Sugarcane is a species of tall perennial true grasses of the genus Saccharum, tribe Andropogoneae, native to the warm temperate to tropical regions of South Asia, Melanesia and Africa used as the raw material for sugar. It has stout, jointed, fibrous stalks that are rich in the sugar sucrose, which accumulates in the stalk internodes. The plant is two to six meters (six to twenty feet) tall and is an inter-breed of major commercial cultivars that are complex hybrids.
Sugarcane belongs to the grass family of Poaceae, an economically important seed plant that includes maize, wheat, rice, and sorghum, and many forage crops. Aside from one enjoying the sweet juice that comes out from the crop, there are many health benefits which will leave your body healthier and better.
Sugarcane juice helps creates an alkaline environment in the body that prevent diseases like cancer. There are some certain things we won’t get to know until we are told; that is why seeking for knowledge is very important. Sugarcane juice is one of those rare gifts from nature which health benefits cannot be overemphasized. The juice, which is one of a kind, is loaded with abundant carbohydrates, proteins, and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, and potassium. It also contains vitamins A, B-complex, and C. In addition, it is a fact that the thirty-six varieties grass plant has no fats. It is a 100% natural drink with about 30 grams of natural sugar.
However, before I proceed to the health benefits of sugarcane juice, it is important to note here that this wonderful plant can also be effective in the managing and curing skin issues like acne as well as an active agent of soft and glowing skin due to the antioxidants, flavonoids and phenolic compounds in the juice. The health benefits of the juice that we only take because of the sweet taste without knowing the amazing wonders of it are:
- Sugarcane juice prevents cancer
It may be surprising to know that sugarcane juice has a high concentration of calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, and manganese thus creating an alkaline environment in the body that prevent diseases like cancer, because cancer cannot survive in an alkaline environment. This is to say that the juice of the sugarcane when taken helps in fighting various types of cancers such as breast and prostate cancer. - Sugarcane juice helps the liver to work better
It is sad that a good number of people do not know the usefulness of the liver to the human body. The juice of the sugarcane helps to detoxify chemicals and metabolizes drugs that are stored in the liver. Sugarcane juice, on the other hand, is not only regarded as one of the best treatments for liver-related sicknesses, it also aids the liver to function better. This can be done by drinking a glass of sugarcane juice mixed with lime, twice daily. It also maintains the glucose levels in the body thus preventing the liver from being damaged. - Sugarcane juice promotes quick digestion
As a result of the high level of stress, processed foods, antibiotics, and chemicals in our food supply; our digestive system is gradually becoming affected on a daily basis. The high level of potassium in sugarcane juice makes it very good for the well-being of the digestive system. In addition, sugarcane juice helps to prevent stomach infections and also aid the treatment of constipation. - It helps to fight infection and boost immune system
Sugarcane juice is loaded with antioxidants which help the body to fight infections and boost the immune system. - It prevents heart diseases and reduces weight
The presence of too much cholesterol in the blood walls the arteries, thus resulting in atherosclerosis, a form of heart disease. Atherosclerosis narrows the arteries and slows, or even block, the flow of blood to the heart muscle. Sugarcane juice can also help us to reduce the bad cholesterol been stored in our body making it a preventing agent of heart disease. Another important thing to note is that sugarcane juice is high in soluble fiber which helps in weight loss.
Sugarcane is everywhere and they are cheap. Just go to the market and look for the good ones. Wash them when you get home and eat them. If you want to buy them in excess, you can store them in your refrigerator.
By Pupwaya Timothy Dibal
