Sugarcane juice is like a health elixir, offering benefits from glowing skin to a refreshing energy boost. Packed with antioxidants, it’s good for digestion and may help with blood pressure. Besides being a health hero, sugarcane juice has many uses, from making alcohol to traditional remedies. But, like any good thing, it’s best enjoyed in moderation, especially for those with health concerns. So, if you want a sweet and healthy addition to your day, read this blog to learn about the sugarcane juice benefits.
Nutritional Value of Sugarcane Juice
The nutritional properties of sugarcane juice make it helpful in addressing conditions such as Jaundice, bleeding, dysuria, anuria, and various urinary diseases. Let’s take a closer look at its nutritional value, with the values suggested by the USDA, to get a comprehensive understanding of the health benefits packed in sugarcane juice!
| Serving Size | 100 grams |
| Calories | 269 |
| Carbohydrates | 73 grams |
| Sugar | 73 grams |
| Fibre | 0 gram |
| Protein | 0 gram |
| Fat | 0 gram |
12 Benefits of Sugarcane Juice
Sugarcane or ganna juice has been a global remedy and has a long history in traditional healing, like Ayurveda and Unani medicine in India. It’s often used on its own or with other plants, showing various effects like helping the immune system and easing stress. One notable advantage of sugarcane juice is its rich supply of essential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, contributing to overall well-being.
Read on to learn more about the sugarcane juice benefits:
- Prevents Ageing
- Helps in Fever
- Boosts Energy
- Digestive Health
- Liver Detoxification
- Rich in Antioxidants
- It may help with Jaundice
- Enhances Immunity
- Skin Health
- May Help Regulate Blood Pressure
- Kidney Cleanser
- May Help in Weight Loss
As mentioned above, let us study the sugarcane juice benefits in detail.
1. Prevents Ageing
Our skin ages due to internal (intrinsic) and external (extrinsic) factors. Intrinsic factors, like genetics, are natural, while extrinsic factors, such as sun exposure, speed up ageing. Sugarcane juice benefits and may control intrinsic and extrinsic ageing factors by hydrating cells, providing Vitamin C for collagen, and offering antioxidants. It protects against UV rays and supports collagen, keeping skin elastic and preventing early ageing.
2. Helps in Fever
During fever, sugarcane juice benefits our body in several ways. Its natural sugars provide a quick energy source, support the body’s increased metabolic demands, and help in hydration. And sugarcane juice’s soothing and cooling properties may ease throat discomfort associated with fever. Further, it can help you retain or bring back the energy levels required by the body.
3. Boosts Energy
This is another advantage of sugarcane juice. It can provide a quick energy boost due to its natural sugar content, which includes sucrose, glucose, and fructose. According to the Sugarcane Breeding Institute, sugarcane juice contains 75 to 85% water and 10 to 21% sucrose (non-reducing sugar). When consumed, these sugars are rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, providing a rapid energy source. Additionally, sugarcane juice contains small amounts of essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals, which can contribute to overall energy metabolism.
The hydrating properties and electrolyte content contribute to another advantage of sugarcane juice—its effectiveness in combating dehydration and maintaining energy levels, especially in hot climates.
4. Improves Digestive Health
Incorporating the advantage of sugarcane juice into your diet may support better digestion by providing fibre for regular bowel movements and enzymes that break down carbohydrates. Its high water content supports hydration, and the juice’s mild and soothing nature can be gentle on the stomach. While it offers digestive benefits, enjoying sugarcane juice in moderation is essential to manage sugar intake. Consult healthcare professionals for personalised advice if you have specific digestive concerns.
Further, Embracing the benefit of ganna juice in your diet may contribute to improved digestion due to its alkalizing effect and potential to soothe digestive issues.
