Here’s a secret: I take blackstrap molasses to prevent gray hair and it actually works! I’m 47 and have very few gray hairs, even though all the women in my family grayed very young. I’ve been taking it daily for years by adding it to yogurt or a cup of water (and drinking it fast with a straw - it tastes bitter!), but I stopped taking blackstrap molasses several months ago when I ran out. I didn’t think much of it but suddenly I noticed I was getting gray hair, so now I’m using it to not only prevent new grays, but also to reverse the grays that came in (it’s a slow process, some may say as slow as molasses ;)).
What even is Blackstrap Molasses?
What causes gray hair? Gray hair is a result of the loss of pigment in hair follicles. This loss of pigment is primarily due to oxidative stress, which is caused by the accumulation of harmful free radicals in the body. Free radicals damage the melanin-producing cells in the hair follicles, leading to a reduction in melanin production and ultimately resulting in gray hair. So how does Blackstrap Molasses help? Blackstrap molasses is an excellent source of copper, a trace mineral that is essential for the production of melanin. Copper also acts as an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress in the body. This makes copper an essential nutrient for healthy hair and scalp. In addition to copper, blackstrap molasses is also rich in iron, another essential nutrient for healthy hair. Iron helps to increase the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles. This improved blood flow can help to nourish the hair follicles and promote healthy hair growth. How do I take it? Which brand do I take? To incorporate blackstrap molasses into your diet, all you need is 1 TBSP a day. I like the Plantation Blackstrap Molasses and I find it at Whole Foods. You can add it to your morning oatmeal, smoothies, yogurt, a glass of water, or use it as a natural sweetener in your baking. Just be sure to choose unsulphured blackstrap molasses, as sulphured versions may have added chemicals that can be harmful to your health. What do you think? Would you try this? Not everyone likes the flavor, not gonna lie! You have to get used to it. DM me on IG and let me know if you have questions about how to prevent your grays, I love hearing from you!