Can People With Diabetes Have Sugarcane Juice?

Being diabetic you know you have to avoid sugar, but what about sugarcane juice? Find out.

The sound of the jingling bells coming from a ‘ganne ka russ’ stalls is what every Indian recognises. And nothing beats a glass of chilled, fresh, sugarcane juice on a scorching day. Being rich in vitamins and minerals, it makes for a sweet but a guilt-free indulgence.

Here is the detailed nutritional profile of natural sugarcane juice.

A glass of pure sugarcane juice has –

40-60 calories

20g of carbohydrates

44 mg of sodium

6.94 g of sugar

12 mg of potassium

It also has 2-3 percent of non-sugars and 12-16 percent of soluble natural sugars.

It sure is loaded with a lot of goodness. But, with such a considerable amount of sugar, can diabetes patients freely consume sugarcane juice?

Sugarcane juice is rich in antioxidants like flavonoids, which strengthens the immune system, boosts energy, and regular consumption cleanses the body of free radicals.

The high levels of natural sugars make it a diabetic-friendly drink. Natural sugars have a low GI (glycemic index) which prevents a steep rise in blood sugar levels in diabetics.

Diabetic patients are advised to keep their kidney healthy and sugarcane juice boosts the production of protein which helps to maintain kidney health.

It improves digestion and protects the stomach from contracting any infection.

What precautions should be taken by diabetic patients while including sugar cane juice in their diet?

Freshly extracted juice oxidises in 15 minutes, make sure to drink it fresh.

Don’t go overboard, as too much juice can cause a spike in blood sugar levels. Those with type 1 diabetes should be extra cautious.

Being a natural sweetener, it can be used for cooking purposes as well.

We hoped this helped, and you make an informed decision the next time!