TIPS: These Are The Health Benefits Of Eating Sugarcane

By Our Health Reporter

KAMPALA, Uganda [SHIFTMEDIA NEWS] Sugarcane has been known in households for decades. School going children in rural areas used to earn serious beatings for ‘stealing’ people’s sugarcane as they headed to schools.

Though most of our urban kids don’t appreciate the beauty of rural schooling, those who went to rural schools admire and recall with happiness the beauty of chewing sugarcane while going to school, when heading back home or during those inter-school football competitions.

Today when you drive, ride or walk in Kampala, it is a common thing to see sugarcane being vended in streets by young boys and girls especially near traffic light junctions.

These sugarcanes are already peeled, chopped, sliced and nicely packed in polythene papers (white buveera). Though the hygiene associated with them is wanting, the health benefits of sugarcane is worthy noting.

Health benefits of sugarcane

Depending on how you decide to enjoy, it sugarcane can be chewed, or squeezed into juice.

Sugarcane juice is known to contain the highest amount of natural vitamins and minerals.

It is also used for treatment of various ailments such as:

•  Hemorrhage (bleeding)
•  Inflammation
•  Jaundice (liver problems that result in skin and whites of eyes turning yellow)
•  Urinary tract problems

Nutrition Information

One serving (28.35 grams) of sugarcane juice contains.

• Calories: 113.43
• Protein: 0.20 grams
• Fat: 0.66 grams
• Carbohydrates: 25.40 grams

Sugarcane has more vitamins and minerals than refined sugar, including small amounts of:

•  Iron
•  Magnesium
•  Vitamin B1 ( thiamine)
•  Riboflavin

Potential Health Benefits of Sugarcane

Sugarcane and its derivatives have several known health benefits when consumed in moderate quantities. Chewing on sugarcane or consuming sugarcane water or syrup can help treat urinary tract issues and provide a boost of antioxidants, along with providing benefits to pregnant women and diabetic patients.

Studies have shown a number of potential health benefits in choosing sugarcane over refined sugars:

Diuretic Properties

Sugarcane has diuretic properties that can help remove excess salt and water to help the kidneys function properly. Studies have shown that consuming sugarcane juice with lime and coconut water can reduce the burning sensation caused by many types of urinary tract issues.

Disease Prevention

Sugarcane is full of antioxidants that are essential to building and maintaining a healthy immune system. Antioxidants help combat free radicals (molecules that cause damage to cells) that can worsen several medical problems like diabetes, malaria, myocardial infarction, and skin cancer.