Drinking sugarcane juice, a traditional drink in markets, has health benefits. Here’s what nutritionist Ana Paula Machado explains, which clears up other doubts surrounding the drink, such as: Does sugar cane juice make you fat? If there are any contraindications? What precautions should be taken when drinking the drink?

The nutritionist also shares how to make sugarcane juice taste better.

Sugarcane juice is good for health, but can be bad for those who want to lose weight – Photo: Pixabay/Disclosure/ND

The liquid is extracted from sugar cane, which is widely grown in regions with tropical and subtropical climates. The juice is made from harvested sugar cane, which, after peeling the stem, is compressed to form a drink.

What nutrients are found in sugarcane juice?

The nutritionist explains that sugarcane juice is an energy drink with a high concentration of carbohydrates. “In addition to 3-5% minerals, namely iron, calcium, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, magnesium and some B-complex and C vitamins, as well as phenolic acids and flavonoids (antioxidants),” he emphasizes.

According to the specialist, calorie content is directly related to the high sugar content, ranging from 40% to 50% sugar in dry matter. However, she says the protein content is extremely low, making it an unbalanced food in terms of macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein and fat).

“Although the vitamin and mineral content is 10% of the recommended when taking 200ml of broth and up to 30% of the recommended, such as vitamin C, riboflavin and thiamine, these are not what contribute to the daily intake of broth. broth compared to other vegetables in our regular diet,” he adds.

Benefits of drinking sugarcane juice

Sugarcane juice lovers, in addition to the pleasure of drinking the drink, will also receive health benefits. According to Ana Paula, these include strengthening the immune system and reducing inflammation.

“It also helps treat various diseases as it contains several antioxidant compounds (phenolic acids and flavonoids) as well as vitamins B complex and C,” he highlights.

The nutritionist explains that the liquid is still an excellent ally in the fight against fatigue thanks to its high calorie content and large amount of sugar. Sugarcane juice is also ideal for well-trained, physically active individuals and athletes as it helps in muscle recovery.

“Research is being conducted to use sugarcane juice as an energy and carbohydrate substitute for athletes to replace maltodextrin, dextrose, sports drinks or carbohydrate gel, as it is a natural food product that is common in our country and has a low cost,” emphasizes the nutritionist, who has higher education in the field of functional and sports nutrition.

Sugarcane juice can also help prevent anemia as it contains several vitamins and minerals, including iron.

Caution when drinking the drink

The nutritionist stresses that despite the benefits, there is no recommendation for daily consumption of sugarcane juice to replace the nutrients. “This is because in a balanced diet, all the nutrients can be easily found in sugarcane juice because, as it is a high-calorie drink with a high concentration of carbohydrates, it does not fit easily into the diet of the general population.” , explains.

Experts recommend fluid intake “eventually for the entire population, following the sweets and sugar intake recommendations contained in our Brazilian food pyramid, which is one serving per day.”

She stresses that you should still avoid drinking sugarcane juice on its own or as a meal replacement. “It is always important to combine this with the consumption of some other macronutrients, proteins and/or fats, so that the absorption of all these carbohydrates in the body becomes a little slower and does not alter the natural production of insulin, which, in the long term, due to bad habits, can lead to diabetes. type 2 diabetes,” he explains.

How to make sugarcane juice taste better?

In addition to drinking in its pure form, the drink can be supplemented with ingredients to make it even tastier. The nutritionist emphasizes that one way to make sugarcane juice tastier is to include vitamins in it.

“You can add pineapple or lemon juice, which, being citrusy, pairs well with the sweetness of the broth, giving the drink a slightly more balanced taste,” he comments.

Another option, she says, is to use the broth in drinks, such as the famous caipirinhas. Or for seasoning meats and even sweet recipes such as cakes and puddings.

Can sugar cane juice cause obesity?

Ana Paula explains that you should generally measure your intake of carbohydrates and sugars during meals, as excess can cause health problems.

Because it is a high-calorie, high-carbohydrate drink, nutritionists warn that people should be careful not to consume too much. In addition, the specialist emphasizes that for those who want to lose weight, drinking alcohol can compromise their diet and lead to weight gain and fat storage.

“I also remember that according to the Brazilian food pyramid, in the group of sweets and sugar there is information about consuming 1 serving per day. However, like any food or product, it does not in itself lead to obesity,” he notes.

Is sugar cane juice contraindicated for anyone?

Ana Paula emphasizes that the only contraindication to drinking sugarcane juice is for diabetics. This is “due to the high carbohydrate content causing a rapid rise in blood glucose levels, which will require the body to quickly activate insulin.”

However, she stresses that – under the supervision of a nutritionist and doctor – “moderate consumption of broth by people with diabetes who monitor their diet daily is possible.”

Consumers must be vigilant

The nutritionist emphasizes that it is necessary to be careful about the place where you consume the drink, as it is necessary to monitor environmental hygiene to avoid the occurrence of diseases.

The specialist also warns that sugarcane juice is highly perishable, and therefore recommends consuming it immediately after extraction. “This is due to the hygienic and sanitary conditions during juice extraction, sugar concentration, water activity and pH, which make sugarcane juice an excellent carrier of microorganisms, both potentially pathogenic and decomposing. The most common signs of spoilage are changes in taste and color,” he explains.