Is Sugarcane Juice Bad for Diabetes?

Introduction  

Sugarcane juice is a common beverage consumed in regions of India and other Asian countries.  

Marketed as a completely natural beverage with a host of health benefits, sugarcane juice is used in traditional medicine to cure ailments like liver and kidney diseases.  

The numerous dietary limitations that come with having Diabetes make it difficult to lead a normal life. People with Diabetes should stay away from foods that cause a rise in blood sugar. Foods high in the glycaemic index and glycaemic load elevate blood sugar. Saying no to sugar can be hard for those with a sweet tooth.  

Is sugarcane juice among the sweet drinks to stay away from? Is sugarcane juice good or bad for Diabetes? Let’s first go through what sugarcane juice is and what it offers to the body.

What is sugarcane juice?  

Sugarcane juice is prepared by squeezing peeled sugarcane. The juice is sweet and syrupy. It is mainly sold by street vendors. Adding ice makes it extra delicious and hydrating during summer.

Processing of sugarcane juice produces cane sugar, molasses, brown sugar and jaggery. Rum can also be made from sugarcane. Cachaça wine in Brazil is prepared by fermenting sugarcane juice.

Sugarcane juice isn’t pure sugar. The nutritional breakdown of sugarcane juice includes roughly 70.5–75% water, 10.5–15% fibre, and 13.1–15% sucrose, which is the same as table sugar. Most table sugar in the world comes from sugarcane.

Sugarcane juice is well-known for being a good source of phenolic and flavonoid antioxidants in its raw form. Sugarcane juice’s health benefits come from its antioxidant content.

This healthy drink retains its nutritional makeup, including a surprisingly high vitamin and mineral content, because it is not processed like most other sugary drinks.  

Nutrition Profile   

The nutrient content in 250 ml of sugarcane juice is as follows.

• Energy – 80 Kcal
• Protein – 0 g
• Fat – 0 g
• Carbohydrates – 21 g
• Fibre – 10 g
• Iron – 1.12 mg
• Sodium – 1.16 mg
• Magnesium – 13.03 mg
• Potassium – 150 mg
• Phosphorus – 22.08 mg
• Calcium – 18 mg
• Riboflavin – 0.04 mg
• Thiamine – 0.03 mg.

Sugarcane juice glycaemic index  

The American Diabetes Association estimates sugarcane juice has a glycaemic index of 43, making it a low-glycemic food. This signifies that compared to other foods, the blood sugar levels will increase or decrease slowly.

A low GI makes a person feel full for longer, reducing the need for between-meal snacks. This hydrating beverage gives us immediate energy and prevents dehydration.  

Benefits of sugarcane juice  

Provides instant energy  

It’s a great way to boost the body’s energy levels and combat dehydration. Consuming sugarcane juice helps the absorption of sugars by the body and might provide the required glucose.

Keeps liver healthy

Sugarcane juice is among the notable natural treatments for liver-related problems, including jaundice. The juice’s alkaline composition can support ideal electrolyte balance.

Fights cancer

Sugarcane juice is alkaline and rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, and manganese, which aids in the battle against cancer. It also contains flavonoids that can prevent prostate and breast cancer.

Boosts digestion  

Sugarcane juice’s potassium content can help people experiencing digestive issues. It facilitates the release of digestive fluids and assists in keeping the pH levels in the stomach in balance.

Promotes kidney health  

Sugarcane juice is low in cholesterol, sodium, and saturated fats, which can help keep the kidneys healthy.

Pain relief for STDs and UTIs  

Coconut water, lime juice, and diluted sugarcane juice can help reduce inflammation arising due to STDs, UTIs, kidney stones and prostate-related problems.

Bone development

Bone and tooth growth is aided by the calcium in sugarcane, which helps the healthy development of the skeletal system, teeth, and bones.

Eliminates bad breath  

Sugarcane is full of minerals that can help strengthen teeth and build tooth enamel. The essential nutrients in sugarcane help in preventing tooth decay and bad breath.

Sugarcane juice for Diabetes  

Though the name suggests otherwise, sugarcane juice does not contain high sugar. Containing about 70 – 75% of water and 10 to 15% of fibre, sugarcane juice is filled with natural sugar.

