Sugarcane juice is the liquid extracted from pressed sugarcane. It is consumed as a beverage in many places, especially where sugarcane is commercially grown. Not forgetting, sugarcane juice also keeps you in good shape.
It is called by many different names depending on the local language, but the humble sugarcane brings peace to every parched soul. Loaded with abundant;
- carbohydrates,
- proteins,
- minerals like calcium,
- phosphorus,
- iron,
- zinc,
- potassium, and
- vitamins A, B-complex, and C.
In the United States where processed sugarcane syrup is used as a sweetener in food and beverage manufacturing, “evaporated cane juice” is considered by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be a misleading term for “sugar.”
Especially, on product labels, because the FDA regards “juice” as a liquid derived from fruits or vegetables; the preferred term is “cane sugar”. Sugarcane is one of the main crops used in the production of sugar: 70% of the world’s sugar is made from sugarcane and the remaining 30% comes from the sugar beet crop.
Basically, the nutritional value of Sugarcane Juice per serving (28.35 grams) contains;
- Energy: 111.13 kJ (26.56 kcal),
- Carbohydrates: 27.51 g,
- Protein: 0.27 g,
- Calcium: 11.23 mg (1%),
- Iron: 0.37 mg (3%),
- Potassium: 41.96 mg (1%), and
- Sodium: 17.01 mg (1%).
Beet Sugar vs. Cane Sugar | Which Is Healthier?
An estimated 55–60% of all sugar produced in the US comes from sugar beets. Both beet and cane sugar are found in a variety of foods including sweets, processed foods, baked goods, and sodas.
However, several distinctions set apart these two common types of sugar. For instance, Beet sugar is made from the sugar beet plant. Along with cane sugar, it’s one of the most common types of refined sugar on the market.
What Is Beet Sugar?
Beet sugar is derived from the sugar beet plant, a root vegetable closely related to beetroot and chard. Along with sugarcane, sugar beets are among the most common plants used in the production of white sugar.
Sugar beets are also used to produce other types of refined sugar, such as molasses and brown sugar. However, since the source of the sugar is not always disclosed on food products and labels, it can be difficult to determine whether they contain beet or cane sugar.
Differences in Production
One of the biggest differences between beet and cane sugar is their processing and production methods. Beet sugar is made using a process that involves thinly slicing sugar beets to extract the natural sugar juice.
The juice is purified and heated to create a concentrated syrup, which is crystallized to form granulated sugar. Cane sugar is produced using a similar method but sometimes processed using bone char, an ingredient made by charring the bones of animals. Bone char helps bleach and filter white sugar.
Though bone char is not found in the final product, people looking to reduce their intake of foods made using animal products — such as vegans or vegetarians — may want to take this into consideration.
Keep in mind that other products, such as coal-based activated carbon, are often used in the processing of white sugar as a vegan alternative to bone char (6Trusted Source).
What are the Health Benefits of Sugarcane Juice?
Eventually, sugarcane juice is obtained by crushing peeled sugar cane in a mill and is one of the main precursors of rum.
If you search for sugarcane juice benefits, you’ll find that it has been attributed as a natural remedy to a score of problems. It’s rich in antioxidants so it helps fight infections and boost immunity.
In addition, it’s rich in iron, magnesium, calcium, and other electrolytes so it’s great for dehydration. Helping cure the common cold and other infections and also fight fever as it boosts the body’s protein levels.
Besides these, there are a few more great health benefits of sugarcane juice that you must learn about:
1. Helps when Consumed by Diabetic patients
Even though diabetic people are not allowed to consume sugar products due to the high sugar content in their blood, sugarcane is relatively safer to consume.
Surprisingly, sugarcane contains natural sugar which has an extremely low glycemic index. Above all, this prevents a sudden rise in blood glucose levels in diabetic patients.
Sugarcane also acts as a substitute for soft drinks or aerated drinks for these people.
2. Prevents Cancer from Occurring
Sugarcane helps to prevent cancer to some extent. This is because, it is high in alkaline content due to the concentration of manganese, iron, potassium, magnesium, and calcium.
It is difficult for cancer cells to survive in an alkaline environment which is why breast cancer and prostate cancer can be kept at bay by consuming sugarcane juice regularly.
3. Normal Functioning of the Kidneys
Sugarcane juice generally boosts the protein levels in the body, thus maintaining the functioning of the kidneys.
For example, if it is taken in a diluted form along with coconut water and lime juice, it can help to reduce the burning sensation. In that case, which is associated with prostatitis, kidney stones, sexually transmitted diseases, and urinary tract infection (UTI).
