Does Molasses Cause Inflammation in the Body? The Surprising Truth

November 25, 2025 •

4 min read

Research has shown that extracts from sugarcane molasses possess significant antioxidant activity, which may help mitigate oxidative stress and inflammation. So, does molasses cause inflammation in the body, or is its reputation as a "healthier" sugar earned? The answer is far from straightforward and depends heavily on context and consumption.

Quick Summary

Molasses contains antioxidants and minerals that may offer anti-inflammatory benefits, but it is also high in sugar. Consumed in moderation, it may not be inflammatory, but excessive intake risks promoting systemic inflammation, similar to other sugars.

Key Points

Contains Anti-Inflammatory Compounds: Molasses, especially blackstrap, contains polyphenols and minerals like magnesium that offer antioxidant and potential anti-inflammatory benefits.
Is Still High in Sugar: As a concentrated sugar byproduct, excessive molasses consumption can lead to blood sugar spikes and systemic inflammation, similar to other sugars.
Dependent on Dosage: The effect on inflammation is dose-dependent. A small amount provides nutrients, but a large quantity can trigger pro-inflammatory responses.
Limited Human Research: While preclinical studies are promising, there is a lack of conclusive human trial data to definitively prove its anti-inflammatory effects in people.
Moderation is Essential: For most people, consuming molasses in moderation as part of a balanced diet is the best approach to mitigate any potential inflammatory risks associated with its sugar content.
Blackstrap is Most Nutrient-Dense: Of the different types of molasses, blackstrap contains the highest concentration of beneficial minerals.
Part of a Larger Diet: Focusing on overall dietary habits, rather than relying solely on molasses for anti-inflammatory effects, is the most effective strategy.

The Anti-Inflammatory Potential: What's Inside Molasses

Molasses, particularly the darker varieties like blackstrap, is a byproduct of the sugar refining process that retains many of the original plant's nutrients. Unlike refined white sugar, which is stripped of nearly all its nutritional value, molasses is a decent source of several vitamins and minerals. These components are the source of its potential anti-inflammatory properties:

Antioxidants: Molasses is rich in antioxidants, including polyphenols and flavonoids, which combat oxidative stress in the body. Chronic oxidative stress can damage cells and trigger a persistent inflammatory response. Antioxidants work by neutralizing harmful free radicals, thereby reducing the burden on the immune system.
Minerals: It contains important minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium. Magnesium, in particular, plays a critical role in regulating muscle and nerve function and may be involved in modulating inflammatory responses. A deficiency in magnesium has been linked to increased inflammation. Calcium is vital for bone health and proper cellular signaling.
Preclinical Evidence: Several in-vitro and animal studies have explored the anti-inflammatory effects of molasses or its extracts. For example, research on sugarcane molasses polyphenol extract has shown it can significantly reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in animal models of chronic liver damage. Another study found that sugar-free molasses increased anti-inflammatory cytokines in cells from patients with ulcerative colitis.

The Pro-Inflammatory Risk: The High Sugar Content

Despite its appealing nutrient profile, molasses is, at its core, a sugar. Sugar is a well-established driver of inflammation, especially when consumed in excess. The potential pro-inflammatory effects are largely due to:

Insulin Resistance: High intake of any sugar can lead to frequent blood sugar spikes and subsequent insulin resistance. This metabolic stress can activate inflammatory pathways throughout the body, raising the risk for chronic diseases.
Advanced Glycation End-Products (AGEs): When excess sugar circulates in the bloodstream, it can bind to proteins and fats, forming harmful compounds known as AGEs. The accumulation of AGEs is a major contributor to inflammation and oxidative stress.
Gut Microbiome Disruption: An overconsumption of sugar can alter the delicate balance of the gut microbiome. This can increase the permeability of the intestinal wall, allowing bacteria and other inflammatory particles to enter the bloodstream and trigger an immune response.

Molasses vs. Refined Sugar: A Comparative Look

To understand the nuances of its inflammatory impact, it's helpful to compare molasses directly with its more refined counterpart, white sugar. While molasses is often considered the "healthier" option, it is not without its risks.


