Is Sugarcane Juice Good or Bad For Diabetes?

Sugarcane juice is among the most popular choices to beat the heat across India, and other Asian and African countries! It is a sweet beverage made by squeezing sugarcanes, mixed with mint leaves, and garnished with crushed ice. It is our best-kept secret like many of our beverages. However, with growing globalization, sugarcane juice is now being marketed worldwide as a healthy, holistic drink with many health benefits. This tall stalk crop is a powerhouse of nutrients and is used to derive products such as brown sugar, jaggery, and rock sugar. You may be surprised to hear that despite it being a sugary drink, it may be beneficial for diabetes. In this article we explore the question posed frequently, "Is Sugarcane Juice Good For Diabetes?"

Nutritional Value of Sugarcane

Before we move ahead to answer the question of if sugarcane juice is good or bad for diabetes, let us understand the nutritional value of Sugarcane. Sugarcane is enriched with essential vitamins and minerals that are mentioned in the list provided below:

• Carbohydrates
• Essential Amino Acids
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin B1
• Vitamin B2
• Vitamin B6
• Calcium
• Phosphorous
• Iron
• Citric Acids

Even though sugarcane is rich in multiple vitamins and minerals it still has a high dose of sugar and carbohydrates. A 240 ML serving contains about 50 grams of sugar which is equivalent to 12 spoons. Additionally, the glycemic index and glycemic load of sugarcane juice is very high. People with diabetes should avoid foods and drinks with high glycemic index and glycemic load. However, there are multiple benefits of consuming sugarcane juice even if it is not good for diabetic people.

Sugarcane Juice Impact on Diabetes

It is common knowledge that people with diabetes should not consume high in sugar content food items or beverages. However, more research needs to be conducted to understand if natural sugars are to be prohibited or consumed in moderate quantities. So far, we understand that sugarcane juice can be consumed by diabetes patients in small quantities along with other healthy ingredients mixed in the beverage. It is advised to diabetic patients to consult a nutritionist before consuming sugarcane juice as it has a high glycemic index and all food items with a high glycemic index can be a potential danger to diabetic patients. Individuals with Pre-Diabetes or low GI can consume sugarcane juice with other ingredients and some of the recipes are included in this article

Sugarcane juice with Ginger

Ginger is not only a healthy root but also a delicious addition to your sugarcane juice. You will need:

• Ginger
• Sugarcane Juice
• Mint Leaves
• Black Salt
• Lemon Juice

In order to make this delicious drink you need to mix all the ingredients in a jar and refrigerate it in the freezer for a minimum of 2-3 hours. Now take out the iced drink and blend it in a mixer in order to achieve a slushie-like consistency. Top it with some mint leaves in order to add the extra zing and flavor. You can also garnish it with some rock salt and soda on top.

Sugarcane Coconut Mocktail

A healthy ingredient coconut water mixed with sugarcane juice is not only beneficial for your health but a delicious beverage to indulge in on a hot sunny day. All you need is

• Sugarcane Juice
• Black Salt
• Coconut Water
• Mint Leaves
• Soda
• Lemon Slices

In a jar mix sugarcane juice and coconut water with a pinch of black salt. You can garnish it with mint leaves and lemon slices. You can refrigerate for about 2-3 hours and serve it chilled.

Both the above recipes are great to beat the summer hot days with health and taste. Sugarcane juice can be consumed by those who are pre-diabetic and have their blood sugar levels in control. However, all the drinks mentioned above shall be consumed in moderation and not be overdone as it can turn out to complicate things. It is best advised to consult a nutritionist or a doctor before consuming sugarcane juice for diabetic people. There are multiple other health benefits attached to sugarcane juice which are explored in the next segment.

Potential Health Benefits of Sugarcane Juice

There are various health benefits attached to sugarcane juice not just for diabetic people but also for non-diabetic individuals. It is much more than a refreshing summer drink with multiple health advantages like:

Summing It Up

Sugarcane juice serves up multiple antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to an individual consuming it but it is high in glycemic load which means it can do more harm than good to a diabetic patient. However, if consumed in moderation it can act as a refreshing summer beverage with multiple health advantages. It is rich in Vitamin C, flavonoids, potassium, calcium, and more. Instead of drinking sugarcane juice, it is recommended to drink black coffee, green tea, or water infused with fruit for diabetic patients. All of these beverages are good for diabetic patients and are also full of flavors.