Sugarcane Juice: Benefits, Nutritional Facts, & More
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Ragiinii Sharma
Written By Dr Divya Rohra
on Feb 28, 2022
Last Edit Made By Dr Divya Rohra
on Aug 17, 2024
What is more refreshing than iced sugarcane juice on a hot sunny day? If you are in India, sugarcane juice is usually served with a dash of lime and ginger. The sourness of the lime and the kick of ginger add a refreshing twist to the sweetness of sugarcane. While we talk about its taste, you must be wondering about its health benefits and nutritional value? You will be surprised to know the numerous amazing health benefits of raw sugarcane juice. This article explores what best in health you can get from the tasty sugarcane juice.
Nutritional Value of Sugarcane Juice
Sugarcane juice is mostly known for its sweet taste. It is because it is rich in glucose and gives instant energy boost. Along with sugar or glucose, it has a basket full of nutrients packed within. Taking a sneak into the nutritional content, one serving or 240 ml of sugarcane juice contains:
- 250 Calorie
- 50 grams of Carbohydrates
- Nil saturated fats, cholesterol, and proteins
Fresh sugarcane juice is the purest form available for consumption, apart from raw sugarcane stick pumped with additional minerals and vitamins including:
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Calcium
- Potassium
- Manganese
- Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
- Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
- Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)
- Folic acid (Vitamin B9)
Super 20 Health Benefits of Sugarcane Juice
Raw sugarcane extract is much more beneficial and healthy than refined sugars. Ganne ka ras, as they say in India, has a number of hidden benefits, apart from the freshness and uplifting effect of its juice.
1. Shot of instant energy
If you are braving the scorching sun and are short of energy, the roadside stalls of sugarcane juice will feel nothing short of an oasis to you. It is an instant energizer. With a high amount of glucose and carbohydrates it can immediately pump up your energy. The simple sugars are easily and readily absorbed by the body to help replenish your drained glucose levels.
2. Balances the pH levels
Maintaining the pH balance is essential for a healthy digestive system and good digestion. This is what sugarcane juice does. It can neutralize the acids due to its alkaline nature, making digestion easier for the body.
3. Improves Liver Function
One of the natural treatments for liver-associated conditions, such as jaundice is sugarcane juice. The alkaline nature it has neutralizes the excess bile juices and acids of the stomach while strengthening liver functions.
4. Helps combat Cancer
The excess mineral content, alkaline nature, and flavonoids (natural sugars) ward off cancerous cells. Evidence suggests it can exert anti-cancer activities against a range of cancer-causing cell lines.
5. Aids digestion
The potassium in sugarcane juice helps neutralize stomach acids and improves the secretion of digestive juices required for digestion. It helps ease digestion and prevent stomach infections.
6. Benefits Diabetics
Despite the sugar content and the instant glucose spike it can produce, sugarcane juice has a low glycemic index with the potential to inhibit the frequent rise of blood glucose.
7. Alleviates Body Inflammations
Diluted sugarcane juice with lime and ginger can help alleviate infections caused due to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), urinary tract infections, prostatitis, and stones in the kidney. It has the power to block excess bleeding (hemorrhage) and heal wounds.
8. Bone and Teeth Development
Chewing a raw sugarcane stick can strengthen your teeth. The calcium content in the sugarcane juice can ensure the development of proper skeletal systems, bones, and teeth.
9. Maintains Kidney Health
No saturated fats, low cholesterol, and low sodium content in sugarcane juice add to its benefits of ensuring good kidney health.
10. Maintains Electrolyte Concentrations
High minerals and water content in the sugarcane juice is a natural electrolyte. It can help compensate for the loss of water and minerals in the body. Hence, it acts as an excellent detoxifying agent.
11. Hydrating Agent
It is considered an effective hydrating agent, as compared to any other sports drinks (having natural sugars) or even plain water.
12. Helps in Reducing Weight
Sugarcane juices are often touted to increase weight and have high calories. Myth busted! Sugarcane juice can boost your metabolism and moderate your weight gain, especially during pregnancy. The major weight loss benefit of sugarcane juice is that it can minimize your cholesterol, as it has no cholesterol and no saturated fats that can add up in your body.
13. Helps in Conception and Pregnancy
Ginger with sugarcane juice can ease your pregnancy symptoms- morning sickness and strengthen the immune system for a healthy conception. The iron and folic acid in sugarcane juice play an effective role in ensuring proper growth and development of the baby.
14. Maintains good oral health
If you are experiencing bad breath or tooth decay, sugarcane juice and eating raw sugarcane sticks can help eliminate the issue. The rich minerals- calcium and phosphorus, help build tooth enamel, leading to teeth strengthening. Hence, ensuring to keep the tooth decay and associated bad breath at bay.
