Top 24 Benefits Of Sugarcane Juice For Skin And Health

Besides being a hydrating summer drink, sugarcane juice is beneficial in many other ways.

Reviewed by Aakriti Arora, Certificate In Plant-Based Nutrition
Written by Tanya Choudhary, B.Desgn, ISSA Certified Specialist In Fitness & Nutrition
Edited by Ravi Teja Tadimalla, BSc, Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition and Health
Fact-checked by Moksha Gandhi, BPharm, Certified Health & Wellness Coach  • 

Sugarcane juice is one of the most refreshing drinks you can have, especially during the summers. In addition to quenching your thirst and beating dehydration, the juice of sugarcane benefits your overall health in several other ways. With its abundant water content, sugarcane juice is loaded with carbohydrates, proteins, important vitamins, and minerals like zinc, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium. Having a glass full of this nutrient-rich goodness would boost your overall health and immunity.

Read on to know more about the benefits of drinking sugarcane juice.

protip_icon Know Your Ingredient: Sugarcane Juice

What Is It?
It is a sweet liquid extracted from pressed sugarcane.

What Are Its Benefits?
It detoxifies the body and boosts the immune system. It supports skin health, helps lose weight, boosts muscle power and energy, treats a sore throat, and ensures safe pregnancy.

Who Can Use It?
Anyone can consume it except people with diabetes, as sugarcane contains too much sugar.

How Often?
One or two glasses can be consumed daily in moderation, not more than that.

Caution
It is best to consult a doctor and check your blood sugar level before consuming.

Sugarcane – A Brief

Benefits of sugarcane juice
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Scientific Name – Saccharum officinarum
Family – Poaceae
Origin – Papua New Guinea
Other Names – Ganna (Hindi), Karumbu (Tamil), Karibpu (Malayalam), Cheruku (Telugu)

Belonging to a grass family, sugarcane is easy to grow anywhere and is available at very cheap prices. Even though it is native to Papua New Guinea, it has become a part of the crop production of more than half of the world, including Asia and America. You can either eat pieces of sugarcane or drink a glass of sugarcane juice topped with mint, ginger, and black rock salt.

Interesting Sugarcane Facts

  • Sugarcane has no fats. It is, in fact, a 100% natural drink. It has about 30 grams of natural sugar. Hence, you do not have to add extra sugar for sweetness.
  • It is a grass plant of the genus saccharum and has 36 varieties.
  • In 1493, Christopher Columbus took sugarcane to the Caribbean to plant it there and thus, the cultivation of sugarcane spread across the world.
  • A mature sugarcane plant can grow up to 30 feet tall. A single sugarcane plant can take 9-24 months to become mature, depending on the climate.
  • Sugar extracted from sugarcane juice contains only 15 calories.
  • Sugarcane juice is a mix of sucrose, fructose, and many other glucose varieties. Hence, it is sweet to taste.
  • An 8-ounce serving of sugarcane juice without any additives carries a total of 180 calories, which is quite low.
  • Raw sugarcane juice contains a total of 13 grams of dietary fiber per serving, which is essential in carrying out a lot of body functions.
protip_icon Did You Know?
The extraction of sugar cane juice from the sugar cane plant started in tropical India and Southeast Asia around 4000 BC.

Why Sugarcane Juice Is Absolutely Amazing

Skin Benefits

  1. Cures Acne
  2. Protects Your Skin From Aging

Health Benefits

    1. Instant Energy Booster
    2. Ensures Safe Pregnancy
    3. Prevents Bad Breath And Tooth Decay
    4. Facilitates Development Of Bones And Teeth
    5. Cures Febrile Disorders
    6. Aids Liver Functioning
    7. Acts As A Digestive Tonic
    8. Combats Cancer
    9. Aids People Suffering From Diabetes
    10. Treats Sore Throat
    11. Heals Wounds
    12. Strengthens Body Organs
    13. Prevents DNA Damage
    14. Aids Weight Loss
    15. Eliminates Toxins From Our Body
    16. Beneficial In Treating UTI
    17. Good For Nail Health
    18. Increases Muscle Power
    19. Reduces Fever
    20. Treats Acidity
    21. Boosts Immunity

Skin Benefits Of Sugarcane Juice

Sugarcane juice can help in rejuvenating your skin within no time. Listed below are some of the ways in which sugarcane juice benefits your skin.

