Is Sugarcane Juice Good for Diabetes?
Is Sugarcane Juice Good for Diabetes?
Few things can be as refreshing as a glass of chilled sugarcane juice. With some ginger, mint leaves, black salt, and a dash of lemon, you make it a tasty drink too! India is the largest producer of sugarcane in the world, so you can find it anywhere and everywhere. You can find street vendors all over the country selling sugarcane juice.
Sugarcane juice is not packed with sugar, as the name might suggest. If anything, sugarcane juice is about 70% to 75% water and about 10% to 15% fiber. Only the rest is made of all-natural sugar. In the unprocessed form of sugarcane, it is a great source of antioxidants such as phenolic and flavonoids.
Sugarcane juice is beneficial for various diseases and relieves a number of problems such as kidney issues, UTIs, constipation, and skin allergies, among others. It works as a diuretic, so it is helpful in flushing out toxins and makes your kidneys function better.
There are many other health benefits of sugarcane juice too. It can be a good beverage to have in your weight loss diet because it is low on calories. It’s also good for your heart as it has zero cholesterol and fat. This juice is a good laxative, so it is a boon for those suffering from chronic constipation.
Sugarcane juice is also used as part of the treatment for jaundice because it is beneficial for the liver. Those with weak immunity also find it very useful. This is a wonderful drink loaded with health and goodness.
Nutritional Contents of Sugarcane Juice
There are a lot of important nutrients in sugarcane juice. In fact, there are very few foods that can top the nutrients sugarcane provides. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, riboflavin, thiamin, antioxidants, and other essential compounds. It is packed with vitamins A, C, and B. It is also a good source of iron, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, and potassium, along with other essential compounds.
A 250 ml glass of sugarcane juice has just 80 calories. Sugarcane juice’s glycemic index is 43, which makes it one of the low-glycemic foods. This means your blood sugar levels will rise and fall much slower than most other foods. A low GI also helps in making sure you feel fuller for a longer time, so you won’t feel the need to snack between your meals. This refreshing juice provides instant energy and prevents dehydration. Studies have shown that sugarcane juice is as good as a sports drink in improving rehydration.
Sugarcane Juice for Diabetic Patients - Pros and Cons
More than 400 million people suffer from diabetes around the world. The International Diabetes Federation predicts that by 2040, the number will rise to about 642 million. Most diabetics come from low-income to middle-income nations.
Most diabetics discard sugarcane juice because of its high sugar content. However, this juice comes with sucrose, which is a healthy natural sugar. The opinion on whether or not it can be consumed by diabetics varies greatly. While some consider it to be safe, others request diabetics stay away from it. However, it can be consumed in a particular case: in type II diabetes or hypoglycemia, which causes one’s blood sugar level to dip below the standard range of 70 mg/dL, sugarcane juice provides instant energy.
Some research studies state that diabetes type II patients should consume sugarcane juice instead of white sugar. One such study was conducted on thirty untrained participants. The results showed that sugarcane juice has the potential to overcome diabetes mellitus type II.
Doctors’ Views - Should You Drink it if you Have Diabetes?
If you suffer from diabetes, it is better to consult a doctor before including anything in your diet chart. However, the opinions of doctors differ on the subject of sugarcane juice being safe for diabetics.
Dietician Ami Turakhia, who is also the founder of Diet Castle, warns that sugarcane juice can be harmful to those suffering from type I diabetes, but those suffering from type II can safely consume it. Its high sugar content promptly helps with extreme shortages of blood sugar caused by type II.
Another dietician, Alka Lohia of 6 Meal, considers balance to be the key. Lohia says that although sugarcane juice is an instant energy booster, a diabetic must take it in moderation, preferably as a part of a meal tailored for diabetes.
Dr. Pakhi Sharma, MBBS, of Phable Care, clearly says that sugarcane juice is to be given only to Type II patients, that too when their blood sugar falls to an extremely low level.
Other Health Benefits of Sugarcane Juice
Sugarcane juice overflows with nutrition. It has several benefits:
- It helps in alleviating acidity.
- It improves kidney function.
- Is an immunity booster.
- Is helpful in constipation.
- Is beneficial for pregnant women.
- Is good for weight loss.
- Is great for skin and hair.
- Keeps urinary tract infections at bay.
The list can go on endlessly; sugarcane juice is undoubtedly a gift from Mother Nature.
Sugarcane Juice by Smoodies
Usually, sugarcane juice is processed in huge juicing machines. More often than not, these machines are rusted, kept in the open, unwashed, and the processing is also very unhygienic. All this pollutes this lovely drink, and the consumer becomes prone to stomach infections. When it comes to this juice, hygiene is indeed the key.
Smoodies is a reliable name; sugarcane juice by Smoodies is a great choice. With the goodness of ginger and lemon, this juice comes packed in non-toxic glass bottles. It has no added sugar, preservatives, colors, or flavors. It is also vegan and gluten-free. Smoodies sugarcane juice is perfect for diabetics, particularly Type II ones.