The humble sugarcane juice that we often casually drink at home or outside, has more healing powers than we think! A glass of refreshing sugarcane juice is the best antidote towards exhaustion and strain in summers. Not only that! Various benefits of sugarcane juice will pleasantly surprise you due to its high nutritional value. You should know that it comes with zero fat and is 100% natural as well.
Sugarcane Juice : Brief Note
Sugarcane juice is a delicious and syrupy liquid extracted from peeled sugar cane. Often sold by street vendors, it can be mixed with lime or other juices and served over ice, making it a delicious beverage.
Sugarcane juice serves as the primary raw material for producing molasses, cane sugar, jaggery and brown sugar. Did you know, Sugarcane juice can be used to make rum, while in Brazil, it is fermented to create a liquor called as cachaça.
Despite its sweet taste, sugarcane juice isn’t purely sugar. It consists of about 70%–75% water, 10%–15% fibre, and 13%–15% sugar in the form of sucrose, similar to table sugar. In its natural state, it also contains valuable phenolic and flavonoid antioxidants, which contribute to some potential health benefits.
Unlike many other sugary drinks, sugarcane juice retains its minerals and vitamins since it is not heavily processed. It also contains electrolytes like potassium, making it a subject of interest for the hydrating effects it has. In fact, a study conducted with 15 cycling athletes revealed that sugarcane juice is as effective as a sports drink in improving exercise performance and rehydration.
However, it is worth noting that the juice can cause a rise in blood sugar levels during exercise. Sugarcane juice benefits, on the other hand, are largely attributed to its carbohydrate content, which helps restore energy reserves in muscles after a workout.
Let us dig deeper to understand all about the health benefits of sugarcane juice and sugarcane nutritional value.
Sugarcane Juice Nutrition Facts
Before we proceed further, let us talk about the various health benefits of drinking sugarcane juice. Here is a list of nutrients contained in 1 glass of sugarcane juice:
- Natural Sugar
- Zero fat and Cholesterol
- Calcium
- Iron
- Potassium
- Sodium
- Protein
- Carbohydrates
- Vitamins A, B-Complex and C
- Flavonoids
A 240 ml serving will have roughly 250 sugarcane juice calories, making it a healthy and energetic drink for any season.
However, it is important to keep in mind that though the glycaemic index (GI) of sugarcane juice is low, indicating a slower rise in blood sugar levels compared to high-GI foods, it still has a high glycaemic load (GL). This means that despite the slow impact on blood sugar levels, the overall quantity of carbohydrates in sugarcane juice can still lead to a significant increase in blood sugar levels.
10 Biggest Sugarcane Juice Health Benefits
Drinking sugarcane juice can have several positive impacts on your health. Here is a list of the top health benefits of consuming sugarcane juice on a regular basis:Â
1. Provides Quick Energy – First and foremost in the list of sugarcane juice benefits is that sugarcane juice gives a burst of energy almost instantly upon consumption, helping fight dehydration and exhaustion. The natural sugar gets absorbed swiftly by your system and keeps blood sugar levels balanced at all times.Â
2. Boosts Liver Functioning – Sugarcane juice is also helpful for enhancing liver functions and keeping ailments like jaundice away. This sweet juice of sugarcane has alkaline properties and can balance out electrolytes smoothly in the body.Â
3. Combats Various Types of Cancer – No list for sugarcane benefits is complete without mentioning about its cancer combating abilities. Reports state that sugarcane juice can help in tackling various types of cancers including breast and prostate cancer. It has high potassium, magnesium, calcium, manganese and iron content which enables this attribute.
4. It Boosts Digestion – Sugarcane juice is excellent for those who have digestive issues. The potassium content maintains pH balance in the stomach while stimulating digestive juice secretions and combating infections.Â
5. Helps Diabetics –This may sound weird because sugarcane is rich in sugar and diabetics may dread to drink it. Sugarcane juice, if consumed moderately, may help diabetics since it can combat frequent blood glucose jumps. Wow! This truly one of the unique sugarcane juice benefits.
6. Improves Kidney Health – Sugarcane juice has zero cholesterol and is low in sodium without any saturated fat content. Hence, it helps in keeping the kidneys in good condition. More reasons to leverage the benefits of sugarcane juice in your diet today!
7. Relieves Pain from UTIs/STDs –
Sugarcane juice is a fantastic aid in maintaining kidney health and can effectively prevent issues related to urinary tract infections (UTIs). To utilise its benefits for treating UTIs, you can simply consume a glass of sugarcane juice mixed with lemon and coconut water twice daily. Sugarcane juice may help in lowering inflammation in the body, especially if caused due to urinary tract infections or sexually transmitted diseases. Additionally, sugarcane juice elevates protein levels within the body, which in turn helps prevent various kidney-related ailments such as UTIs, stones, prostatitis, and STDs. No wonder the sugarcane juice benefits are unparalleled!Â
8. Ensures Healthier Teeth and Bones – Sugarcane juice goes a long way towards stimulating the growth of better bones and teeth, with its calcium and phosphorus content. So, feel free to drink this delicious juice for your bones and teeth.