1. May Treat Acne

Benefits of sugarcane juice for skin
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Using sugarcane juice on a regular basis has been found to be effective in curing skin problems like acne. So, if you are prone to acne, try a sugarcane juice face mask for effective results.

What You Need
  • Sugarcane juice
  • Multani mitti
What You Have To Do

1. Mix some multani mitti in the sugarcane juice to form a liquid of medium consistency.
2. Apply the mask on your face and neck generously.
3. Leave it on for about 20 minutes.
4. Use a wet towel to clean your face and neck.

Use this remedy at least once a week.

Sugarcane juice is a good source of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid, which helps to increase cell turnover (1). Also, acne results from blocked skin pores that sugarcane juice helps to remove by exfoliating your skin and thinning down the accumulation of dead cells (2).

 2. May Protect Your Skin From Aging

Are you worried about the untimely wrinkles that are making you look much older than your age? No worries! You can delay the signs of aging with the help of sugarcane juice.

The presence of antioxidants, flavonoidsi  XChemical compounds in fruits that protect the cells from oxidative damage and reduce the risk of diabetes, cancer, and dementia. , and phenolic compounds makes sugarcane juice a good option to achieve glowing, soft, and moisturized skin (3).

Health Benefits Of Sugarcane Juice

Let’s look at the amazing sugarcane juice benefits for your health.

3. May Work As Instant Energy Booster

If you want a boost of hydration, sugarcane juice is one the best sources of instant energy. It is capable of lifting up your spirits and mood within no time leaving you all refreshed and charged.

Sugarcane contains simple sugars (sucrose) that are easily absorbed by your body (4). These sugars are utilized to replenish the lost sugar levels in the body (5).

4. Ensures Safe Pregnancy

Sugarcane juice has been found to be a great addition to a pregnant woman’s diet. It facilitates quicker conceptions and safer pregnancy.

This amazing juice contains trace amounts of folic acid or vitamin B9 that is known to protect from neural birth defects like Spina bifidai  XA birth defect where a baby’s spine and spinal cord fail to develop properly in the womb, causing the spinal cord tissue to protrude. (6). Also, research has discovered that sugarcane juice minimizes ovulating problems in women, thereby increasing chances of conception (7).

5. May Prevent Bad Breath And Tooth Decay

Sugarcane juice prevents bad breath and tooth decay
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Bad breath is a major cause for social embarrassment. If you have a history of tooth decay leading to bad breath, you should consider sugarcane juice as a home remedy.

Sugarcane contains a host of minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus, which help build your teeth enamel (8). The consistent flow of nutrients prevents decay and strengthens your teeth (9). Also, bad breath is another symptom of nutrient deficiency that sugarcane juice helps counter (10).

6. May Support The Development Of Bones And Teeth

Hand a sugarcane stick or a glass of tasty sugarcane juice to every growing child, and you can gladly forget teeth-related and bone-related problems.

Sugarcane is an extremely rich source of calcium that helps build your skeletal strength, including bones and teeth (7), (8). This makes it one of the best ingredients that contribute to a child’s growth.

7. May Treat Febrile Disorders

Sugarcane juice is known to be extremely beneficial for curing instances of febrile disorders that are extremely common in growing kids.

Febrile disorders are notorious for causing fevers with high temperatures. They cause protein loss, thus making it a risk for the body. Sugarcane juice is known to replenish this loss of protein (13).

8. May Aid Liver Functioning

The yummy sugarcane juice is regarded as one of the best treatments for improving liver health and liver-related illnesses such as jaundice.

What You Need
  • 1 glass of fresh sugarcane juice
  • A dash of lime
What You Have To Do

Drink a glass of sugarcane juice mixed with lime, twice every day.

Jaundice occurs due to poor functioning of the liver as well as clogged bile ducts. Sugarcane maintains the glucose levels in your body and ensures speedy recovery. Also, being alkaline in nature, sugarcane juice helps maintain electrolyte balance in your body, and thus stops your liver from going into overdrive (9).

