The potential health benefits of sugarcane juice are not widely known, and most people are unaware of them. Sugarcane is one of the most important cash crops (cultivated to sell on the market) in India, mainly used to make sugar. Sugarcane can be chewed or crushed to extract juice from it. On a hot summer’s day, drinking sugarcane juice can help to refresh or hydrate your body. Depending on individual taste, additional ingredients such as ginger, black salt, and mint can be added for flavoring.
Sugarcane Juice is renowned for its remarkable nutritional benefits. It contains a high concentration of vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B3, B5, and B6, proteins, antioxidants, as well as and soluble fiber. It is rich in a variety of minerals, including calcium, chromium, and cobalt, as well as copper and magnesium.
Sugarcane juice offers a wide range of health benefits due to its rich nutrient profile. It helps to rehydrate your body, treat jaundice as well as its ability to prevent the diseases such as cancer, boost immunity, and improve skin health. Despite its numerous benefits, it is essential to ensure that sugarcane juice is extracted appropriately for consumption, as it tends to oxidize in a short period (15-30 minutes). Also, it is recommended to consume sugarcane juice in a controlled manner, with a maximum recommended daily intake of two glasses.
Complete Benefits of Sugarcane Juice
1. Energy Drink
Sugarcane juice is one of the best energy drinks. Sugarcane juice is high in carbohydrates, proteins, sodium and potassium, and other important nutrients. Adding lemon or peppermint or black salt and ice make it a great flavoring drink that boosts your energy levels. It builds up your body fluids and plasma and helps fight dryness and fatigue.
2. Remedy for Jaundice
Jaundice occurs when the skin, the white matter of the eyes, and the mucous membranes of the body become discolored due to a high concentration of bilirubin in the blood circulation. People who suffer from jaundice and those who have liver problems have been advised to take sugarcane juice as part of the traditional system of medicine for curing diseases. Sugarcane juice is used for laxatives, demulcent, antiseptics, and tonics. According to the Unani System of Medicine in India, Sugarcane juice helps the liver by controlling the levels of bilirubin, and consuming enough quantities of sugarcane helps in the relief of jaundice.
3. Boosts Immunity
Our bodies come into contact with many pathogens every day, and many of them are capable of causing disease. The immune system is the body’s natural defense mechanism against pathogens that cause disease. Sugarcane juice plays a role in regulating the immune system against various microbial infections, including viruses, bacteria, yeast, and protozoa. The by-products from sugarcane juice are involved in a variety of biological functions, including antioxidant, physiological functions, and many prophylactic activities.
4. Act as antioxidants
A free radical is an unstable molecule that can cause damage to cells, illness, aging, and more. Another process called lipid peroxidation is the free radical-mediated chain reaction that caused cell and tissue injury. Antioxidants are a great way to protect your body from these processes, which have been linked to a lot of human diseases including cancer.
Taking antioxidant-rich foods and drinks has become an attractive way to reduce the risk of free radical-related diseases. Phenolic compounds, which are found in sugarcane juice, have been studied and found to have a wide range of antioxidant properties. They work by blocking or neutralizing free radicals and pro-cancer cells.
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5. For Treating Pimples or Acne
If you have got a lot of pimples on your face, try using a sugarcane juice mask. It is known to be a natural way to get rid of it, so you’ll see results very shortly. Mix some sugarcane juice with multani miti (check our complete guide on how to use Multani mitti for face and hair) to get a moderate concentration, then apply the mask to your face and neck. Wait for 20 minutes and then clean your face and neck with a wet towel. Continue this process for at least twice a week to get the best results. Sugarcane juice is packed with alpha hydroxy acid and vitamin C which can help improve skin brightness and remove dead skin cells.
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6. For Pregnancy Women
Sugarcane juice benefits pregnant women in many ways. Sugarcane juice is rich in vitamin B9 and folic acid, which helps prevent birth defects. Since it is a powerful source of polyphenols, it can induce metabolism and help to maintain weight gain during pregnancy. Its low glycemic index can help to maintain energy levels, and a glass of juice with a small amount of ginger can help to reduce morning sickness. It is recommended to consume a small dose twice daily for morning sickness, which is a common complaint in pregnant women.
Additionally, sugarcane juice contains a variety of minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and iron, which can help to boost immunity and prevent mineral deficiency during pregnancy. Potassium is beneficial in aiding digestion and treating constipation, as it can help to improve the functioning of the digestive system and prevent stomach infections.
7. Treats Constipation
Sugarcane juice has been suggested by Ayurveda to possess laxative properties, which improve bowel movement and relieve constipation. Sugarcane juice has alkaline properties, which means it helps treat acidity and stomach burn.
8. Has Diuretic Property
Sugarcane juice has been suggested because of its diuretic property. Mixing sugarcane juice with lime juice or coconut water helps to reduce the burning sensation which is common in urinary tract infections and other kidney-related diseases. Consuming sugarcane juice on a regular basis results in clear urinary flow as it helps the kidneys to function at their best.
9. Prevents Cancer
The sugarcane juice benefits on cancer are not known by many. Cancer cells cannot survive in an alkaline environment. As mentioned earlier sugarcane juice is a very rich source of calcium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, and iron. The presence of these components makes sugarcane juice an alkaline food. This is why it is very effective against cancer, particularly prostate and breast cancer.
10. Improves Digestion
The phytochemicals present in sugarcane juice are good for digestion. It helps to release acid, bile, and digestive juice, which helps to speed up digestion. It also neutralizes acidic digestive juices, which help the body eliminate toxins. Sugarcane juice is highly recommended for people with digestive and gastrointestinal problems. One of the most important ingredients in sugarcane is potassium which is helpful for abdominal pH balance and helps digestive secretion.