5. Liver Detoxification
Among the many benefits, the advantage of sugarcane juice as a detoxifying agent is noteworthy, aiding in flushing out toxins from the body and promoting a healthier internal environment. Your liver helps get rid of toxins from your body. It works non-stop to digest food, break down hormones, and store essential vitamins and nutrients. Sugarcane juice is believed to be a detox water that contributes to liver detoxification through various mechanisms, although it’s important to note that scientific evidence supporting specific claims is limited. The compounds in the juice, flavonoids and polyphenols fight against harmful substances and support the liver’s natural detox processes. The juice’s hydration benefits also contribute to toxin elimination through increased urine production.
6. Rich in Antioxidants
According to the Sugarcane Breeding Institute, sugarcane juice and its unrefined products are the richest sources of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and glycosides. These compounds contribute to the potential health benefits:
- Phenolic Acids: Phenolic acids are known for their antioxidant properties. They help neutralise harmful free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and protecting cells from damage. Antioxidants play a crucial role in preventing chronic diseases and promoting overall health.
- Flavonoids: Like phenolic acids, flavonoids possess potent antioxidant properties and can help combat inflammation. These compounds contribute to the overall protection of cells and tissues from oxidative damage.
- Glycosides: Research indicates that specific glycosides may have anti-cancer properties by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. These compounds may contribute to cancer prevention and treatment strategies.
7. It may help with Jaundice
Jaundice is a condition characterised by the yellowing of the skin and eyes, associated with liver dysfunction, where the liver struggles to process bilirubin efficiently, leading to its accumulation in the bloodstream. According to Unani Medicine, sugarcane juice is one of the best home remedies to treat this disease. Ganna Juice benefits our body by maintaining hydration levels, which is crucial for individuals with Jaundice. The natural sugars in sugarcane juice offer a quick energy boost, addressing fatigue commonly associated with Jaundice. Further, during Jaundice, your body breaks down many proteins, causing an increase in bilirubin. Drinking sugarcane juice is believed to be beneficial as it swiftly replaces the lost proteins.
8. Enhances Immunity
An often overlooked advantage of sugarcane juice is its potential to boost the immune system, thanks to its abundance of antioxidants that help combat free radicals.
Inflammation is a natural response by the body to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can contribute to various health issues. Substances in sugarcane juice, such as vitamin C and antioxidants, may help reduce inflammation and promote overall well-being, enhancing immunity. Chemical compounds like flavonoids in sugarcane juice might help protect against certain cancers, like prostate and breast cancer. Flavonoids have antioxidants that could fight cancer-causing elements.
9. Skin Health
Another health-oriented benefit of ganna juice is its effectiveness in improving skin health. The juice’s antioxidants, vitamin C, and hydrating properties may contribute to a bright and radiant complexion. While there’s limited direct scientific evidence, many believe that the nutrients in sugarcane juice can promote skin well-being. For additional skin benefits, explore the watermelon juice benefits.
10. May Help Regulate Blood Pressure
Sugarcane juice has the potential to help manage blood sugar levels through various mechanisms. With a low glycemic index, one practical benefit of ganna juice is its ability to provide a quick energy boost without causing a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. Its natural sugars, accompanied by fibre content, could lead to slower absorption of sugars, preventing rapid spikes in blood glucose.
11. Kidney Cleanser
In Indian Ayurveda, it is believed that regular consumption of sugarcane juice in your diet is thought to promote a transparent and efficient urinary flow, thereby supporting daily kidney function. Further, it keeps you hydrated, essential for your kidneys to work well. For potentially improved results in promoting kidney health, some recommendations include combining sugarcane juice with lime and ginger juice.
12. May Help in Weight Loss
Sugarcane juice is often considered a weight-loss-friendly beverage for a few reasons. It is relatively low in calories, making it healthier than many sweetened drinks. The high water content in sugarcane juice helps with hydration, contributing to a feeling of fullness and reducing the likelihood of overeating. The juice’s natural sugars and dietary fibre provide a sweet taste without causing sharp spikes in blood sugar levels. Additionally, the juice contains small amounts of essential nutrients that support overall health, contributing to a body that is better equipped for weight management.
