We are all quite familiar with this sugary sweet food that is loved in homes across the country known as cane sugar. Sugar cane It is a tall, perennial herb that is native to the warm temperate and tropical regions of India, Southeast Asia, and New Guinea. Sugarcane is used for the production of sugar, and it is well known that sugar is not good for diabetic people. However, is that also the case for sugarcane? Diabetics are often advised to eat fruits, so being a natural product, can diabetics also consume cane sugar? In this article, we will discuss whether sugarcane for diabetes is good or bad.
Common uses of sugarcane
Sugar cane (Saccharum) the plants are two to six meters tall and have fibrous, robust and jointed stems. These stems are rich in sucrose which accumulates in the stem internodes. Sugar cane represents 79% of the sugar produced worldwide. About 70% of the sugar produced comes from Saccharum officinarum and its hybrids. All species of sugarcane can be crossed and the main commercial cultivars are complex hybrids.
- Sucrose, commonly known as table sugar, is extracted from sugar cane in specialized mills.
- It is also processed to make cane sugar, brown sugar, molasses, and brown sugar.
- It is also fermented to produce ethanol.
- It is used to make rum. In Brazil it is fermented and used to make a liquor called cachaça.
- In some regions, people use sugar canes to make pens, mats, screens, and thatched roofs.
- In parts of Southeast Asia, the young, unexpanded inflorescence of Saccharum edule (Duruka) is eaten raw, steamed, or roasted, and is prepared in a variety of ways.
- The plant is also cultivated for the production of biofuels.
- It is used to produce a juice that is considered very good for combating dehydration.
Sugarcane Nutrition Facts
Coming principles and dietary fiber:
- Moisture (water) – 85.54 ± 0.99g
- Protein (PROTCNT) – 0.16 ± 0.03 g
- Ash – 0.23 ± 0.02g
- Total fat (FATCE) – 0.40 ± 0.05 g
- Dietary fiber- Total – 0.56 ± 0.09 g
- Insoluble fiber – 0.40 ± 0.05 g
- Soluble fiber – 0.16 ± 0.05 g
- Carbohydrates – 13.11 ± 0.93 g
- Energy – 242 ± 18KJ
Individual starch and sugars:
- Total Available CHO – 12.85 ± 0.80 g
- Fructose – 0.55 ± 0.22 g
- Glucose – 2.27 ±0.49 g
- Sucrose – 10.03 ± 0.33 g
- Total free sugars – 12.85 ± 0.80 g
Organic acids:
- Citric acid – 3.55 ± 1.01 mg
- Malic acid – 2.04 ± 0.49 mg
- Quinic acid – 132 ± 6.2 mg
- Succinic acid – 459 ± 5.4 mg
Is sugar cane healthy for diabetes?
A 1-cup (240 mL) serving offers:
- Calories: 183
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sugar: 50 grams
- Fiber: 0–13 grams
Just 1 cup (240 ml) contains a whopping 50 grams of sugar. This is equivalent to almost 12 teaspoons. According to Harvard studies, most adult women should consume no more than 100 calories per day, which is equivalent to about six teaspoons, or 24 grams, of added sugar. At the same time, most men shouldn’t consume more than 150 calories per day from added sugar. This adds up to about nine teaspoons or 36 grams. This is also the amount recommended by the American Heart Association.
Sugarcane juice contains up to 13 grams of fiber per cup (240 ml).
Sugar is a carbohydrate that the body breaks down into glucose. Some high-carbohydrate foods and drinks can raise blood sugar too high, which is obviously not ideal for people with diabetes. Therefore, people with diabetes should carefully monitor their sugar intake.
Although sugarcane juice has a low glycemic index (GI), it still has a high glycemic load (GL). This means that it would have a huge impact on blood sugar levels. GI measures how quickly a food or drink raises blood sugar. However, GL measures the total amount of blood sugar rise. Therefore, GL gives a more accurate picture of the effects of sugar cane juice on blood sugar levels.
So, is it recommended that diabetics consume sugar cane?
Like most other foods that have a high amount of sugar, eating cane sugar or drinking the juice is not recommended if someone has diabetes. The huge amount of sugar present in it could dramatically increase blood sugar levels.
Some test-tube studies on sugarcane extract suggest that it has antioxidant polyphenols that may help the pancreas produce more insulin, which is the hormone that regulates blood sugar. However, this research is preliminary. It cannot be assumed that it is okay for diabetics to consume cane sugar based on this research.
Sugar cane juice is nutritious and provides instant energy and iron. This doesn’t really make it a diabetic-friendly drink. However, it is a great substitute for packaged juices. It could be especially beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes if they feel hypoglycemic.
People with diabetes can greatly benefit from consuming cane sugar or sugar cane juice if their blood sugar suddenly drops, i.e. they feel hypoglycemic. People with type 2 diabetes are prone to hypoglycemia, especially if they don’t eat enough calories after taking insulin. Sugar cane juice can be very beneficial in such cases.
It’s crucial to note that while it may not be as bad as industrial or artificial sugar, moderation is key when it comes to consuming cane sugar or its juice.
Depending on the severity of diabetes, it is recommended that diabetic patients consume sugar cane pieces instead of juice. The maximum benefits and fiber can be extracted in the form of pieces without even having to consume large amounts of it.
Risks of consuming sugar cane in excess
It is well known that excess of anything is bad. Similarly, excessive consumption of cane sugar can also have adverse health effects.
- Sugar cane contains policosanol which causes insomnia, indigestion, dizziness and headaches, and weight loss.
- Sugar cane oxidizes very quickly. Consuming oxidized cane sugar can lead to food poisoning.
- Sugar cane causes blood thinning. If someone takes blood thinners, consuming cane sugar can cause complications.
Other health benefits of sugar cane
- Due to the high amount of sugar, sugarcane juice is excellent for hydrating the body and being an energy booster for non-diabetic patients.
- The calcium and phosphorus present in sugar cane help overcome deficiencies and cavities.
- It can reduce fatigue and prevent diseases such as urinary infections, constipation or stomach infections.
- According to Ayurveda, the antioxidants in sugar cane juice treat jaundice and stimulate the immune system.
- Mixing it with aloe vera gel to make a face mask can reduce acne and make skin more radiant.
Diabetes Friendly Drinks Using Sugar Cane Juice
Although it is best to consume natural sweeteners from time to time and in moderation, you can consume sugar cane juice even with diabetes. A couple of simple and healthy recipes are:
Ginger Sugar Cane Ice Cream Mocktail – 2 Servings
Ingredients
- Ginger juice: ⅓ tablespoon
- Sugar cane juice: 1 ⅔ cup
- Powdered sugar: 1 tablespoon
- Lemon juice: ⅛ tablespoon
- Black salt: ⅛ teaspoon
Method
- Combine all ingredients in a jar/bowl and mix well. Make sure there are no salt particles or lumps.
- Pour the mixture into a mold to freeze.
- Freeze the mixture for 2-3 hours.
- Now, blend your frozen juice in a blender until slushy.
- Enjoy your homemade frozen cocktail!
Tropical Sugarcane-Coconut Mocktail-2 Servings
Ingredients
- Sugar cane juice: 2½ cups
- Black salt: ½ teaspoon
- Coconut water: 1 ½ cups
- Mint: 2-4 leaves
- Lemon slices: 1 (optional)
Method
- Take the sugar cane juice and coconut water in any closed jar and shake it well.
- Store it in the fridge and let it cool down.
- Add black salt to the mixture and mix well.
- Pour the non-alcoholic cocktail into glasses and add mint leaves and lemon slices.
- Your summer mocktail is ready; serve it fresh.
