Sugarcane Juice a Promise of Good Health M.M

SHORT FEATURE Sugarcane Juice A Promise of Good Health M.M. Roy & Sharmila Roy

N a hot sultry summer afternoon, a glass of fresh cane juice has a Nutrients in sugarcane juice (28.35 g) wonderful and magical effect. O Components Nutrients Quantity The practice of consuming cane juice as a beverage is popular across the Basic Protein 0.20 g world wherever sugarcane is grown Water 0.19 g commercially. In India also this drink Fat 0.66 g is very popular. Ash 0.09 g The juice is a rich source of a Carbohydrates Total carbohydrate 27.40 g variety of nutrients and has many health benefits. The recent development of Sugar 25.71 g packaging the juice prepared in hygienic Vitamins Riboflavin 0.16 mg conditions and with enriched minerals Niacin 0.20 mg and vitamins will certainly add value to Pantothenic Acid 0.09 mg this beverage item in gaining a larger market share. Minerals Calcium 32.57 mg Sugarcane belongs to the grass Iron 0.57 mg family and is cultivated in India widely. Magnesium 2.49 mg India is the second largest producer Phosphorus 0.01 mg of this crop in the world, just after Potassium 162.86 mg Brazil. Its acreage increased from 4.32 million ha (2000-01) to 4.97 million ha Copper 0.09 mg (2016-17). It is primarily grown in nine Manganese 0.09 mg states viz., Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Calories Total calories 113.43 Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Calories from fat 0.03 Nadu, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, and Punjab. However, the first five states contribute around 85 per cent of the Molasses is a well-known raw material On account of a rich nutrient profile sugar production, Uttar Pradesh being at for preparation of rum, industrial alcohol of the juice, there are many health benefits the top followed by Maharashtra. and some other chemical/fermented associated with it. It can treat jaundice, beat products besides finding application as dehydration, work as a deterrent to fight Sugarcane Products a livestock feed supplement. Sugarcane diseases like cancer, enhance immunity Major sugarcane products include table tops are also valuable green fodder. level and is good for skin. Although there sugar, molasses, bagasse, alcohol, gur are many positives of cane juice, it is (jaggery), and khandsari (brown sugar). Health Benefits important to ensure that juice extraction In the last decade, it has emerged as Sugarcane juice is blessed with extremely is in a hygienic manner for consumption. a major biofuel crop as well, yielding high nutritional properties. The juice It has a tendency to get oxidized within anhydrous ethanol through molasses for is rich in calcium, chromium, cobalt, blending with petrol. copper, magnesium, manganese, 15-30 minutes. It is also important Bagasse is used as fuel in sugar mills potassium, phosphorus, zinc, iron and to consume it in a regulated manner, and also used in paper making and as an vitamins (A, C, B1, B2, B3, B5 and limiting it to a maximum of two glasses ingredient of fibre board. Press-mud, B6). It also has high concentrations of per day. Actually, cane juice intake is another by-product of sugar industry poly-nutrients, antioxidants, proteins and dependent on health condition/requirement is a good source of organic manure. soluble fibre. of the individuals.

36 | Science Reporter | July 2019 Health benefits of sugarcane juice – at a glance

No. Benefits Description 1. Rejuvenation effect Juice is the best source of instant energy. Good for diabetic people as it contains natural sugar that has a low glycemic index. However, such people should consume in moderation and after obtaining doctors’ advice. 2. Cancer Juice is an alkaline forming food because of the high concentration of calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, and manganese in it. It is said to be effective in fighting cancer, especially prostate and breast cancer. 3. Immune system Antioxidants in juice help to fight infections and boost the immune system of the body. Protects the liver against infections and helps in keeping the bilirubin levels in control. 4. Constipation Juice acts a good digestive aid due to the presence of potassium. Keeps digestive system in good shape, prevents stomach infections and is effective in treating the problem of constipation. 5. Urinary tract infections Juice along with lime juice and coconut water reduces the burning sensation which is commonly associated with urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted diseases, kidney stones and prostatitis. 6. Tooth decay & skeletal Juice protects tooth against decay and prevents bad breath due to its high mineral content. Also, it helps in strength building up of the skeletal strength of bones and teeth on account of high calcium content. 7. Strong shiny nails Juice contains all the essential ingredients for strong shiny nails. For persons having brittle discoloured nails with spots, it is a good idea to add sugarcane juice in the diet. 8. Febrile disorders Such disorders, especially in infants and children, result in fever, seizures and loss of protein in the body. This juice helps in compensating lost protein and helps in recovery. 9. Healthy skin Application of the juice to ones’ skin or use as a face mask or scrub has a number of benefits in fighting acne, reducing blemishes, prevent ageing and keeping the skin hydrated. 10. Safe pregnancy Juice is rich in vitamin B9 and has trace amounts of folic acid and is helpful in reducing ovulating problems and protecting from natural birth defects. 11. Weight loss Juice contains certain soluble fibres and natural sugars and is helpful in weight management strategies. 12. Sore throat As the juice is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and flavonoids, it is useful in combating viral and bacterial infections. Often people suffer from sudden itching and irritation in the throat. Drinking a glass of sugarcane juice with lime and black salt is effective in sore throat. 13. Preventing DNA damage Regular consumption of juice is helpful in protecting the body from DNA damage and in fighting and destroying free radicals and preventing premature aging. 14. Wound healing The juice has properties that lead to faster recovery of wounds. Apart from consumption even local application may be useful.

Future Potential minerals and vitamins) has good potential encouraging result is paving the way Sugarcane can be chewed or ground in this sector. for promoting such schemes on a larger and its juice extracted juice. Based on However, there are several limitations scale. So, in the near future consumers individual preference ginger, lemon, in realisation of the full potential of such will have a choice to consume sugarcane mint, black salt, etc. may be added an important natural juice viz., limited drink prepared in hygienic conditions for flavour. On a hot sultry afternoon, shelf life, addition of preservative lessens and with intact nutritional values a glass of sugarcane juice indeed its medicinal properties and fresh juice by (also with fortification) and extended rejuvenates us. street vendors is often unhygienic. shelf-life. There is a great demand for soft Several research institutes and and fruit based beverages in India. Also, companies have now come up with some solutions to overcome the limitations. Dr M.M. Roy is Principal Scientist at the there is a great scope for marketing it Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, to other countries. Since India is the Some start-up companies have started Raibareilly Road Lucknow (UP)-226002. second largest producer of sugarcane packaging sugarcane juice with an Email: [email protected] extended non-refrigerated shelf life to globally, any scheme that utilizes the Dr Sharmila Roy is also Principal Scientist at properties of sugarcane juice effectively be consumed as an anytime drink in the Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, (also additionally fortified with desired recyclable glass bottles. The pricing Raibareilly Road Lucknow (UP)-226002. is in the range of ₹40 per bottle. The Email: [email protected]

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