1 Tbsp Before Meals Repairs Pancreas, Fixes Insulin Resistance & Lowers Glucose

DeLauer builds the case around two complementary studies. The first, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, demonstrated that molasses can help dysfunctional beta cells in the pancreas start producing insulin again, meaning the organ doesn't have to pump out as much hormone under stress. The second, from the European Journal of Nutrition, gave subjects a high-carb meal with varying amounts of molasses and found that more molasses actually reduced the insulin required—provided the amounts remained modest (teaspoon to tablespoon range, not quarter cups). He emphasizes that the sugar content of molasses still exists, so the dose must sit in a therapeutic window: enough to provide minerals and enzyme inhibition, but not so much that the glycemic load becomes a problem. This is why he frames molasses not as a sweetener but as a carb-blocking tool, best deployed with starchy foods where the enzyme inhibition matters most. The additional magnesium in molasses addresses a common deficiency tied to insulin resistance, closing another mechanistic loop.

DeLauer ties this recommendation directly to his molasses protocol: because molasses is a carb-blunting tool best used with carbohydrate-containing meals, it doesn't align with a low-carb breakfast. He notes that consuming a carb-heavy breakfast like oatmeal often causes a blood sugar spike followed by a crash and brain fog, which he believes is avoidable by simply pushing carbs to later in the day. This morning low-insulin period is something he personally protects, and the molasses protocol is designed to work around that priority.

DeLauer positions bee pollen as one of the 'closest to the earth foods' with a powerful impact. He contrasts it directly with honey, noting that honey causes a major glucose spike while bee pollen does not. His personal practice is to use it right after fasting, and he reports a notable lift in energy without the typical post-carb sluggishness. The product from Beekeeper's Naturals is recommended via an affiliate link, and he emphasizes that gram for gram it contains significant protein and B vitamins.

Propolis is described as the 'defender of the beehive,' a resinous material bees use to seal the hive and protect against pathogens. DeLauer shares that he personally uses it for allergies and finds it helpful, tying its action to histamine. The product is from Beekeeper's Naturals, the same brand he affiliates for bee pollen, and he positions it alongside bee pollen as a multi-purpose, earth-derived supplement.

DeLauer argues that molasses exerts its benefits by inhibiting enzymes that break down complex starches. When consumed alongside starchy foods like bread or potatoes, it slows the conversion to glucose, giving the pancreas more time to respond and reducing the total insulin demand. If the meal is high in simple sugars, however, the molasses adds to the sugar load without offering this braking effect, because the sugars are already in a form that doesn't require amylase digestion. He stresses that this distinction is critical for anyone trying to use molasses therapeutically—the benefit is not from the molasses per se, but from its interaction with starch digestion.

DeLauer explains that in the morning the body is already in a low-insulin, fat-burning state, so adding carbohydrates (and molasses) would interrupt that advantage. At dinner, even though molasses delays sugar absorption and lowers glycemic response, the extended digestion can cause a secondary blood glucose spike while you sleep, potentially harming sleep quality. Lunch emerges as the ideal compromise: you get the insulin-sparing and craving-reduction effects during the active part of the day without jeopardizing morning fat oxidation or nocturnal recovery. He also notes that the reduction in post-lunch cravings around 3-5 PM is a major practical benefit.