Everything that contains sugar is not unhealthy. Take sugarcane as an example. But we often question, is sugarcane juice healthy? Isn’t it? Well, sugarcane is a topical, perennial grass with a height of three to four meters, with multiple stems and lateral shoots. The fibres inside the coat are rich in sucrose - extracted and refined to make sugar or jaggery. No doubt this crop is good for health and can be consumed in its rawest form - as juice or infused water. Sugarcane juice benefits the body by improving the functioning of the kidneys and maintaining an average weight. A glass of pure sugarcane juice mixed with a few drops of lemon juice, salt and mint leaves - that sounds delicious. It is not only relishing but highly nourishing and hydrating with its water content and fibres.
Diabetic people must refrain from consuming sugarcane and people who are intimidated by high sugar content can mix 1/3rd glass of sugarcane juice in 2/3rd glass of water. Uses of sugarcane juice can vary without compromising the benefits. Read more and understand about the nutritional value of sugarcane as well as the benefits of drinking sugarcane juice.
Nutritional Value of Sugarcane
There are several advantages of sugarcane juice. Sugarcane juice benefits overall health while providing a lot of nutrition to the body, which is ideal for a strong immune system. A sugarcane stick contains 65-70 per cent water, 2-5 per cent non-sugar ingredients, 12-16 per cent soluble sugars or sucrose, and 11-18 per cent fibres. This grass can attract insects easily. Buy a glass of juice from a hygienic place only.
Nutrition per 100 grams of sugarcane juice
● 270 calories
● 58 mg of total fat
● 63 mg of sodium
● 63 mg of potassium
● 73g of carbohydrates
● 0.01% calcium
● 19% iron
● 2% magnesium
A glass of sugarcane juice contains 30 grams of natural sugar, a lot of healthy fats, protein, fibres and cholesterol. So, if next time, anyone questions, is sugarcane juice healthy, then do share these nutritional values of sugarcane juice.
Benefits of Sugarcane Juice
Is sugarcane juice good for health? This is an obvious question that pops in our mind. There might be a lot of calories, but it is very healthy for the body. Want to know how? Read further.
1. Energy Booster
Sugar equals glucose and glucose equals energy. That is simple science. Sugarcane is a natural source of sucrose, which is sugar in its natural form. Don’t worry - this sugar is completely healthy. On a hot summer afternoon, a glass of chilled sugarcane juice benefits, will normalise the formation of glucose in the body to retain low sugar levels, thus providing instant energy. Also, this juice hydrates the body and reduces fatigue (it is a part of the diet of patients with chronic fatigue) caused by hot temperatures. The carbohydrates, proteins, and minerals (especially potassium) help the body to fight against dryness and dehydration.
2. Aids in Curing Jaundice
According to traditional Indian medicine Ayurveda, sugarcane is one of the most effective remedies for jaundice. It is a condition where the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes turn yellow due to increased bilirubin levels (a yellow and orange-ish bile pigment). The antioxidants in sugarcane juice benefits, strengthen the liver and combat infections to control bilirubin levels in the body. A body suffering from jaundice rapidly breaks down proteins, the sole cause of the increment in bilirubin. The intake of 100ml of this juice every day builds back the lost protein at the same speed.
3. Make Bones and Teeth Stronger
Sugarcane is rich in calcium and phosphorus, which ensure the proper development of the skeletal system in a child. It meets their daily calcium requirement when consumed regularly. Bones require calcium to retain their strength and prevent body pain in adults. A glass of sugarcane juice once a day may keep the bones strong in older people and reduce the signs of osteoporosis.
This juice is also a home remedy to fight tooth decay. The minerals mentioned above form a protective layer on the tooth enamel that helps prevent tooth decay. Healthy teeth and healthy bones equal a healthy body. These are some of the advantages of sugarcane juice.
4. Immunity Booster
A boost in immunity is one of the advantages of sugarcane juice. It is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants that may fight several diseases. The flavonoids present in sugarcane helps the body to fight cancer-development cells that cause prostate and breast cancer. It also encourages good digestion and improved liver health by reducing the production of bilirubin pigment. The nutrients in a glass of sugarcane juice also protect the person against flu, sore throat, and cold. This sugarcane juice health benefit is indeed one of the best benefits of drinking sugarcane juice.
These are some of the advantages of sugarcane juice.
