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Apart from being the raw material for sugar, sugar cane plants are also often processed into sugarcane juice which is famous for its sweet taste. However, do you know? Even though they come from the same material, the nutritional content of sugarcane juice and sugar water are different.

Different nutritional content of sugarcane juice and sugar water

Sugarcane juice is a natural process that still contains the original nutrients from the sugar cane plant. That is why, the nutrition of sugarcane juice is more varied than ordinary sugar water.

Sugarcane juice has a distinctive sweet taste that is refreshing. However, the nutrients found in sugarcane juice do not only consist of sugar and carbohydrates. There are other nutritional content in sugarcane juice, namely:

1. Carbohydrate content and glycemic index

Sugar and sugar cane have different carbohydrate content. Sugar consists of sucrose, while sugarcane juice consists of glucose and fructose. This difference also affects the glycemic index of the two.

The glycemic index is a measure of how quickly carbohydrates in food are converted into blood sugar. The higher the glycemic value of a food, the greater its effect on insulin levels and blood sugar.

The glycemic index scale ranges from 0-100. Granulated sugar has a glycemic index of 68, while sugarcane juice has a glycemic index of 43. This value is low, so it is relatively healthier.

2. Sugar and calories

A 240 mL glass of sugarcane juice contains 180 calories and 30 grams of sugar. Meanwhile, one spoon of granulated sugar consists of 50 calories and 13 grams of sugar. Sugarcane juice is more natural, but you still need to pay attention to the amount consumed.

The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia recommends a safe limit for daily sugar consumption of 50 grams or the equivalent of 4 tablespoons. More than that, you are at risk for obesity, blood sugar problems, and heart disease.

3. Antioxidants

Sugarcane juice contains antioxidants called polyphenols. This compound is useful for protecting body cells from damage caused by free radicals and toxins from the environment.

Even though it is made from sugar cane, in fact sugar does not contain antioxidants. Sugar only contains glucose.

Polyphenols have antiviral, allergy, and anti-inflammatory functions. To get its benefits, choose natural sugarcane juice made directly from sugarcane stalks.

It's best to avoid packaged sugarcane juice because the processing process can damage the polyphenols.

4. Vitamins and minerals

Sugarcane juice is not actually included in the list of foods rich in vitamins and minerals. However, this drink has several mineral elements even if only in small amounts.

Before processing, sugarcane stalks contain 187 milligrams of calcium, 56 milligrams of phosphorus, 4.8 milligrams of iron, 757 milligrams of potassium, and 97 milligrams of sodium.

The amount is small, but better than sugar water which does not contain any minerals.

Sugarcane juice is not just sugar water, but a nutrient-rich drink. This drink also has a low glycemic index and contains few calories so it is safe for consumption by diabetics.

So, there's nothing wrong with including sugarcane juice as a drink variation. Choose good quality sugar cane and have a smooth surface without dirt.