Despite India being the second-largest producer of sugarcane in the world (after Brazil), this humble crop seems to have got a bad rep because of its high levels of sucrose, with lesser and lesser Indians opting for it as a refreshment. However, there are some serious benefits to this wonder drink – let’s take a look at why you should include it in your diet.
The juice of the sugarcane, when extracted, contains only fifteen percent raw sugars – lesser than some of your regular fruit juices or smoothies! The rest of the juice contains vital minerals for hydration and health, such as calcium, copper, magnesium, manganese, zinc, iron and potassium. It also contains Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3 and C.
According to Ayurvedic principles, sugarcane juice is an excellent liver detox, balancing bile levels and is often suggested as a jaundice remedy. It is also good for kidneys, and is used in the treatment of kidney stones and other kidney problems, as well as UTIs. It is great to get bowel movement going, and is highly alkaline, keeping acidity at bay. It helps cleanse the skin from inside out, pushing out impurities and keeping it looking young.
Sugarcane juice is fibre-rich, which makes it ideal for digestive health, and has a high concentration of phytonutrients like chrolophyll, as well as antioxidants and protein. The flavanoids present help fight cancer by restoring cell structure. It also promotes tooth health by preventing tooth decay, and alleviates bad breath. Similar to coconut water, it also helps building up the body’s plasma levels, and counters dehydration and fatigue.
All that said, sugarcane juice is not without its downsides. Since it can’t be extracted in your regular juicer at home, you’ll need to either invest in a sugarcane juice extractor or go to a trusted local vendor – do a thorough check for hygiene before you use his or her services. Also, while it is excellent to treat diabetes when consumed in controlled quantities (since it has a low glycemic index), those with high sugar levels need to be watchful of overdoing it, and ideally consult their doctors before they decide on how much they can drink.