9. It keeps Bad Breath Away – The dental benefits of sugarcane juice do not end there. Having bad breath is a common reason for public embarrassment for many. If you have a history of unpleasant breath, you should try the juice of sugar cane as a home cure. Sugarcane juice helps in combating bad breath while also helping prevent the possibilities of tooth decay. Thus, drinking sugarcane juice regularly is good for your oral health as well.Â
10. Helps with Acne – Last but definitely not the least of all sugarcane benefits is that sugarcane juice has a magical impact on acne. It can cure such skin problems with its alpha-hydroxy acids or AHAs including glycolic acid. These help in enhancing cell turnover and exfoliation and these combine to lower the chances of acne. You can mix sugarcane juice with Multani mitti to form a paste and apply it to the neck and face areas.Â
Were you aware of these benefits of sugarcane juice? Well, you do now! More reasons to have that glass of sugarcane juice!
Sugarcane Juice Benefits For Females
The Sugarcane is considered as perennial grass belonging to the Poaceae family. Sugarcane cultivation is highly effective for its amazing nutritional benefits. It also helps to stay cool in the summer season. Sugarcane juice is a completely healthier way compared to canned drinks. The main reason is that these do not contain any chemicals that offer wide health benefits.Â
Women can explore the surprising health benefits of taking sugarcane juice. These are quite an effective way to provide an instant energy boost along with aiding in weight loss. These juices also promote graceful aging, as it is more than a refreshing delight. Health benefits of Sugarcane juice are quite enormous as these are popular choices for those seeking natural remedies.Â
It also involves massive hydrating properties known for their rich nutrient content. These are celebrated for promoting overall well-being and enabling better results. Sugarcane juice is also rich in Hydroxycinnamic acid, known for its nutritional content. It is also helpful for high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) because it provides added results.
- Eases Digestion: It is common for digestive disorders to cause discomfort. Sugarcane juice would be helpful for reducing digestion problems by automatically soothing the effect. Sugarcane juice is the best option for potassium content to easily prevent stomach infections.
- Fetal Development: Sugarcane juice also contains folate, which helps prevent birth defects. Healthcare professionals also recommend taking Sugarcane juice for its complete nutritional value. The Sinapic acid in the juice is quite effective for providing good results. These also extensively support fetal development in women.
- Immune System: Sugarcane juice is also filled with antioxidants, so these are effective options for protecting from infection. Sugarcane juice is a much more efficient option for mothers and babies to stop the level of infection in the body.
Is sugarcane juice good for weight loss?
The high fibre keeps you feeling fuller for longer while there are zero fats or cholesterol to increase weight. It thus helps with weight loss in the long run. The usage of sugarcane juice in pregnancy is also recommended since it is immensely healthy for the system. However, those with any diabetes should avoid consumption of the same during their pregnancies.Â
Is Sugarcane Juice Good For Liver
The liver benefits greatly from sugarcane juice. It aids the liver’s proper functioning by removing liver-related disorders.
Ayurveda recommends the use of sugarcane juice with other herbal formulations to treat various liver ailments, as it helps with electrolyte balance, and thus, protects the liver from pushing its limits.
In addition to this, drinking sugarcane juice boosts the body’s immunity. The body’s robust immune system protects it from a wide range of diseases.
Is Sugarcane Juice Good for Skin Ageing?
Getting concerned about premature wrinkles? Such wrinkles can make your skin appear more mature than your age.
The good news is that sugarcane juice can help you delay the effects of ageing. It is an excellent option for radiant, soft, and moisturised skin because it contains antioxidants, flavonoids, and phenolic components.
You can mix sugarcane juice with a pinch of turmeric powder and apply this to your skin. The glycolic acid present in the juice can help with skin regeneration, and the turmeric can speed up healing. Many people add a few drops of vitamin E oil to this mixture to aid in natural moisturisation
Side Effects of Sugarcane Juice
While sugarcane juice offers numerous benefits, it’s important to note that excessive consumption can have adverse effects on your health. It is crucial to be aware of the potential side effects before fully indulging in this seemingly magical drink. Let’s explore the possible negative impacts that sugarcane juice can have on your body.