9. May Act As A Digestive Tonic

Sugarcane juice acts as a digestive tonic
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If you have been suffering from digestive distress, you should consider including sugarcane juice in your diet for better digestion and stress-free life.

Potassium present in sugarcane juice helps balance the pH levels of your stomach and facilitates the secretion of digestive juices (10).

10. May Combat Cancer

This might come as a surprise to you, but sugarcane juice may also be a comprehensive deterrent to fatal diseases like cancer, especially prostate and breast cancer.

Recent research has discovered that the flavonoids in sugarcane may inhibit the multiplication of cancerous cells in the mammary glands, indicating its potential in breast cancer prevention (11).

11. May Be Beneficial For People With Diabetes

Is sugarcane juice good for diabetics? If you think sugarcane juice is a bad choice just because you are suffering from diabetes, then you are wrong. Sugarcane can, in fact, be consumed by people with diabetes, but in moderation.

Sugarcane contains sucrose that has a low glycemic index. This helps to keep your blood sugar levels in control (12).

12. May Treat Sore Throat

Sugarcane juice helps treat sore throat
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If you feel a sudden itching or irritation in your throat, drink a glass of sugarcane juice with a dash of lime and black salt to soothe it.

Vitamin C is found abundantly in sugarcane juice and is the main reason that makes it a good remedy for a sore throat. Sugarcane juice is also a rich source of antioxidants that ward off any viral or bacterial infections (13), (14).

A blogger, who is also a vocalist, shared about their regular battle with tonsillitis and their experience of consuming sugarcane juice to reduce the symptoms. They said, “I drank one cup and instantly, without exaggerating, my throat kind of opened from its being tight and sore!!! It was like finding a treasure or winning in the lottery! I have been taking antibiotics but it ruined my voice. My falsetto. I can’t seem to hit the high notes anymore! But thanks to this wonder worker…..SUGARCANE (i)!!!.”

13. May Heal Wounds

Other than boosting your immunity, sugarcane juice also helps in speeding up the recovery of wounds.

Sugarcane juice contains sucrose that is naturally capable of healing any kind of wound in a small span of time (15). You can also dab some sugarcane juice over the wound for better results. When consumed in diluted form, it may exhibit anti-inflammatory properties.

14. May Strengthen Body Organs

The regular consumption of sugarcane juice assists in making our important organs stronger so that they can work well and in sync with other organs.

Since sugarcane juice is full of essential sugars, it helps in strengthening our organs like the sensory organs, reproductive organs, and the brain (22).

15. May Prevent DNA Damage

Sugarcane juice can protect you from radiation-induced DNA damage that can affect your brain.

It is full of antioxidants that prevent the oxidative degradation of cellular fats and lipids and control DNA damage (16) (17).

16. May Aid Weight Loss

Sugarcane juice aids weight loss
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Even though it is sweet, sugarcane juice can help you shed a few extra kilos.

Sugarcane juice is known to improve heart health by reducing bad cholesterol, which is one of the main reasons for weight gain. It is also high in soluble fibers that help us manage our weight.

17. May Eliminate Toxins From Our Body

Having sugarcane juice on a regular basis helps in cleansing the body of harmful toxins and other foreign elements. It also boosts our metabolism. This detoxification process gradually leads to weight loss (25).

18. May Help Treat UTI

The wonderful sugarcane juice helps maintain kidney health and prevents the problems associated with Urinary Tract Infections (UTI). To use it to treat UTI, take a glass of sugarcane juice mixed with lemon and coconut water twice a day.

Sugarcane juice is known to increase the protein levels in the body. This prevents many kidney-related diseases like stones, UTI, STDs, and prostatitisi  XA disorder characterized by painful prostate inflammation and fever caused by an infection, immune system disorder, or any injury. . It also relieves the burning sensation that accompanies these disorders (18).

19. May Support Nail Health

Do you have discolored and brittle nails that need to be camouflaged with a variety of nail arts and paints? Try having sugarcane juice to combat this problem.

