In summer, chilled sugarcane juice is considered no less than a natural tonic for health. This sweet and refreshing drink available on the roadside not only provides instant energy to the body but also protects from dehydration. But the question arises whether this natural drink is equally safe and beneficial for diabetic patients? On one hand, sugarcane juice is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, on the other hand, the natural sugar present in it can become a cause of concern for diabetes patients. This is the reason why people often remain confused, whether it should be avoided completely or it is okay to drink it in limited quantity?
In such a situation, it is important not to include any food in your diet without proper information. In this article, based on the opinion of experts, we will understand how safe sugarcane juice is for diabetic patients, under what circumstances it can be taken and what things are important to keep in mind.
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Nutrition and benefits of sugarcane juice
Sugarcane juice is considered a natural energy drink, which gives instant strength to the body and also provides many essential nutrients. It contains a good amount of carbohydrates, which provide instant energy, while minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron help in maintaining the electrolyte balance of the body. Apart from this, the antioxidants present in it strengthen the immunity by protecting the body from free radicals. In summer, it is also considered helpful in protecting from dehydration, detoxifying the liver and improving digestion. When consumed in the right quantity, sugarcane juice can also help in cooling the body, relieving fatigue and improving skin health.
Can diabetic patients drink sugarcane juice?
Natural sugar is found in large quantities in sugarcane. In such a situation, diabetic patients often have a question whether they can drink it? expertAccording to this, sugarcane juice can be drunk even in diabetes. But with some precautions. Because sugarcane juice can increase the sugar level suddenly. In such a situation, it is very important to keep some things in mind before drinking it.
What do experts say?
Dr. Saket Kant, Senior Consultant, Endochronology, Shri Balaji Action Medical Institute, Delhi, explains thatSugarcane juice is definitely a natural drink, but for diabetic patients it should be taken very thoughtfully. Sugarcane juice contains a high amount of natural sugar (sucrose), which can rapidly increase the blood sugar level. Therefore, patients with uncontrolled diabetes should avoid it. If a patient’s diabetes is under control and the doctor has given permission, then he can take sugarcane juice occasionally, in very small quantities. Also, one should avoid drinking it on an empty stomach and it is always better to take it with some fiber-rich food, so that the effect of sugar occurs gradually. Sugarcane juice contains some minerals and antioxidants, which are beneficial for the body, but its risk is higher for diabetic patients. Therefore, it is wrong to believe that if it is natural then it is safe.
Diabetes patients should keep these things in mind
Diabetic patients should drink sugarcane juice in limited quantities. Because the amount of natural sugar (sucrose) in it is very high. In such a situation, if it is consumed without thinking, the blood sugar can increase rapidly. However, it can be enjoyed if consumed in the right quantity and in the right way. According to experts, avoid drinking sugarcane juice on an empty stomach, always take it in limited quantity and it would be better to consume it with something protein or fiber rich so that the sugar gets released slowly.
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