- Excessive caloric value
Consuming excessive amounts of sugarcane juice can lead to a high intake of calories. This is because sugarcane contains natural sugars and is calorie dense. A single glass of sugarcane juice can contain around 269 calories, equivalent to consuming 100 grams of sugar. Therefore, it is advisable to limit your intake to one glass per day to manage your calorie intake effectively. - Sugarcane Juice Becomes Toxic Quickly
It is important to note that sugarcane juice can turn toxic if not consumed within an hour. As time passes, the juice undergoes oxidation, resulting in its potential toxicity. This can lead to various stomach-related problems and pose a risk to your health. Therefore, it is crucial to consume sugarcane juice promptly and avoid consuming it after the 15-minute mark. - Side-effects from sugarcane’s own content
There are some side effects of sugarcane juice owing to its policosanol content. It may lead to rare instances of stomach upsets, insomnia, headaches, dizziness and even sudden weight loss. It may lead to thinning of blood in some cases and also impact blood cholesterol levels. - Increases the likelihood of infection
This staple cuisine is frequently consumed right away from a roadside stall that has no or very poor sanitation. Due to a lack of sufficient cleaning of sugarcane sticks, many bacteria and pesticides may get into the juice, posing a major risk of infection and even food poisoning if consumed.
Therefore, you should always consume sugarcane juice in moderate amounts without resorting to excessive intake of the same.
Also Read : Diet Charts For Kidney Patients
Sugarcane Juice Benefits : The Bottom Line
Sugarcane juice is not only a delicious and refreshing beverage but also a powerhouse of nutrients that offer numerous health and skin benefits.
It is highly essential for a healthy and robust system. It not only takes care of dental health, but also improves liver and kidney health along with digestion. It is a natural and refreshing beverage that will give you tons of health benefits if you consume it on a regular basis. So, the next time you have a chance, sip on a glass of sugarcane juice and relish its goodness for your health and skin.
Benefits Of Sugarcane Juice : FAQs
Is sugarcane juice good for you?
Sugarcane juice is always good for infusing more antioxidants and Vitamin C into the body along with other essential vitamins and minerals. It helps with better immunity and kidney functions.Â
Can I drink sugarcane juice every day?
Yes, you can drink sugarcane juice every day. A glass each day will help you combat UTIs and various other infections as well. Yet, consume it in moderation without going overboard. A daily glass will help you harness several benefits while combating several types of infections.Â
Is sugarcane juice harmful?Â
Sugarcane juice is not usually harmful but it does have some side effects at times. Excessive consumption may lead to insomnia, headaches, upset stomachs, sudden loss of weight and even dizziness in some scenarios.Â
What is the benefit of cane juice?Â
Sugarcane comes packed with helpful antioxidants and helps in combating various types of infections while boosting overall immunity greatly. It also contains calcium, electrolytes, magnesium and iron, enabling relief from dehydration. It also boosts immunity against infections and colds.Â
Which is better: coconut water or sugarcane juice?
This is a subjective question. Coconut water contains lower calories and sugar along with water. It also comes with higher potassium levels. Hence, it is usually considered a healthier option. Yet, sugarcane juice does come with its own set of benefits as well.Â
Is sugarcane juice beneficial for people with acidity?
Indeed, consuming sugarcane juice is an effective method to counteract stomach acidity due to its alkaline properties. To enhance its benefits, consider adding a touch of ginger while avoiding lemon squeezing. Moreover, adding a small amount of black salt to the sugarcane juice can further aid in alleviating acidity issues.
How long can sugarcane juice be stored?
Sugarcane juice tends to get spoiled too quickly; within an hour, it is made. Therefore, consume freshly prepared sugarcane juice within half an hour. Also, if the juice is not freshly prepared, avoid having it unrefrigerated. It's also not a good idea to keep it in the fridge for more than a few hours
What is the calorie content of a glass of sugarcane juice?
Determining the exact calorie content of a glass of sugarcane juice can be challenging due to variations in serving size and sugar content. However, it's important to note that fresh sugarcane juice is a natural and unprocessed beverage that contains essential nutrients along with calories. These calories are generally considered beneficial to our health as they are accompanied by other nutrients that are easily digested by our bodies. Therefore, rather than solely focusing on the calorie count, it is more important to consider the overall nutritional value and health benefits that sugarcane juice provides.
References:
- Phytochemical profile of sugarcane and its potential health aspects. Pharmacognosy Reviews [Internet]. https://www.phcogrev.com/article/2015/9/17/1041030973-7847156340. Accessed Apr 30, 2022.
- Potential Health Benefits of Sugarcane. Sugarcane Biotechnology: Challenges and Prospects (pp.1-12) [In book]. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319013514_Potential_Health_Benefits_of_Sugarcane. Accessed May 02, 2022.
- health benefits. Raw Cane Superjuice [Internet]. https://sugarcanejuice.org/health-benefits/. Accessed May 05, 2022.
- Medical Advantages of Fermented Sugarcane Juice with Probiotics on Gut Health. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutics [Internet]. https://www.asiapharmaceutics.info/index.php/ajp/article/download/4383/1396/10425. Accessed May 07, 2022.
- From weight loss to clearing up your skin, 6 benefits of drinking sugarcane juice. India Today. https://www.indiatoday.in/lifestyle/wellness/story/sugarcane-from-weight-loss-to-clearing-up-your-skin-benefits-of-drinking-ganne-ka-ras-for-cancer-health-digestion-diabetes-277595-2015-12-17. Accessed May 10, 2022.
