We’re all pretty familiar with this sugary sweet food that’s loved in homes across the country, known as cane sugar. sugar cane It is a tall perennial herb native to warm temperate and tropical regions of India, Southeast Asia and New Guinea. Sugar cane is used to produce sugar, and we all know that sugar is definitely not good for diabetics. But is sugarcane the same? Diabetics are often advised to eat fruit, but can sugarcane, a natural product, be consumed by diabetics? This article discusses whether sugarcane is good or bad for diabetes.
Common uses of sugar cane
sugar cane (Saccharum) Plants are 2-6 meters tall and have tough, knotty, fibrous stems. These stems are rich in sucrose, which accumulates in internode stems. Sugarcane accounts for 79% of the sugar produced in the world.About 70% of the sugar produced is Saccharum officinarum and its hybrids. All sugarcane species can be crossbred, and the major 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 jaggery.
- It is also fermented to produce ethanol.
- Used to make rum. In Brazil, it is made by fermenting a liquor called cachaça.
- In some areas, sugar cane reeds are used to make pens, mats, screens and thatches.
- young, undeveloped flower heads in some parts of Southeast Asia sugar cane (Durka) are eaten raw, steamed, toasted, and cooked in a variety of ways.
- This plant is also grown for biofuel production
- It is used to produce a juice that is considered very good for fighting dehydration.
Nutrients of sugarcane
Approximate principles and dietary fiber:
- Moisture (water) – 85.54 ± 0.99 g
- Protein (PROTCNT) – 0.16 ± 0.03 g
- Ash – 0.23 ± 0.02 g
- 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
- Carbs – 13.11 ± 0.93 g
- Energy – 242 ± 18 KJ
Starches and individual 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 acid:
- Citric Acid – 3.55 ± 1.01 mg
- Malic Acid – 2.04 ± 0.49 mg
- Quinic Acid – 132 ± 6.2 mg
- Succinate – 459 ± 5.4 mg
Is sugar cane good for diabetes?
One cup (240 mL) serving contains:
- calorie: 183
- protein: 0 grams
- thick: 0 grams
- sugar: 50 grams
- fiber: 0-13 grams
Just 1 cup (240 mL) contains a whopping 50 grams of sugar! This equates to 12 teaspoons. According to a Harvard University study, most adult women add sugar and she should not consume more than 100 calories (6 teaspoons or 24 grams) per day. At the same time, most men shouldn’t consume more than 150 calories per day from the added sugars, which works out to about 9 teaspoons or 36 grams. This is also the amount recommended by the American Heart Association.
Sugar cane juice contains up to 13 grams of fiber per 1 cup (240 mL).
Sugar is a carbohydrate that the body breaks down into glucose. Some high-carbohydrate foods and beverages can cause blood sugar levels to rise excessively, which is clearly not ideal for diabetics.
Although sugar cane juice has a low glycemic index (GI), it still has a high glycemic load (GL). This means it has a very large impact on blood sugar levels.GI measures how quickly foods and drinks raise blood sugar levels. However, GL measures the total amount of blood sugar rise. Therefore, GL gives a more accurate indication of the effect of sugar cane juice on blood glucose levels.
So is it wise for diabetics to consume sugar cane?
As with most other foods that are high in sugar, eating sugar cane or drinking its juice is not recommended if you have diabetes. .
Some test-tube studies on sugar cane extract suggest that it contains polyphenol antioxidants that help the pancreas produce more insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar. is preliminary. Based on this research, we cannot say that it is safe for diabetics to consume sugar cane.
Sugarcane juice is highly nutritious and provides immediate energy and iron. It may be particularly beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes who are experiencing hypoglycemia.
People with diabetes can benefit greatly from consuming sugarcane or sugarcane juice if their blood sugar drops suddenly, or if they feel hypoglycemic. People with type 2 diabetes are prone to hypoglycemia, especially if they don’t consume enough calories after taking insulin.
It’s important to remember that moderation is key when consuming sugar cane and its juices, even if it’s not as bad as manufactured or artificial sugar.
Depending on the severity of the diabetes, it is recommended that diabetics consume cane sugar rather than juice.
Risks of eating too much sugar cane
It is not good to overdo things. Similarly, consuming too much sugar cane can also have negative health effects.
- Sugarcane contains policosanol, which can cause insomnia, indigestion, dizziness and headaches, and weight loss.
- Sugarcane oxidizes quickly. Eating oxidized sugar cane can cause food poisoning.
- Cane sugar thins the blood. Consuming sugarcane can cause complications if someone is taking blood thinners.
Other Health Benefits of Sugar Cane
- Due to its high sugar content, sugarcane juice is excellent for hydrating the body and can be an energy booster for non-diabetics.
- Calcium and phosphorus found in sugar cane help fight deficiencies and tooth decay.
- It reduces fatigue and prevents ailments such as urinary tract infections, constipation and stomach infections.
- According to Ayurveda, the antioxidants in sugarcane juice treat jaundice and strengthen the immune system.
- Mixed with aloe vera gel to make a face mask, it reduces acne and makes the skin more radiant.
Diabetes friendly drinks made with sugar cane juice
Natural sweeteners are best consumed occasionally and in moderation, but even diabetics can consume sugar cane juice.
Sugarcane and Ginger Iced Mocktail – 2 servings
material
- Ginger juice: 1/3 tbsp
- Sugar cane juice: 1 ⅔ cup
- Powdered sugar: 1 tablespoon
- Lemon juice: 1/8 tbsp
- Black salt: 1/8 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 molds and freeze.
- Freeze the mixture for 2-3 hours.
- Then blend the frozen juice in a mixer until smooth.
- Enjoy homemade ice mocktails!
Tropical Cane Sugar – Coconut Mocktail – 2 Servings
material
- Sugar cane juice: 2.5 cups
- Black salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Coconut water: 1.5 cups
- Mint: 2-4 pieces
- 1 lemon slice (optional)
Method
- Place sugar cane juice and coconut water in a sealed jar and shake well.
- Put in the refrigerator to cool.
- Add black salt to the mixture and mix well.
- Pour the mocktail into a glass and garnish with a mint leaf and a lemon slice.
- Your summer mocktails are ready. Serve chilled.
