On nutrition: Comparing honey and molasses

When my son-in-law hinted that he was out of my granola and it “was the one factor that tasted good” when he was sick, I knew it was time to make one other batch. Then I acquired this letter: “I certain take pleasure in your columns on meals and diet that seem in The Dallas Morning Information. I would really like so that you can write someday concerning the dietary worth of honey vs. molasses.”—Al W.

Comfortable to, Al, since I take advantage of molasses and honey in my granola. Each are thought-about “added sugars” by diet specialists. But every has some redeeming worth when consumed moderately.

In keeping with the U.S. Division of Agriculture Meals Knowledge Central, one tablespoon of molasses has about 60 energy and 15 grams of carbohydrates (within the type of sugar). The primary sort of sugar in molasses is sucrose (aka desk sugar).

And that is not shocking since molasses is a byproduct of the sugar-making course of. After sugar crystals are extracted from the juice of sugar cane or sugar beets, the thick brown liquid left over is molasses.

The longer this liquid is boiled, the extra concentrated it will get. Thus, the phrases gentle, darkish, or blackstrap molasses—the thickest and darkest of the three. Blackstrap molasses can also be a extra concentrated supply of vitamins.

Relying on which kind you select, molasses is a surprisingly respectable supply of a number of vitamins, together with calcium, iron, and magnesium, with smaller quantities of zinc and selenium.

Honey is created from … honey. It is a recipe made by bees, flowers, and mother nature, based on the honey growers on the Nationwide Honey Board (honey.com ). Honey is analogous in energy and carbs to molasses, however its composition is considerably totally different. Whereas molasses is primarily sucrose, honey’s primary sugar is fructose.

The importance of that is that fructose is absorbed extra slowly into the bloodstream. Honey can also be sweeter than different sorts of sugar so we will use a smaller quantity for a similar sweet taste.

Honey has been studied for a bunch of well being advantages, together with its use in treating wounds. Honey additionally comprises antioxidant compounds that present promise in preventing varied ailments, based on a 2021 evaluate revealed within the journal Antioxidants.

I used to be joyful to study that my sizzling tea with honey after I’m sick is an efficient factor. In reality, it is really useful in its place cough suppressant by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Well being Group.

One warning. Don’t introduce honey to a baby below the age of 12 months as a consequence of an elevated threat for toddler botulism. Honey is secure for anybody one and older.

Molasses and honey add an ideal candy contact to granola and different recipes. Take pleasure in.

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