Sugarcane, the tall, sturdy jointed, with fibrous stalk, rich in sugar sucrose is one quintessential component of Sankranti or Pongal celebrations across the country. Placing long stalks of sugarcane at the main door is considered auspicious in Indian households as it signifies sweetness and happiness during festivities.
This money-yielding crop is a powerhouse of nutrients, and vitamins and its byproducts like sugar, jaggery, brown sugar, and rock sugar are must-have ingredients in any Indian kitchen.
Nutritional Facts
Sugarcane is loaded with water and heaped with saccharose sugar that accounts for its sweetness. It is a rich source of carbohydrates, essential amino acids, vitamins C, B1, B2, and B6 and minerals including calcium, phosphorus, iron, succinic, fumaric, malic and citric acids, all of which are crucial nutrients that are vital for good health.
Ayurveda Uses
Sugarcane juice is one of the most famous natural energy drinks laden with health-benefiting properties. It is a wholesome natural diuretic that is cold in nature. Sugarcane juice readily increases kapha dosha, while it pacifies pitta and vata dosha. The holistic science of Ayurveda recommends having sugarcane juice, as it supports normal liver functions. It works amazingly well as a natural remedy for jaundice, by replenishing lost electrolytes and nutrients and helps in faster recovery.
Fuels Immune System
The goodness of essential nutrients, chlorophyll, and antioxidants in sugar cane is beneficial in boosting the immune system. It shields the body against infection and prevents the formation of cancer cells. In addition, sugarcane helps to detoxify the body and revamps all organs in the body including the eyes and brain.
Prevents Tooth Decay
Sugarcane is a wonderful food loaded with minerals that can combat tooth decay and ward off bad breath. The richness of minerals and other essential acids in sugarcane is beneficial in strengthening the gums. Having a piece of sugarcane after a meal serves as a delicious dessert.
Fights Inflammation
Sugarcane is heaped with a myriad of antioxidants, flavonoids and phenolic substances. It possesses strong anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties that shield you from catching a cold, flu, and sore throat. Furthermore, drinking a glass of sugar cane juice serves as an effective remedy for jaundice and keeps you energized throughout the day.
Flushes Kidney Stones
Sugarcane is an amazing hydrating food that is loaded with water, hydrates your body and helps in eliminating kidney stones. As dehydration is the major cause of kidney stone formation, drinking sugarcane juice for longer duration can prevent kidney stones and remove smaller ones.
Healthy Skin
The goodness of Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) in sugarcane is beneficial in keeping the skin look supple and healthy. Sugarcane functions as an effective antiaging mask that moisturizes the skin and prevents acne. Applying sugarcane juice regularly makes your skin look radiant and glowing.Augments Bone Health
Sugarcane being intrinsically rich in calcium supports the normal development of the skeletal system and maintains bones and teeth health.
Fights Bad Breath
Sugarcane can be your saviour to combat bad breath. Bestowed with essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus that helps build tooth enamel and averts tooth decay. In addition, it also overcomes bad breath.
How To Have Sugarcane Juice?
Raw sugarcane juice is the best, that can be flavoured with a dash of lemon juice and a piece of ginger to make it tastier and healthier. Avoid drinking packaged sugarcane juice as it contains preservatives, artificial flavours and sweeteners. However, enjoying sugarcane as such is better as it contains more fibre and nutrition.
Treats Acne
Applying sugarcane juice topically on the face can help ease acne and also treat several other skin woes. The goodness of alpha hydroxyl acids (AHA) promotes cell regeneration, exfoliates dead skin cells, clears clogged pores and lowers the risk of acne.
Pro Tip:
In a mixing bowl take 2 tsp of multani miti ,1 tsp turmeric powder and add 3-4 tsp of sugarcane juice to make a fine paste, apply this pack on face and neck, and let it stay for 10-15 minutes, rinse off well to get supple and radiant skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sugarcane Juice Good For Diabetics?
Sugarcane juice is a naturally refreshing and energising drink. Laden with antioxidants it is known to boost immunity, reduce inflammation and enhance skin health. It serves as a healthy alternative to carbonated beverages and promotes gut and kidney health. The glycaemic index of sugarcane juice is 43, so it can be taken in moderate amounts when the blood sugar levels are under control. However, it should be avoided for those with uncontrolled blood sugar.
Can I Take Sugarcane Juice daily?
No, moderation is the key mantra, as too much of anything is harmful to health. Drinking a glass of sugarcane juice for healthy adults will keep you energetic, trigger immunity, fortifies bone health and promotes digestion. However, it is not advisable for diabetes to drink sugarcane juice on a regular basis.
Can A Person On A Weight Loss Diet Have Sugarcane Juice?
Those on a weight loss journey can have it daily but not more than a cup or 200ml of sugarcane juice. As it is high in calorie content, moderation is the key, to harnessing the maximum benefits of this natural drink.