The lack of nutrients makes our nails lifeless and brittle. Since sugarcane juice is full of nutrients, it nourishes your nails and makes them healthy.

20. May Increase Muscle Power

Sugarcane juice increases muscle power
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Having sugarcane juice twice a day is known to increase your muscle power by providing much-needed glucose to the body (27).

21. May Reduce Fever

You may not know this, but sugarcane juice is actually helpful in treating fever. Drinking sugarcane juice drinker can prevent protein loss, which may lead to weakness and pain (28).

22. May Relieve Acidity

Since sugarcane juice is alkaline in nature, it can soothe acidity and burning in our stomach and intestines. It also helps maintain the acid-base balance in our body (29).

23. May Boost Immunity

Sugarcane juice is full of essential antioxidants that help in strengthening our immune system by multiple folds (19). They fight against a number of diseases, including those of the liver and digestive system. These antioxidants also neutralize the bilirubin levels in the body.

24. May Help Prevent Constipation

Sugarcane is rich in fiber and may help treat constipation. Fiber bulks up the stool and softens it, making it easier to pass through the digestive tract (20). Therefore, the intake of foods and beverages high in fiber, including sugarcane juice, may help treat this condition. In addition, anecdotal evidence suggests that the potassium found in raw sugarcane juice may help prevent stomach infections and constipation. Also, the laxative properties of sugarcane juice may aid healthy bowel movements, prevent stomach infections, boost digestive system functioning, and alleviate stomach problems. However, more research is warranted to understand this benefit of sugarcane juice.

A Word Of Caution

Even though sugarcane juice doesn’t have any major risk factors, it generally depends on the conditions it is prepared in.

Here are a few things you need to be aware of:

  • Drinking a glass of sugarcane juice at a roadside stall might seem to be the easiest option. However, if it is prepared in unhygienic conditions, it might lead to Chagas disease or diarrhea. This is because sugarcane juice is considered to be the best breeding ground for microorganisms.
  • Never drink sugarcane juice that has been outside the fridge for more than 15 minutes as it may have adverse effects on your stomach and intestines.
  • Make sure that the stall you are planning to buy the drink from is not using too much oil on its crushing machines as that oil can cause harm to your body.
  • Do not take more than two glasses of sugarcane juice daily (two only when you have jaundice) as anything in excess can harm your body. It may lead to high blood pressure.
protip_icon Trivia
A 9th-century inscription from the Medang Mataram period describes a sweet drink called Nalaka Rasa, which translates to “sugarcane juice.”

Recipes Using Sugarcane Juice

There are a number of tasty and ingenious recipes that use sugarcane juice. Let’s take a look at a few:

1. Homemade Sugarcane Juice

Homemade sugarcane juice
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What You Need
  • 1 sugarcane
  • 1 tbsp ginger chopped
  • Lemon juice to taste
  • Black salt to taste
How To Make

1. Peel the skin of the sugarcane and chop it into small pieces.
2. Transfer all the ingredients to a blender and blend till the mixture is smooth.
3. Use your hands to juice out the puree, strain it into a glass and refrigerate it for a few hours. Serve chilled.

2. Sugarcane And Ginger Slush

What You Need
  • 1 cup sugarcane juice
  • 2 tbsp ginger juice
  • 1 tbsp brown sugarcane
  • 1/2 tsp black salt
How To Make

1. Mix the ingredients and transfer them to a refrigerator tray. Freeze for 12 hours.
2. Blend them until they form a slush. Enjoy your cup of slush on a hot day!

3. Other Juices

One of the best parts of sugarcane juice is that it can be blended with any other juice to form a yummy mocktail.

You can mix sugarcane juice with

How To Select And Store Sugarcane

How to select and store sugarcane
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Selection

The harvesting of sugarcane usually depends on the age of the plant. This practice is, however, not the correct method since it does not take into account that the cane might have become overripe and aged. Instead, pick sugarcanes that have yellowed and whose leaves are dry. Tap on the mature cane. If you hear a metallic sound, it means that the cane is perfectly ripe and ready to be cut and consumed. Also, while cutting, make slanting swerves closer to the root.

