Sugarcane is relishing and the best thing about it , it;s found in abundant especially in north India. It's common sight to find sugarcane juice on Indian roads and markets.
In India, sugarcane is planted thrice a year in October (autumn), February-March (spring) and July (adsali). Adsali planting is quite common in Maharashtra while autumn and spring plantings are more common in northern India. Under North Indian conditions, sugarcane, by and large, is planted in spring. Sugarcane requires about 25-32°C for good germination. This temperature requirement is met twice in north Indian conditions i.e. in the month of October and also in the months of February-March.
An 8-ounce serving – approximately 240 ml – of sugar cane juice (without any additives) contains 250 calories, with 30 gm natural sugars. It has zero content of fat, cholesterol, fiber and protein but contains sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron. You would think that this sugar-rich drink can’t possibly have health benefits but we’ve rounded up 10 of them for you.
1. It 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 energise 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. It enhances liver function
Sugarcane juice is said to be one of the best natural treatments for liver-related ailments such as jaundice. Alkaline in nature, sugarcane juice helps maintain the electrolyte balance in the body.
3. It can help the body fight cancer
The high concentration of calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, and manganese makes sugarcane juice alkaline in nature. This – along with the presence of flavonoids – helps the body stave off cancerous cells, especially prostate and breast cancer.
4. It eases the digestive system
People suffering from digestive distress would do well to include sugarcane juice in their diet. The potassium in sugarcane juice balances the pH levels in the stomach, facilitates the secretion of digestive juices and keeps the system on track. It also helps prevent stomach infections.
5. It is helpful for people with diabetes
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, preventing spikes in blood glucose levels.
6. It maintains kidney health
Being a natural low-cholesterol, low-sodium food with no saturated fats, sugarcane juice helps keeping the kidneys in top shape.
7. It alleviates pain associated with STDs & UTIs
Consumed in a diluted form, with lime juice and coconut water, sugarcane juice can help reduce the burning sensation associated with sexually transmitted diseases, urinary tract infections, kidney stones and prostatitis.
8. It aids in 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 sugarcane also ensures proper development of the skeletal system, bones and teeth.
9. It keeps bad breath & tooth decay at bay
Experiencing bad breath linked to tooth decay? Sugarcane juice can be your saving grace.Rich in minerals, including calcium and phosphorus, sugarcane juice helps build toothenamel and strengthening teeth and ensuring they are prone to decay. It also overcomes bad breath caused due to the deficiency of these nutrients.
10. It can help cure acne
Topical use of sugarcane juice can help reduce and cure skin problems such as acne. Sugarcane juice contains alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid, which increase cell turnover. They also exfoliate the skin, eliminating chances of acne buildup. Just mix with Fuller’s earth (multani mitti) into a mask-like consistency, apply on face and neck and leave on for 20 minutes. Wash off with cool water.