Incorporating jaggery, a natural sweetener derived from sugarcane, can be a healthier alternative to refined sugars, offering sweetness while providing additional health benefits. Including jaggery for weight loss in moderation along with a balanced diet may contribute to effective weight management.
Other Potential Uses of Sugarcane Juice
Once sugarcane juice is extracted, it leaves behind Bagasse, a residual material comprising fibres, water, and small quantities of soluble solids, mainly sugar. Its versatility makes it valuable in various applications. Furthermore, fermentation is commonly employed to treat sugarcane juice, enhancing its utility and making it even more versatile. Here are the sugarcane juice benefits beyond its medicinal uses:
- Sugar cane Alcohol
- Paper Production
- Food Industry
- Helpful in Fuel Generation
- Traditional Home Remedies
- Molasses Production
- Energy Drink for Athletes
As mentioned above, let us study these sugarcane juice benefits in detail.
1. Sugar Cane Alcohol
Sugarcane juice can be used as a base for various beverages and alcoholic drinks. It is a critical component in producing two renowned alcoholic beverages—rum and sugarcane wine (also known as ‘cachaca’ in Brazil). First, sugarcane juice turns into sugar cane alcohol through fermentation. This alcohol makes rum, cachaca, vodka, and liqueurs. It’s also handy in the food industry, working as a flavouring solvent, preservative, and for making vinegar.
2. Paper Production
Bagasse is a valuable resource for paper production, particularly in manufacturing high-quality wrapping and magazine paper. According to Food and Agriculture, making newsprint from Bagasse has been challenging and expensive; ongoing tech improvements might make it doable in the next ten years. Mixing it with some waste paper could be the key.
3. Food Industry
By concentrating and crystallising sugarcane juice, we can extract various helpful sweaters: sugar, brown sugar, jaggery, sweet syrups and more. Moreover, when subjected to fermentation, sugarcane juice transforms into vinegar, which is used for flavouring, preserving, and pickling various foods. Different types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar, offer unique flavour profiles.
4. Helpful in Fuel Generation
A lot has been discussed regarding the generation of methane or biogas, and frequently, sugarcane producers have felt that there is a missed opportunity in creating an economically viable gaseous fuel from their excess Bagasse. Methane is a fuel that can be used to produce heat and light and to manufacture organic chemicals. It’s super sustainable and just what we need in today’s world.
5. Traditional Home Remedies
Sugarcane juice has been traditionally used as a medicine to treat morning sickness during pregnancy. The natural sweetness and hydration properties may be soothing for pregnant women experiencing nausea. Gargling with diluted sugarcane juice relieves a sore throat in specific folk remedies. Due to its cooling properties, it is a favoured drink in hot climates to combat heat and dehydration.
6. Molasses Production
Molasses is the syrup left after turning beet or cane sugar into table sugar. Sugarcane is a crucial source of molasses, a thick and dark syrup made from raw sugar during the refining process. Molasses not only adds flavour to baking but also brings in essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin B6, and iron, making your treats tastier and healthier.
7. Energy Drink for Athletes
Enjoying the advantage of sugarcane juice post-workout is an intelligent choice, as it replenishes electrolytes and aids in muscle recovery with its natural sugars. According to a National Library of Medicine study, sugarcane juice significantly increases blood glucose levels during and after exercise. In this study, the health benefit of sugarcane juice was proven to be equally effective as sports drinks and plain water in the cycling performance of athletes. Additional research is required to draw more definitive conclusions and determine whether sugarcane juice can be a viable alternative to sports drinks.
How to Drink Sugarcane Juice?
The advantage of sugarcane juice lies in its natural sweetness and refreshing taste, making it a delicious and healthy alternative to sugary beverages. However, it’s not feasible to extract sugarcane juice in our homes. So, read on to a few tips and recipes to make ganna juice more exciting and get the maximum sugarcane juice benefits:
- Add Mint: Blend freshly squeezed sugarcane juice with fresh mint leaves, ginger, and a squeeze of lemon with a pinch of black salt for a unique flavour twist.