Feature	Molasses (Blackstrap)	Refined White Sugar
Refinement Level	Less refined, byproduct of sugar production.	Highly refined, processed to remove all nutrients.
Nutrient Content	Contains minerals (iron, magnesium, calcium) and B-vitamins.	Contains almost no vitamins or minerals.
Antioxidant Profile	Significant antioxidant activity from polyphenols.	No antioxidant activity.
Inflammatory Risk (at High Intake)	Moderate to High, due to high sugar content. Potential benefits are outweighed by risks of excessive consumption.	High, with no redeeming nutrient value.
Glycemic Index (GI)	Moderate GI; impact on blood sugar is slower than refined sugar.	High GI; causes rapid blood sugar spikes.
Overall Health Impact	Can offer some health benefits in moderation, but still a sugar.	Minimal to no health benefits; primarily empty calories.

The State of the Science: Evidence and Limitations

While animal and laboratory studies have indicated anti-inflammatory effects, there is a significant lack of high-quality human intervention trials on molasses. A systematic review found sufficient evidence only from in-vitro and animal studies to suggest a protective effect of unrefined sugars against inflammation, but underscored the need for human research. Some findings are also conflicting; one in-vitro study showed that sugarcane molasses increased an inflammatory biomarker (IL-6) in unstimulated blood cultures, although it had no effect on stimulated cultures. Another animal study raised concerns about potential adverse effects on the humoral immune response with prolonged exposure. As with many natural food products, the results are not always consistent and can vary depending on the exact composition of the molasses and the specific health context being studied.

Navigating Molasses in Your Diet

Given the dual nature of molasses as both a nutrient-rich food and a high-sugar product, here are some practical tips for incorporating it into your diet mindfully:

Use as a Natural Sweetener: Use small amounts of blackstrap molasses to add a rich, deep flavor to recipes while gaining some nutritional benefits. It is a good replacement for highly processed syrups or sugar.
Embrace Moderation: Treat molasses as you would any other added sugar. The key to mitigating any potential inflammatory effects is to keep your overall sugar intake in check.
Prioritize a Balanced Diet: Don't rely on molasses as a primary source of vitamins and minerals. The best sources are whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Consult a Health Professional: For individuals with diabetes, chronic inflammatory conditions, or other health concerns, it is wise to speak with a healthcare professional before making significant dietary changes involving molasses. For further insights on overall dietary approaches to inflammation, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website is an excellent resource.

Conclusion: Moderation is Key

The question of whether molasses causes inflammation is not a simple yes or no. The product contains beneficial antioxidants and minerals that have shown anti-inflammatory potential in laboratory and animal studies. However, as a sugar-based food, excessive consumption can contribute to inflammation, as with any other form of sugar. The crucial takeaway is that the impact of molasses depends heavily on the dose. Used in small, measured quantities as a mineral-rich alternative to refined sugar, it is unlikely to promote inflammation and may even offer minor benefits. However, treating it as an unrestricted health food can lead to excessive sugar intake, triggering the very inflammatory response one might hope to avoid. A balanced perspective that prioritizes whole foods and moderation is the most sensible approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, blackstrap molasses contains antioxidants and minerals like magnesium that have shown anti-inflammatory properties in laboratory and animal studies, though human evidence is still limited.

Some sources suggest that the anti-inflammatory properties in blackstrap molasses may help relieve joint pain associated with conditions like arthritis. However, this is largely anecdotal, and more scientific research, particularly in humans, is needed.

From a nutritional standpoint, molasses is more nutrient-dense, containing beneficial minerals. Refined white sugar, by contrast, is devoid of nutrients. However, both are high in sugar and should be consumed in moderation.

The main downside is its high sugar content. Consuming too much, like any sugar, can contribute to weight gain, blood sugar spikes, and systemic inflammation.

Evidence for this claim is limited. While some types have a moderate glycemic index, it is still a carbohydrate source and should be consumed with caution, especially by individuals with diabetes.

No. While animal and in-vitro studies show promising results regarding anti-inflammatory effects, high-quality human trials are currently lacking to provide definitive proof.

As a general guideline, molasses should be used sparingly, much like other added sugars. A single tablespoon is a typical serving size, providing some nutrients without excessive sugar intake.

Blackstrap molasses is generally considered the best for health due to its higher concentration of minerals and vitamins, as it is the final byproduct of the refining process.