Storage

When you are purchasing large stalks, it is best to cut them into smaller pieces so that you can refrigerate them. Make sure you rinse the stalks thoroughly and wait till they are completely dry before keeping them in the refrigerator. Also, wrap each cut end of the stalks with a plastic wrap and securely fix it with an elastic band. This will prevent moisture loss from the stalks and keep them juicy and fresh. If proper care is taken, they will be good to go for two weeks.

Nutritional Profile Of Sugarcane Juice

Quantity- 28.35 g

NutrientsAmount
Basic Components 
Proteins0.20 g
Water0.19 g
Ash0.66 g
Fat0.09 g
Calories
Total Calories111. 43
Calories From Carbohydrates
Calories From Fats0.03
Calories From Proteins
 
Carbohydrates 
Total Carbohydrates27.40 g
Sugar25.71 g
 
Vitamins 
Riboflavin0.16 mg
Niacin0.20 mg
Pantothenic Acid0.09 mg
Minerals 
Calcium32.57 mg
Iron0.57 mg
Magnesium2.49 mg
Phosphorus0.01 mg
Potassium162.86 mg
Copper0.09 mg
Manganese0.09 mg

Infographic: Best 5 Benefits Of Sugarcane Juice For Health

Sugarcane juice is one of the best health drinks that help improve health and skin. Though it can help manage several ailments, there are a few important benefits that can help you lead a healthy life. Check out the infographic to learn the best 5 benefits of sugarcane juice for health.

best 5 benefits of sugarcane juice for health (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

Sugarcane juice is a healthy refreshing drink during the hot summers. Loaded with essential minerals, vitamins, protein, carbohydrates, and its high water content, the benefits of sugarcane juice add to its popularity. With no fat content, sugarcane juice is a naturally sweet and healthy refreshing drink that acts as an instant energy-booster. It is not only good for skin, bone health, and oral health, but also helps ease digestive discomfort and febrile disorders. Sugarcane juice can also be consumed in moderation by people with diabetes and aids in healthy weight loss and detox as well. Sugarcane quality and hygiene in preparation are key in avoiding any potential side effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can sugarcane juice last?

Consume freshly made sugarcane juice with half an hour as it gets spoiled too fast. Also, avoid having unrefrigerated juice if it isn’t freshly made. Storing for more than a few hours in the fridge is also not advised.

Is sugarcane juice good for acidity?

Yes, having sugarcane juice is a good way to neutralize acidity in the stomach as it is alkaline in nature. Have this juice with a dash of ginger and avoid squeezing lemon in it while drinking. A little amount of black salt in sugarcane juice also helps cure acidity.

Is sugarcane juice good for cold?

Our body loses a lot of fluid when we suffer from a running nose or common cold. This loss can be easily regained with the help of sugarcane juice. This juice keeps our body hydrated and provides the much-needed energy boost.

Can I drink sugarcane juice on an empty stomach?

Yes, you can drink sugarcane juice on an empty stomach before noon.

Does sugarcane heat the body?

No, it is a fantastic energy booster that has a cooling effect. Thus, it lowers your body temperature.

Is sugarcane juice good for sperm count?

A study examining the effects of sugarcane juice on reproduction in male rats found that it boosted testosterone levels, sperm count, and the percentage of sperm viability significantly (21).

Key Takeaways

  • The antioxidants and vitamins in sugarcane juice can benefit your skin, hair, and overall health.
  • The topical application of this juice with natural ingredients like Multani Mitti may treat skin problems like acne.
  • The presence of flavonoids and phenolic compounds in the juice may help achieve glowing, soft, and moisturized skin.
  • Regular consumption of sugarcane juice may help boost the immune system, relieve sore throat, and prevent certain chronic diseases.
sugarcane juice benefits

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team


Indulge in the natural sweetness of sugarcane juice and unlock its amazing benefits. From hydrating your body to nourishing your skin, check out this video to discover the revitalizing properties of this tropical elixir.

Personal Experience: Source

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

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  21. Saccharum officinarum juice alters reproductive functions in male Wistar rats
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32755099/
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