- Experiment with Herbs and Spices: Blend sugarcane juice, cucumber slices, green chilli, and coriander leaves for a refreshing and subtly spicy drink.
- Dilute with Water or Coconut Water: If the sweetness is too intense, dilute sugarcane juice with water or coconut water to achieve your preferred taste.
- Choose the Right Time: Consider drinking sugarcane juice in the morning or during the day. It provides a natural energy boost and hydration.
- Chill It: Enjoy sugarcane juice chilled for a refreshing experience, especially on hot days. You can add ice cubes for an extra cooling effect.
Sugarcane Juice and Diabetes
With its sweet, refreshing taste, Sugarcane juice is a natural choice for anyone. However, for people with diabetes, the relationship is more complex. Research by the Journal of the American College of Nutrition studies the impact of polyphenols (a group of antioxidant compounds) found in sugarcane on cellular processes related to glucose and fructose handling and insulin restoration.
Sugarcane contains polyphenols that affect sugar absorption, conditions like diabetes, and high cholesterol in living organisms. Hence, it is not safe to consume sugarcane juice for diabetic patients. It is best to stay informed on such Diabetes Blogs, where discussions on polyphenols and their impact on glucose metabolism are frequently featured.
Tips to Follow While Including Sugarcane Juice in Your Diet
With its refreshing taste and potential health benefits, Sugarcane juice can be a tempting addition to your diet. However, it is essential to consider several factors before making it a habit. Consider factors like the season, drink it right after it’s made, keep it clean, and choose the best times to enjoy it. You may take note of the following pointers to get the maximum health benefit of sugarcane juice;
Timings
- Best enjoyed on an empty stomach: Drinking fresh sugarcane juice in the morning, before breakfast, can help with digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Post-workout hydration: It can be a good option after a workout to replenish electrolytes and rehydrate, but only in moderation.
- Avoid late-night indulgences: Drinking juice close to bedtime can disrupt sleep due to its sugar content.
How much Ganna juice in a Day?
One glass of sugarcane juice during the summer is sufficient. Limit your intake to a small glass (200-250 ml) once or twice a week in other seasons. If you have any health concerns, consult your doctor or a registered dietitian before including it in your diet. If you’re looking for a tasty and healthy juice alternative, consider exploring the benefits of carrot juice.
Who Should Avoid?
- Diabetics or individuals with pre-diabetes: The high sugar content can significantly impact blood sugar levels, so it’s best to avoid it or consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice.
- People with fructose intolerance: Sugarcane juice contains fructose, which some individuals have difficulty digesting, leading to digestive discomfort.
- Those with weight management concerns: The high sugar content can contribute to weight gain if consumed regularly and in excess.
Risk of Allergies
- Use extra precautions with small children and older adults to prevent allergic reactions.
- Avoid self-medicating with sugarcane or just by reading a potential benefit of ganna juice; seek advice from a medical practitioner before use.
Expert Review on Sugarcane Juice Benefits
Sugarcane juice can be a refreshing treat, but its benefits outweigh potential drawbacks, especially the high sugar content (25 grams per glass). In addition to the sugar factor, another significant drawback involves hygiene concerns. Street vendors might only sometimes adhere to proper hygiene practices, posing a risk of bacterial contamination. So, make sure you buy fresh juice from a vendor situated in clean surroundings.
Experts advise mindful consumption and emphasise a balanced diet rich in diverse nutrients for optimal health. For individuals with diabetes, various studies suggest avoiding sugarcane juice due to its potential impact on blood sugar levels. Opting for other juices with a lower glycemic index might be more suitable. Here are a few things to consider to get the maximum health benefit of sugarcane juice:
- Opt for freshly squeezed juice: Avoid packaged options with added sugars or preservatives.
- Add lemon juice drops: Combine your juice with mint leaves and a few drops of lemon juice, an excellent antioxidant.
- Listen to your body: How your body reacts after consuming sugarcane juice. If you experience any adverse effects, stop drinking it.
