What other truth is there to know about sugarcane apart from the fact that its sweet nature is the reason individuals consume it for refreshment purposes? How can I infuse a very sweet beverage into my body system yet get healthy while at it?
Questions like the ones above are what run through the minds of people upon sighting this very article that states the truth about sugarcane for healthy living. But looking at the essential nutrients present in sugarcane, one can tell beyond a reasonable doubt that sugarcane is a healthy beverage which promotes healthy living.
Still shocked that sugarcane is nutritious? This is the reason you have to stick to reading this article to satisfy your curiosity as we take you through the journey of what sugarcane entails and tell you the amazing benefits this particular healthy snack has for the body.
Key Insights
- Sugarcane is a natural energy booster beverage that gives the body all the nutrients it needs to carry on day-to-day activities by virtue of the sucrose and rehydration component it possesses.
- Sugarcane is rich in alpha hydroxy acid which gives the skin the perfect glow it needs without using artificial creams and serums.
- By virtue of the AHAs present in sugarcane, it aids healthy hair strands without fallout, and each hair follicle becomes strong enough without withering out.
- Sugarcane gives support to bones thanks to the calcium, potassium, iron, and magnesium present in it. Its juice is not only refreshing but also helps the skeletal system do its primary function, which is to support the body accordingly.
What is Sugarcane?
Sugarcane, otherwise known as Saccharum officinarum, is a beverage seen mostly in tropical and subtropical regions. It has its roots in Papua, New Guinea. It can be grown anywhere as it germinates under any kind of soil as long as fertilizer and the right amount of water and sunlight are properly infused during its plantation.
Sugarcane is very essential as most of the sugars in the world are obtained from its juice. Its features are not far-fetched as it possesses a very tall tropical green grass with soft leaves, along with a thick stem that has juice in between.
As seen below, after plantation, the leaf grows so tall, shielding the sugarcane itself, making it easy to harvest by just shredding its leaf while the cane is removed effortlessly.
One unique feature of sugarcane is that it grows almost immediately as it is a perennial crop. All that’s needed is to cut off the ripe sugarcane and dip its stem back into the ground for further germination.
The Nutritional Value of Sugarcane
Sugarcane is high in nutrients that add medicinal value to mankind. Some of the amazing nutritional values sugarcane possesses are listed below:
Antioxidant Compounds:
- Sugarcane contains polyphenols and flavonoids, which work as antioxidants in the human body. They are responsible for fighting against unhealthy cells that cause terminal sickness in the body.
Essential Vitamins:
- Sugarcane is packed with vitamins such as Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and Vitamin B, which are responsible for producing antibodies that help the body fight against germs and diseases.
Dietary Fiber:
- Sugarcane contains fiber whose primary assignment is to aid digestion. The fiber present in sugarcane helps foods digest easily, which in turn makes it easy to defecate without straining oneself.
Vital Minerals:
- Sugarcane contains potassium, magnesium, and iron which foster good health for easy day-to-day activities.
Energy Source:
- Sugarcane is an amazing source of carbohydrates.
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Impact of Sugarcane on Healthy Living
As stated above, sugarcane should not only be some sort of appetizer, but inculcating it in our diets is essential as it has an amazing impact on the lives of humans who are keen on living a healthy life. Some of the benefits of sugarcane to mankind are discussed below:
Sugarcane Eradicates Dehydration
Doctors recommend taking lots of water daily so as to keep hydrated and for metabolism to take place in the human body so that it can function well throughout the day. By virtue of the high content of sweet water present in sugarcane, it hydrates the body when consumed proportionally.
Sugarcane Eradicates Fatigue
Consumption of sugarcane can give instant energy because of the glucose present in it, which in turn eradicates fatigue and tiredness in the body. Fatigue disappears almost immediately after taking sugarcane because its juice goes straight to the bloodstream thanks to the glucose content in it.
Sugarcane Aids Easy Digestion
Sugarcane contains fiber, which is known for championing digestion in the human body. Consumption of sugarcane proportionally is good as it helps with easy bowel movements, which in turn aids digestion.