Sugarcane juice is helpful for treating several diseases and provides relief from numerous conditions, including kidney issues, UTIs, constipation, and skin allergies. It acts as a diuretic, which helps to flush out toxins and improves kidney function.

For people with Diabetes, it is best to talk to a doctor or dietitian before adding anything to the diet.  

Certain dietitians claim that sugarcane juice is okay for people with type II Diabetes to consume, but those with type I diabetes should restrict it. The high natural sugar in sugarcane juice quickly relieves severe hypoglycaemia in people with type 2 Diabetes.  

Sugarcane juice is an instant energy booster, but people with Diabetes must consume it moderately, ideally as part of a meal designed for their condition.

Patients with Diabetes must be cautious while consuming sugarcane juice as it can increase blood glucose levels. Sugarcane juice helps individuals deal with hypoglycaemic episodes.

Things diabetes patients should check before consuming sugarcane juice  

Sugarcane juice is best consumed when a person with Diabetes is in a hypoglycaemic condition (low blood sugar levels) or when blood sugar levels are under control by a good diet, regular exercise, and stress management.

How to drink sugarcane juice?  

The ideal and best way of consuming sugarcane juice is raw. A few drops of lemon juice and a piece of ginger is a great addition to sugarcane juice, which makes it tastier, flavourful and healthier.

Artificial flavours, sweeteners, and preservatives are present in packaged sugarcane drinks. The minerals in sugarcane juice are lost during factory processing. Therefore, bottled sugarcane juices and sodas have to be avoided.  

Diabetes patients whose sugar levels are under control are allowed to consume raw sugarcane juice. Additionally, it is suggested that chewing a few pieces of sugarcane since it contains more fibre.  

Sugarcane juice  

Ingredients  

• Sugarcane – 1
• Sliced juice – 1 tablespoon
• Lemon juice – to taste
• Black salt – to taste

Method of preparation

• Peel the skin of sugarcane and cut it into small pieces.
• Add all the ingredients to a blender. Blend until a smooth mixture is obtained.
• Squeeze the puree with your hands, strain it, and pour it into a glass.  
• The juice prepared is ready to drink. One can also refrigerate and consume it after a couple of hours.

Sugarcane and ginger slush

Ingredients

• Sugarcane juice – 1 cup
• Brown sugarcane – 1 tablespoon
• Ginger juice – 2 tablespoon
• Black salt – 1/2 teaspoon

Method of preparation

• Mix all the ingredients well.  
• Refrigerate for 12 hours by pouring the liquid into an ice cube tray.
• Blend the frozen mixture to make a slush.  
• Nothing beats a cup of slush on a hot summer day.

Juices

The versatility of sugarcane juice makes it blend well with other juice to form a mocktail. Pomegranate juice, muskmelon juice, watermelon juice and coconut water go along with sugarcane juice.

How much sugarcane juice to drink for Diabetics?  

Although sugarcane juice is loaded with vitamins and minerals, it also contains a lot of sucrose. Sucrose is a type of natural sugar that raises blood sugar levels.  

Sugarcane juice is safe for people with Diabetes when consumed in moderation. This is only applicable if the blood sugar levels are under control. Sugarcane juice should never be consumed by someone with severe Diabetes or high blood sugar.

Disadvantages of sugarcane juice

Although sugarcane juice has many health benefits, it also has certain drawbacks.  

• Sugarcane juice contains policosanol, which tends to make people feel headaches, lightheadedness and sleep.
• The substance policosanol also thins the blood. Overindulgence could prevent the blood from clotting. Therefore, individuals taking blood thinners should avoid it.
• Sugarcane juice can have an impact on cholesterol levels.  
• In Asian countries like India, most street vendors sell sugarcane juice. The risk of bacterial infection may rise if it is not extracted hygienically.  

Conclusion  

Sugarcane juice is a healthy and cool drink during the sweltering heat. The benefits of sugarcane juice include its high-water content, essential minerals, vitamins, protein, and carbohydrates. Sugarcane juice contains no fat and is a naturally sweet, healthy, refreshing drink that gives us more energy immediately. Patients with Diabetes can moderately consume sugarcane juice, promoting detoxification and healthy weight loss. However, it is advisable to drink sugarcane juice only when the blood sugar is under control or when there is hypoglycaemia. Consult a Diabetologist before including sugarcane juice in the diet.

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