Once cooked, it heals cancer; in the second instance, it causes cancer.

Dietitian Süheyla Subaşı Uçar emphasized that when molasses comes into contact with heat of 180 degrees, it can produce carcinogenic substances, making it more of a poison than a remedy.
With the arrival of cold weather, interest in natural foods that strengthen the immune system has increased. Molasses, which is among traditional flavors, has become an essential part of tables during this period. Known for its immune system supporting effects, molasses is frequently consumed in winter months. Thanks to its energy-giving property, molasses strengthens the body, and while it is known to have a protective effect against diseases like the common cold, it becomes harmful to health when exposed to heat of 180 degrees and above. Expert Dietitian Süheyla Subaşı Uçar, warning citizens that molasses can produce carcinogenic compounds when exposed to temperatures of 180 degrees or higher, stated, “Harmful substances such as Acrylamide and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) formed during thermal processing can negatively affect the benefits of molasses and make it harmful to health. Therefore, we do not find it appropriate to use it at high temperatures.”

The importance of high heat is crucial.
Uçar emphasized that care should be taken not to cook sweets above 180 degrees, saying, “With the arrival of winter, diseases are knocking at the door. In this sense, sufficient and balanced nutrition is important. However, it is quite reasonable to add foods rich in iron content, such as molasses, to the diet. If a person does not have a chronic disease such as diabetes, they can add about a tablespoon of molasses to their daily nutrition. Since it also increases vitamin C absorption, adding about half a tablespoon of orange or lemon juice to molasses can enhance iron absorption and support the immune system. However, there is a misunderstanding regarding this issue. Foods like honey and molasses are used as an additional substitute for sugar to make cookies or cakes healthier. When these foods are used, the formation of substances known as carcinogenic content increases, so we do not want to use them at high temperatures. Instead, we can either use sugar in cakes or benefit from dried fruits. But here again, due to the presence of fruit sugar, we should ensure that sweets made from dried fruits are not cooked above 180 degrees. In this way, we can make them healthy and consume them by paying attention to portion sizes.”

“While natural foods provide benefits, they can also lead to obesity.”
Stating that we are living a sedentary life today, Uçar said, “As we age, our metabolism slows down. The potential for movement that existed in the past is no longer present. Unfortunately, we are leading a sedentary lifestyle today. For this reason, failing to balance extra calorie intake can contribute to obesity while providing benefits due to iron content. Spoon by spoon consumption is not correct. Depending on the person’s illnesses and age, there may be consumption between a teaspoon or a tablespoon, but consuming it every day may not be correct. There are personal differences at this point. In this sense, expert dietitians play a role in making personalized plans for individuals.”