11. For Febrile Disorder
Sugarcane has been found to be beneficial for people who have the febrile disorder. The febrile disorder results in fever which can lead to seizures and protein loss in the body. This is common in children. Sugarcane juice helps to compensate the protein loss and helps infants to recover. However, not much evidence is available on this statement.
12. Prevents Bad Breath and Tooth Decay
Sugarcane juice is one of the most popular home remedies for tooth decay and bad breath. Sugar cane juice contains phosphorous, the calcium that helps form tooth enamel.
13. For Diabetes
Diabetic patients are advised to consume sugarcane juice, as it contains natural sugar with a low glycemic index, which helps to prevent a rapid increase in blood glucose levels. Sugarcane juice is mixed with noni fruit juice and kukui nuts to serve as a purgative and was further diluted with spring water for the purpose of treating diabetes and hypertension. Nevertheless, it is strictly recommended to consult the doctor before taking sugarcane juice.
Nutritional Value of Sugarcane Juice
Sugarcane Juice is packed with powerful polyphenols that are antioxidants and packed with vitamins and minerals. It has got all the essential amino acids your body needs to burn fat and build muscles, like pipecolic acid and methionine, as well as tryptophan and arginine. It is alkaline, which is great for your body since most diseased cells cannot survive in this environment. Each serving of sugarcane juice (28.35 g) contains,
- Energy- 111.13 kJ (26.56 kcal),
- Carbohydrates- 27.51 g,
- Protein- 0.27 g,
- Calcium- 11.23 mg,
- Iron- 0.37 mg,
- Potassium- 41.96 mg,
- Sodium- 17.01 mg.
Sugarcane Juice is Prone to Microbial Contamination
Sugarcane juice is good for you, but it is also prone to some microbes. You can get food poisoning from eating sugarcane juice when it is contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus, which is a type of enterotoxin. It can happen at different points in the process, like when someone handles the sugarcane, through a roller drum crusher, or filter, and when ice is added to the juice.
Side Effects of Sugarcane Juice
Sugarcane juice offers a wide range of health benefits and does not cause any adverse effects, provided it is extracted in an optimal hygienic state and consumed immediately after extraction as it tends to oxidize within 15 minutes. Consuming a glass of juice is relatively simple, however, if the juice is not clean, it can lead to diarrhea. It is important to note that sugarcane juice is the optimal environment for the growth of microorganisms. It is recommended to consume no more than two glasses per day unless you are suffering from jaundice. Excess sugarcane juice can be unfavorable to your body, so it is important to be safe and consume it with the necessary hygienic conditions in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Sugarcane juice is rich in a variety of nutrients, including iron, zinc, and potassium, as well as phytonutrients and antioxidants. Also, it contains a high concentration of proteins and other health-benefiting compounds. These nutrients are essential for a variety of health-related problems, such as regulating blood sugar levels, combating cancer cells, aiding in weight loss, avoiding tooth decay, and maintaining proper kidney function by controlling urinary flow.
Sugarcane juice provides a broad range of health benefits and does not have any negative effects if it is consumed in a hygienic way. It should be taken immediately after extraction, as it typically oxidizes within fifteen minutes. Also, you should be aware that sugarcane is the ideal environment for microorganisms to grow. Inadequate cleanliness of sugarcane juice in any form can result in diarrhea and many other health discomforts. Generally, two glasses of sugarcane juice should be consumed daily, as excess sugarcane can be harmful to the body.
Yes. Sugarcane juice benefits pregnant women in multiple ways. Sugarcane juice is rich in vitamin B9 and folic acid, which helps prevent birth defects. Since it is a powerful source of many nutrients, it can induce metabolism and help to maintain weight, maintain energy levels, reduce morning sickness, boost immunity, and prevent mineral deficiency during pregnancy. It is recommended to consume a small dose twice daily. Be aware that it should be taken in a hygienic way.
Each serving of sugarcane juice (28.35 g) contains, 111.13 kJ (26.56 kcal) of calories.
Key Takeaways
Sugarcane juice, extracted from the cane, is a highly nutritious and refreshing beverage that is composed of naturally occurring sucrose, which is metabolized by the stomach. It is a popular drink that can be enjoyed with ginger or mint or black salt and ice and is known for its health benefits and boosting energy levels. Sugarcane juice contains high levels of polyphenols, a phytonutrient with antioxidant properties, and is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is known to strengthen the liver, making it an ideal remedy for those suffering from jaundice. Furthermore, it has been found to be a powerful defense against cancer, particularly breast and prostate cancer, and can be consumed by diabetics due to its low glycemic index. Two glasses of sugarcane juice can be consumed daily, as excess sugarcane can discomfort your body.
References
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- Ji, Jin, et al. “Antioxidant and anti-diabetic functions of a polyphenol-rich sugarcane extract.” Journal of the American College of Nutrition 38.8 (2019): 670-680.
- Singh, Amandeep, et al. “Phytochemical profile of sugarcane and its potential health aspects.” Pharmacognosy reviews 9.17 (2015): 45.
- Kadam, Ulhas S., et al. “Antioxidant activity in sugarcane juice and its protective role against radiation induced DNA damage.” Food Chemistry 106.3 (2008): 1154-1160.
- Subbannayya, K., et al. “Correspondence-How safe is sugarcane juice?.” Indian journal of medical microbiology 25.1 (2007): 73-74.
- Carvalho, Maria João, et al. “Potential of sugarcane extracts as cosmetic and skincare ingredients.” Industrial Crops and Products 169 (2021): 113625.
Disclaimer
The health information provided on this page is intended to be for informational and educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment.