Something new from something old

     One problem that with our sedentary lifestyle is that we don't have an opportunity to as they say, "get the blood flowing."  Many of us sit at a desk during the day and then come home to sit some more.  In addition to finding time in our busy schedules to get in a walk there are some easily available items on our kitchen shelves that can help.

     Have you ever considered including a spoonful of molasses in your oatmeal in the morning, or perhaps sweetening your coffee or tea with it?  Molasses is the thick syrup that is produced when the sugar cane plant it processed to make refined sugar.  The irony of that is that the toxic, unhealthy refined sugar is sold to us in 5 lb bags while the highly nutritious molasses which contains all the minerals and nutrients absorbed by the plant is more likely destined to be sold as feed for livestock.

     Blackstrap molasses is the highest and most nutritious grade of all the types of molasses sold.  It has many healthy benefits, among them being that it is rich in iron and minerals that helps the body produce red blood cells that carry much needed oxygen throughout our circulatory system.  That boost of iron combats anemia as well.  In addition it rebuilds the skin structure, resulting in improved hair quality and color.  It is also a safe sweetener for diabetics and a good sugar substitute besides being a natural laxative.  Blackstrap molasses is high in calcium and magnesium.  Those two valuable minerals guard against osteoporosis and aids in the growth and development of bones.  Unsulfured molasses reduces swelling with its anti-inflammatory properties.



     Perhaps we should re-write the Mary Poppins song about "a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down" and for our general health and well-being be singing about a spoonful of molasses being healthy medicine all by itself!