There are antioxidants present in sugarcane juice which helps to boost the immune system and fight infections in the body. The digestive system also functions smoothly by consuming sugarcane juice.
4. Helps to Combat skin Conditions
Sugarcane juice has an extremely important component called hydroxy acid and glycolic acid which has plenty of skin benefits. Equally important, sugarcane juice can keep the skin hydrated, prevents aging, reduces blemishes, and fights acne.
The presence of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and antioxidants can also delay the signs of aging and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Applying this juice on the face regularly can keep it radiant, soft, and supple.
5. Acts as an Energy Booster
Since sugarcane is a rich source of sucrose (simple sugar), it can be easily absorbed by the body.
This sugar can be used to replenish low sugar levels in the body. Therefore, consuming sugarcane juice can make you feel refreshed, charged and energetic.
6. Helpful during Pregnancy
Sugarcane juice is said to be a useful addition to the diet of an expecting mother. It facilitates a safer pregnancy and quicker conceptions.
By the same token, sugarcane has copious amounts of vitamin B9 and folic acid which protects the unborn child from birth defects such as Spina bifida.
According to studies, sugarcane juice also helps women with ovulating problems, therefore increasing the probability of safer conception.
7. Prevents tooth Decay
Bad breath can be very embarrassing and can also feel very uncomfortable.
Whereby, sugarcane contains important minerals like phosphorous and calcium. At the end, which helps to build up the teeth enamel, thus keeping tooth decay at bay.
8. Treats febrile Disorders
Ferbile disorders are very common in kids or early teens. It can cause regular fevers with extremely high temperatures.
During the fever, a lot of protein content is lost. Sugarcane juice helps to replenish the lost proteins and helps in speedy recovery from the fever.
9. Help in Weight loss
In general, sugarcane is ideal for people who want to reduce weight since it has natural sugar.
On the other hand, sugarcane juice can also reduce unhealthy cholesterol levels. It is high in soluble fiber which is why it can reduce weight drastically.
10. Increases the Muscle Power
Sugarcane is ideal for a sore throat and increases muscle power as it contains natural glucose which is required by the body to maintain stamina.
In many cases, jaundice or yellow fever can also be cured by consuming sugarcane juice.
Is Sugarcane Juice the Summer’s coolest Drink?
Of course, Yes! On hot and sticky days in countries as far-flung as Kenya, Brazil, Jamaica, and Vietnam, bright roadside carts slung with long poles of sugarcane are a common sight. These are pressed between iron rollers to extract their chartreuse juice or sold whole for locals to chew on.
Despite sugarcane’s abundance – it is one of the world’s most widely cultivated crops – cane water oxidizes quickly so it doesn’t travel well. But tasty drinks will always find a way to market and entrepreneurs. Especially, in the West whereby, they’ve begun setting up cane-juicing operations to stimulate demand.
With suppliers such as Sugarcane Island in Brooklyn, Raw Cane in Los Angeles, and the Cane Press in England are well supported by diaspora communities wanting a taste of home.
Despite the first part of its name, sugarcane water (which has no refined sugar), has numerous health benefits. And in particular, it’s rich in iron, magnesium, potassium, and calcium, it helps fight colds and fevers. All in all, to help supplement your summer dietary demands.
Side-Effects & Allergies of Sugarcane juice
The side effects of consuming sugarcane juice are extremely low, but however, it can lead to some health issues.
Raw sugar cane juice can be a health risk to drinkers due to the unhygienic conditions under which it is prepared in some countries with lower health standards.
If consumed excessively, an ingredient called policosanol present in sugarcane can cause;
- insomnia,
- upset stomach,
- dizziness,
- headaches, and
- weight loss.
It can also cause blood thinning and can affect cholesterol levels in the blood.
Important to realize, there are some diseases that can be transmitted by raw sugar-cane, such as Leptospirosis. In Brazil, sugarcane juice has been linked to cases of Chagas disease, as sugarcane can contain traces of its responsible pathogen, Trypanosoma cruzi, left by infected bugs if not properly cleaned.
Takeaway,
If, as a child, you have ever visited a sugarcane field or stopped by at a sugarcane juice vendor on the road, you would surely know that having a big glass of fresh sugarcane juice is not just yummy but highly refreshing.
Popularly known as ganne ka ras, the juice is not just another drink, but one of the healthiest drinks that you could lay your hands on.
A glass of chilled sugarcane juice not only quenches our thirst but also invigorates us. Given its popularity to beat the heat, it is no surprise that India is one of the leading producers of sugarcane.
Finally, I hope the above-revised guidelines matched resources to your health needs — especially while including sugarcane juice in your dietary plans. With this in mind, follow more leads through our Blog.
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