Other Benefits of Sugarcane Juice
Is sugarcane juice good for health? Yes or no. Sugarcane juice's health benefits are not limited to the four mentioned above. Rather there are several uses of sugarcane juice. There is so much more to it.
1. Benefits the Skin
Who does not want healthy glowing skin? Sugarcane juice benefits the skin with the glycolic acid and hydroxy acids found in them. These acids help brighten skin and reduce melanin produced by the body. Other essential components keep the skin hydrated and soft while reducing blemishes and acne. The flavonoids, antioxidants and phenolic compounds fight free radical damage to prevent premature ageing.
2. Prevents Cancer
Sugarcane juice health benefits fights cancerous cells with its high alkaline content. The presence of essential minerals like iron, manganese, potassium, magnesium, and calcium in sugarcane may prevent prostate and breast cancer to some extent. Regular consumption of this juice might keep cancer at bay. The result is not 100% guaranteed but uniformity in diet may show effects sooner or later.
3. Improves Kidney Functioning
Sugarcane juice boosts the protein level in the body, which is essential to maintain the functioning of the kidneys. When diluted with coconut water or lemon water, sugarcane may reduce burning sensations or inflammation caused by prostatitis, kidney stones, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and urinary tract infection (UTIs), the diseases that generally cause a lot of pain.
The balanced potassium level in a glass of sugarcane juice helps retain fluids in the kidney, thus lowering blood pressure, and the antioxidants fight kidney infections.
Note: Sugarcane juice is suggested in the regular diet of patients with kidney stones.
4. Beneficial in Pregnancy
Mothers-to-be are advised by their dieticians to drink a glass of sugarcane juice daily, as it facilitates safer deliveries and reduces contractions. The ingredients - folic acid and vitamin B9 protect the growing child from Spina bifida (a congenital disability that causes miscarriage). The nutrients of this juice go directly to the kid, aiding in a healthy weight upon delivery. Ovulating women can also gain sugarcane juice health benefits to conceive a child faster without any expensive treatments.
5. Treats Febrile Disorders
Febrile disorders are a common state in children or teens. In this condition, the endogenous or exogenous pyrogens cause frequent fevers by elevating the thermoregulatory set-points of the body. The protein content in the body loses during fever. Sugarcane juice retains the lost protein content in the child’s body and prevents the fever from coming back.
6. A Good Source of Vitamin C
Sugarcane juice is rich in vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid. This vitamin helps to protect cells and keep them healthy. It also maintains healthy glowing skin, controlled blood flow, and aids in wound healing. Applying sugarcane juice directly to the skin reduces inflammation and brightens the complexion.
Now that you are well aware of the different benefits of drinking sugarcane juice, do not miss to consume it during summers.
When to Drink Sugarcane Juice?
Is sugarcane juice healthy? Well, sugarcane juice is a drink of summer because it provides hydration and evaporates cooling the stomach. With its sugar content, this juice fulfills the daily glucose requirement of the body, thus vanishing tiredness in an instant. People with low hemoglobin or anemia are advised to drink a glass of this juice every day. It is also said that drinking sugarcane juice health benefits by boosting the activity of the brain.
Conclusion
Is sugarcane juice good for health? Sugarcane juice benefits health in more than one way. However, excessive consumption can cause blood thinning, headaches, drastic weight loss, dizziness, upset stomach and insomnia because of an ingredient called policosanol. There are different uses of sugarcane juice. Hence, people need to consume this juice in moderation and gain different benefits of drinking sugarcane juice.
FAQs
Is sugarcane juice good for health?
Yes. Sugarcane juice has the essential nutrients that provide instant energy, make the bones and teeth stronger, build a strong immune system and treat jaundice.
Which sugar is present in sugarcane?
Sugarcane is an excellent source of sucrose that is used to make jaggery and table sugar.
Who should not take sugarcane juice?
Sugarcane has high sugar and fiber content, which can cause a rise in blood sugar levels. Diabetic patients must refrain from consuming sugarcane juice.
How long can sugarcane juice be stored?
Sugarcane juice shall not be stored for more than five days because of the presence of flavonoids, carotenoids, melanoidins, and anthocyanins.
Is sugarcane juice acidic or basic?
Sugarcane juice is alkaline, thus preventing acidity and aiding in digestion.