15. Reduces Acne
Sugarcane juice has the natural ability to reduce acne and other skin woes. It contains alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs)- glycolic acid which aid in revitalizing skin tissues and improving skin cell turnover. It can exfoliate the skin, therefore effectively reducing acne breakouts. It can also be applied as a face mask with Fuller’s earth (Multani mitti).
16. Immunity Booster
Packed with vitamin C, sugarcane juice boosts the body’s immune system and helps fight infections including flu, sore throat, and cold.
17. Rich Source of Antioxidants
With good antioxidant properties, sugarcane juice can help neutralize the free radicals developed as a result of oxidative stress. Thus, improving overall health.
18. Keeps infections at bay
The antioxidation, anti-inflammatory, and immunity-boosting properties of sugarcane juice can help fight many infections of the kidneys, urinary tract, reproductive system and can also help in reducing its symptoms.
19. Diuretic properties
Sugarcane juice has the potential to eliminate excess salts and water from the body while improving kidney functioning.
20. Treats Anemia
If you leave the sugarcane juice as it is, it can turn dark. This is because of the high iron content in it. The iron-filled sugarcane juice can invariably improve the hemoglobin levels in the body, preventing, and treating low hemoglobin conditions or anemia. Warning bells: The sugar content in sugarcane juice is natural, essential sugar. It is always advised to have it in moderation or check with your nutritionist or fitness specialists on its ways and means of consumption.
Conclusion
Although sugarcane juice is known for its high calorie or sugar content, the unknown fact is that it is diabetic friendly, a potent anti-cancer, and an anti-inflammatory agent. The antioxidant and immune-boosting properties can keep one away from infections of the internal systems, alongwith preventing tooth decay and skin problems. Power-packed with minerals and vitamins, sugarcane juice exhilarates the electrolytes in the body, making it a popular, detoxifying, and hydrating agent. It is a potential remedy to treat and prevent anemia. Nevertheless, too much sugar in your body in a single go, can pose health concerns. Having small quantities or consulting a dietician or a nutritionist to know your body-acceptable proportions of sugarcane juice is often recommended.
Leave a comment
24 Comments
Essie Wesley
Nov 14, 2024 at 11:05 PM.
I like the benefits that sugar cane offers. Thanks for the info.
Myhealth Team
Nov 15, 2024 at 5:57 AM.
Thank you for your feedback! We’re happy to hear you enjoyed learning about the benefits of sugar cane. It’s amazing how it can aid digestion and boost energy. Let us know if you have more questions or would like additional tips!
Augusta Nneka
Nov 14, 2024 at 5:46 PM.
Highly educative and informative.More grace to your elbows.
Myhealth Team
Nov 15, 2024 at 5:58 AM.
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re glad you found the information helpful
ANN NGANGA
Nov 6, 2024 at 2:27 PM.
Great information for the liver issues sugar cane juice eases the stomach pain immediately,relaxing as it eases the digestion. A sugar cane around for liver issues is overwhelmingly effective. Thank you. Out of personal experience. Thank you. I now know why.
Myhealth Team
Nov 8, 2024 at 2:00 PM.
We are glad to hear that sugar cane juice has been helpful for you! It’s known for its soothing properties and can aid in digestion and provide relief from stomach pain due to its natural enzymes and antioxidants. It also helps in detoxifying the liver and supporting overall liver health. It’s great that you’re experiencing its benefits! If you continue to have any concerns or questions, feel free to ask.
Twakiire Allen
Nov 4, 2024 at 3:12 AM.
Thanks so much for cancer patients what's the dose , is it advisable to add the roots also
Glory
Oct 26, 2024 at 12:49 PM.
Is it adviceable for a patient with diabetes type -b to take sugarcane juice n with quantity per day or week?
Myhealth Team
Oct 28, 2024 at 8:59 AM.
For a patient with type 2 diabetes, sugarcane juice should be consumed with caution due to its high natural sugar content. If you choose to have it, limit the amount to about 1/4 to 1/2 cup (60-120 ml) occasionally, ideally once a week. Always monitor your blood sugar levels after consumption to see how it affects you. It's best to consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian for personalized advice before adding it to your diet.
Lysol
Oct 12, 2024 at 5:46 PM.
Am so impressed by this enlightenment, thank you so much. I recently begun consuming so much of sugarcane n so I needed a clarification on how much consumption is too much. The article was really helpful, tnx
Myhealth Team
Oct 13, 2024 at 6:05 PM.
We are glad you found the information helpful! Sugarcane is nutritious but can be high in sugar. Moderation is key. Aim to limit your consumption to about 1 to 2 servings per day (each serving being about 1 cup of fresh juice or 2-3 pieces of sugarcane). This helps you enjoy its benefits without overloading on sugar.
Ebuka
Oct 11, 2024 at 6:25 PM.