Sugarcane Combats STDs and UTIs
Consuming sugarcane proportionally not only offers refreshment but also helps combat sexually transmitted diseases as well as some urinary tract infections. You may ask how this is possible?
This is so by using a simple home remedy of mixing sugarcane, coconut water, and lemon together, then sipping twice daily. This natural home remedy works like magic for any form of discomfort around the genitals. However, it is safe to consult your doctor if it lingers.
Sugarcane Cures Skin Breakout
Today, most people battle with acne, pimples, or any sort of facial blemishes due to hormonal changes and the like. However, with sugarcane, one can rest assured that the rest is history as contents like glycolic acid present in sugarcane keep the skin flawless without blemishes. It also gives this anti-aging spark, making one look young and fresh all day long.
Sugarcane Strengthens Bones
As a result of the calcium present in sugarcane, when consumed proportionally, it gives strength to bones, which in turn prevents arthritis, rheumatism, or osteoporosis.
As we all know, bones are the main support of the human body, but once they start malfunctioning, health problems set in, which is why it is advisable to consume sugarcane to foster strong bones.
Sugarcane Prevents Birth Defects in Pregnancy
Pregnant women can consume sugarcane as it is packed with iron and folate, which are essential nutrients that should be taken daily by pregnant women.
These iron and folate are responsible for providing the fetus with the right blood it needs to grow as it should and to be healthy throughout the pregnancy, which in turn prevents birth defects.
Sugarcane Combats Cancer
By virtue of the nutritional components like flavonoids, vitamins, and phenolic compounds present in sugarcane, it combats cancer by eradicating free radicals responsible for producing bad cells in the body.
How Best to Consume Sugarcane
By Eating Raw
Here, its purple skin is peeled to get the soft part of it. This white soft part is then cut into small chunks for easy consumption. It is chewed to get the sweet juice while the fiber is spat out as it should not be swallowed.
By Incorporating into Simple Syrup to Make a Home Remedy for Infection
Here, sugarcane juice is extracted by squeezing it out and adding it to lemon and coconut water to make a home remedy for sexually transmitted diseases, kidney stones, and urinary tract infections.
By Using to Make Jaggery
Jaggery is another healthy form of sugar which can be used for culinary purposes. This is used in place of refined sugar.
By Using to Boil and Marinate Meat and Chicken
Here, just a piece of sugarcane is placed inside one’s pot of meat or chicken before boiling so as to give a distinct flavor.
Sugarcane and its Side Effects
Seeing the health usefulness of sugarcane to mankind in the above article, it is advisable to consume it with caution as there are numerous side effects of excessive consumption which are stated below:
- Excessive consumption of sugarcane spikes the sugar level in the body
- Excessive consumption of sugarcane can result in obesity
- Excessive consumption of sugarcane can cause heart problems
- Excessive consumption of sugarcane can cause fatty liver
- Excessive consumption of sugarcane can cause tooth decay as too much sugar is not good for the teeth
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Pregnant Women Consume Sugarcane?
Yes, pregnant women can take sugarcane, but with moderation, as it helps the fetus grow well, as well as providing a natural energy boost. However, pregnant women with pregnancy-induced diabetes should avoid taking sugarcane to prevent complications.
Can Diabetic Patients Consume Sugarcane?
There’s no doubt that sugarcane contains natural and healthy sugar, but it does not stop the fact that it spikes the sugar level in the body. Diabetic patients should stay clear of sugarcane to avoid a health crisis.
Is Sugarcane Healthy?
Yes, sugarcane is healthy. It is a healthy beverage that has no refined sugar content.
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Conclusion
Sugarcane is a healthy beverage that can be used in place of refined sugar. Its nutritional benefits are not far-fetched as they help reduce fatigue, combat cancer, strengthen the human bone, help treat some sexually transmitted infections, aid easy digestion, boost energy level in the body, cure facial acne, and keep the body hydrated.
Using sugarcane is as easy as it seems. It can be chewed raw, used in boiling meat and fish, or incorporated into lemon and coconut water to make an infection-fighting syrup.
However, moderation is key as excessive consumption of sugarcane can be detrimental to health.
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