References
Chinnadurai, Chinnaraja. n.d. “(PDF) Potential Health Benefits of Sugarcane.” ResearchGate. Accessed December 21, 2023. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319013514_Potential_Health_Benefits_of_Sugarcane.
“The Effects of Ingestion of Sugarcane Juice and Commercial Sports Drinks on Cycling Performance of Athletes in Comparison to Plain Water.” 2013. NCBI. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3880661/.
“FoodData Central Search Results.” n.d. FoodData Central. Accessed December 21, 2023. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/167743/nutrients.
“Phytochemical profile of sugarcane and its potential health aspects.” 2015. NCBI. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4441162/.
“Sugarcane as feed.” n.d. Sugarcane as feed. Accessed December 21, 2023. https://www.fao.org/3/s8850e/S8850E03.htm.
FAQs
Do Sugarcane juice have health benefits?
Yes, sugarcane juice does have health benefits. It’s a natural source of essential nutrients like antioxidants, electrolytes, and vitamins. These components contribute to overall well-being, providing hydration and potentially boosting the immune system.
What are the significant health benefits of Sugarcane Juice?
Sugarcane juice benefits you in several ways. It can help prevent dehydration, support liver function, and aid digestion due to its high fibre content. Additionally, among the many advantages, the benefit of ganna juice lies in its ability to provide essential nutrients like potassium, calcium, and magnesium necessary for overall health.
What is the best time to have sugarcane juice?
To get the maximum health benefit of sugarcane juice, the best time to have sugarcane juice is usually on an empty stomach in the morning. This allows your body to absorb the nutrients more effectively. It’s a refreshing way to kickstart your day, providing a natural dose of energy.
What happens when we start drinking sugarcane juice daily?
When you start drinking beverage daily, you may experience health benefit of sugarcane juice like improved digestion and increased energy levels. Moreover, another benefit of ganna juice which you can feel within minutes is better hydration, especially during the summer heats.
Are there any side effects of having sugarcane juice?
While sugarcane juice is generally safe for most people, excessive consumption may increase blood sugar levels. Individuals with diabetes need to monitor their intake. Additionally, ensure the juice is prepared in hygienic conditions to avoid contamination.
Can sugarcane juice lead to weight gain?
Sugarcane juice is not likely to lead to weight gain when consumed in moderation. It is a low-calorie drink that can be a healthier alternative to sugary sodas and artificial beverages. However, if consumed excessively, the natural sugars in the juice can contribute to calorie intake, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Does Sugarcane Juice Glow Skin?
Yes, sugarcane juice benefits in promoting healthier skin. Its hydrating properties help maintain moisture levels, and the presence of antioxidants may assist in promoting a clearer complexion and reducing skin issues. It aids in keeping the skin moisturized, imparting a soft and radiant glow from within. Additionally, glycolic acid in sugarcane contributes to maintaining the skin’s radiance.
Does Sugarcane Juice Reduce Belly Fat?
Sugarcane juice is beneficial for weight loss as it provides a significant amount of dietary fibre. While it alone doesn’t specifically target belly fat, its low-calorie content and natural sweetness make it a healthier alternative to sugary beverages. With a balanced diet and regular exercise, sugarcane juice benefits the weight-management strategy.
Does Sugarcane Juice Benefit Women’s Health?
Mostly, yes, sugarcane juice benefits women’s health. It is a good source of iron, crucial for preventing anaemia, a condition affecting many women. Its hydrating properties and natural sweetness make it a wholesome beverage choice for women. Furthermore, the hydrating nature of sugarcane juice helps maintain optimal fluid balance in the body, promoting healthy skin and overall well-being.
Is drinking sugarcane juice beneficial for kidney stones?
It’s noteworthy that water alone is the best drink for kidney stones. If you’re wondering if sugarcane juice benefits this condition, more research is needed. Ganna juice is high in oxalates, which, when consumed excessively, may contribute to the formation of certain types of kidney stones.
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