mineral is highly concentrated in molasses, whilst a diet high in sugar will deplete your body of chromium. This explains why sometimes once you start eating sugar, you can just keep going.

Mineral content

But it doesn’t stop there, molasses is also high in iron, calcium, magnesium, and manganese, all of which are important for bones and muscles. It also contains phosphorus, potassium, zinc, selenium, copper, cobalt and iodine, some B vitamins, and antioxidants. Because of its high mineral content, molasses is often given to animals to keep them healthy, while we eat the sugar!

Recipe ideas

Now before you throw back a tablespoon of molasses, let me give you some tips on how to eat it, because it has some pretty strong flavours and I don’t want you giving up before you get started.

Chai tea – because the spices in a chai have strong flavours, a teaspoon of molasses is a lovely sweetener without it being overwhelming.

Baked goods – in combination with other sweeteners, molasses can be a great choice here, especially when there are spices or fruit: banana bread, date and cinnamon muffins, etc

Asian cooking – when there is a sweetener required, molasses is a great choice.

If need further help with sugar cravings or regulating your glucose, you can sign up for my tips for reducing the cravings on my home page.