There’s nothing better than a chilled glass of sugarcane juice on a hot summer day. But, have you wondered what are the benefits of sugarcane juice? Sugarcane, a grass plant that can be found in 36 varieties, has no fats and is a 100 percent natural drink.
An 8-ounce serving, approximately 240 ml of sugarcane juice (with no additives) contains 98kcal. It has zero cholesterol and small amounts of fat, fiber and protein. It also contains sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron.
You would think that this sugar-rich drink is a popular summer drink that keeps you hydrated. However, it has numerous health benefits but we’ve rounded up 10 of them for you.
1. Gives you a shot of instant energy
There’s a reason sugarcane juice sells at most roadside kiosks in summer.
It’s the best way to energize yourself and ensure you don’t experience dehydration. The simple sugars in the juice are easily absorbed by the body and are used to replenish sugar levels.
2.Enhances liver function
Sugarcane juice is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and helps support the health of vital organs such as the liver.
Studies find sugarcane juice is alkaline in nature, it helps in maintaining the electrolyte balance in the body.
3. Help the body fight cancer
Studies have shown that the plant polyphenols in sugarcane juice have a high antioxidant and anti cancer activity. It’s good to make sugarcane juice a regular part of your diet.
4. It eases the digestive system
Among other benefits of sugarcane juice it also is exceptional for people suffering from digestive distress.
The potassium in sugarcane juice balances the pH levels in the stomach. Drinking sugarcane juice also keeps one hydrated and helps with regular bowel movements. It also helps prevent stomach infections.
5. Helpful for people with diabetes
Though the high sugar content in sugarcane juice may make diabetics wary of consuming this juice. But, in moderation, sugarcane juice can benefit diabetics, the natural sugar has a low glycemic index that prevents frequent spikes in blood glucose levels.
Studies also reflect that sugarcane contains various polyphenols that help in better managing diabetic conditions and also offer antioxidants to the body.
6. Maintains kidney health
Being a natural zero-cholesterol, low-sodium food, with no saturated fats, sugarcane juice helps to keep the kidneys healthy.
7. It alleviates pain associated with UTIs
If consumed in a diluted form, with lime juice and coconut water, sugarcane juice can help reduce body inflammation by increasing your fluid intake and help manage symptoms better, like urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and prostatitis.
8. Aids in the development of bones and teeth
Back in the day, chewing on a sugarcane stick used to be a regular pastime for young children and adolescents.
Apart from keeping them occupied, the calcium-rich benefits of sugarcane juice also ensures proper development of the skeletal system, bones, and teeth.
9. Keeps bad breath & tooth decay at bay
Experiencing bad breath linked to tooth decay? Sugarcane juice can be your saving grace.
Sugarcane is rich in minerals, including calcium and phosphorus, and also helps build tooth enamel and strengthen teeth, ensuring they are prone to decay. It also overcomes bad breath caused due to the deficiency of these nutrients.
10. Can help cure acne
Topical use of sugarcane juice has the ability to help reduce and cure skin problems such as acne. Since sugarcane juice contains alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid, it increases cell turnover.