Thanks
Myhealth Team
Oct 13, 2024 at 6:11 PM.
You're Welcome
Chizzy white
Oct 11, 2024 at 9:06 AM.
I love sugarcane so much ,I wanted to know if it harmful to the body,but now ,I have seen the health benefits is massive , thank you
Myhealth Team
Oct 13, 2024 at 6:32 PM.
You're welcome! Sugarcane can indeed have several health benefits, such as providing natural energy, being rich in antioxidants, and supporting hydration. However, moderation is key, as it is high in sugar. Enjoying sugarcane in reasonable amounts can be part of a healthy diet, especially when balanced with other nutritious foods. If you have any other questions or need more information, feel free to ask!
Geoffrey Warui Karanja
Oct 9, 2024 at 7:56 PM.
Very informative
Myhealth Team
Oct 13, 2024 at 6:40 PM.
We are glad to hear that you found the information helpful! If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. Your health and understanding are important, and we are here to help!
Yelola Fowowe
Oct 7, 2024 at 8:02 AM.
So informative and helpful and educational
Myhealth Team
Oct 8, 2024 at 5:16 AM.
Thankyou! We are glad you have liked the information. Feel free to ask further questions.
Samuel Popoola
Sep 19, 2024 at 12:08 PM.
Amazing.Higly informative. Thank you
Myhealth Team
Sep 22, 2024 at 6:39 AM.
We are glad you found the information helpful. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!
Michael Meso
Sep 4, 2024 at 3:52 PM.
Very educative piece
MyHealth Team
Sep 4, 2024 at 5:26 PM.
Thank you! We are glad you found the information helpful. If you have any more questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask.
Justus Ouko
Sep 1, 2024 at 1:19 PM.
Very educative...
MyHealth Team
Sep 7, 2024 at 6:24 PM.
We are glad you found the information helpful. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!
Emwonyu Benjamin
Aug 29, 2024 at 11:01 AM.
I'm glad to know more about sugarcane I used to fear sugarcane so much because of diabetes issues and tooth issues Now I will start eating
MyHealth Team
Aug 30, 2024 at 7:29 PM.
It's great to hear that you’ve learned more about sugarcane! While it can be enjoyed in moderation, it's important to keep your diabetes and tooth health in mind. Enjoy it in balance, and be sure to monitor your sugar levels and maintain good oral hygiene.
judy njeri
Aug 24, 2024 at 1:04 PM.
This is educative.
MyHealth Team
Aug 24, 2024 at 6:30 PM.
We are glad you have liked the information!
Nikki
Aug 17, 2024 at 11:35 AM.
This information is very educational and it benefits by spreading awareness about how healthy is sugarcane .
Abusa jared
Aug 16, 2024 at 8:00 AM.
Im glad for this informative content. My parent is diabetic and was advised not to take sugarcane. How is this true?
MyHealth Team
Aug 17, 2024 at 11:21 AM.
Sugarcane is high in sugar and can cause blood sugar spikes, so it's generally advised for diabetics to avoid it to help manage their blood glucose levels.
Miriam
Aug 2, 2024 at 10:25 AM.
Am glad to know so much about sugar cane will plant more. Thanks for info
MyHealth Team
Aug 2, 2024 at 10:49 AM.
You're welcome! We are glad you found the information helpful. Best of luck with planting more sugar cane! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.
Juliet munganga
May 6, 2024 at 4:08 PM.
The content was very educative. Show step by step on the preparation
Myhealth Team
May 7, 2024 at 3:47 PM.
Glad you have found it informative.
Happiness
Apr 21, 2024 at 7:48 PM.
Very informative. I won,t joke with my sugar cane plant anymore. No wonder people steal it on my farm.
Myhealth Team
Apr 23, 2024 at 6:20 AM.
We are glad you have found the blog informative.
Otueruvie Abel Obuke
Oct 15, 2023 at 8:20 PM.
Good to know all the above facts about sugar cane
Myhealth Team
Oct 18, 2023 at 9:33 AM.
I'm pleased you found the sugarcane information useful. If you have more questions, feel free to ask.
Wilfred nguithi
Sep 30, 2023 at 7:10 PM.
Very nice and informative,educative information
Myhealth Team
Oct 7, 2023 at 9:27 AM.
Thank you! If you have more questions in the future, don't hesitate to ask.
Myhealth Team
Sep 6, 2023 at 12:39 PM.
Certainly, please provide more specific details about the drink or supplement you're asking about so I can give you a concise answer.
Myhealth Team
Sep 5, 2023 at 12:31 PM.
Certainly! To provide a meaningful answer, I'll need you to clarify your question. Please specify what "it" refers to, the dosage you're asking about, and whether you can use lemon as a substitute for lime in the context you're referring to.
