Molasses is a thick, syrupy, dark brown sweetener known as a byproduct of processing sugar cane and sugar beets. Molasses was first mentioned in a Portuguese book in 1582 and was initially used to make rum and remained the sweetener of choice in the United States through the 1800s.

Light molasses is most commonly used as a sweetener for baking, while dark molasses is thicker, contains less sugar, and is used in gingerbread, beans, or barbeque sauce. The thickest kind is the blackstrap molasses, which contains vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium, leading health experts to believe it holds excellent health benefits (via The Spruce Eats).

Because of its iron content, molasses were used to remedy iron deficiency in the 1930s and to remedy stomachaches. When consumed regularly, it can help relieve PMS symptoms, alleviate symptoms of ADHD, and make skin healthy and glowing (via Dr. Axe).

Molasses, which can be taken as a warm beverage or straight from the jar, also contain selenium, copper, and calcium, all of which contribute to guarding against osteoporosis. Blackstrap molasses also has enough potassium to keep blood pressure low and may even help increase good cholesterol.

Blackstrap molasses contains more antioxidants that help protect cells against damage from free radicals. Molasses is also rich in B vitamins that combat stress and anxiety and lactic acid, which can help fight against pimples and blackheads and promote the healing of damage to the skin, such as burns, cuts, and other lesions.