Sugarcane Juice During Pregnancy: 9 Health Benefits, And Precautions To Take

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As an expectant mom, you are probably watchful of your eating habits and careful about what you choose to eat and drink daily. If you are thinking of indulging in sugarcane during pregnancy, especially drinking sugarcane juice, but are unsure whether it is good for you, this post is for you.

Sugarcane juice is not only nutritious but also healthy and is a great drink to satiate any sweet cravings. Read on to learn about the benefits of drinking sugarcane juice during pregnancy and the precautions to take.

What Does Sugarcane Contain?

Sugarcane is a variety of tallperennialⁱXPlants that live year after yeargrasses native to the tropical areas of New Guinea and Southeast Asia, usually in places where warm temperature prevails(1). It is primarily used to produce sugar. However, its processing provides some valuable by-products such asmolassesⁱXA thick, dark brown syrup derived from sugarcane as a byproduct of sugar refiningandbagasseⁱXA dry, pulpy, fibrous sugarcane byproduct after the extraction of juice from the stalkstoo.

Sugarcane is rich in essential nutrients such as iron, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and vitamins C, A, B1, B2, B3, B5, and B6.Also, it is a rich source of soluble fiber, antioxidants, andphytonutrientsⁱXA chemical found in plants that help prevent carcinogens from formingthat make sugarcane juice a nutritious drink for prenatal nutrition, provided you are making it fresh and in hygienic conditions(2).

Is Sugarcane Safe During Pregnancy?

Yes, sugarcane juice is safe to consume during pregnancy. However, consult your doctor if you have gestational diabetes, as the risks are usually associated with your glucose tolerance levels (3.). Gestational diabetes affects approximately six to nine percent of women during pregnancy, according to theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention.

If you are going for the packaged juice, do a quick quality check by reading the label for ingredients, nutritive content, preservatives, and shelf life. In any case, it is always better to consume freshly made sugarcane juice during pregnancy. You can also make it at home if you have a juicing machine.

How To Make Sugarcane Juice?

It is pretty easy to make fresh, flavorsome, and wholesome sugarcane juice in just three steps.

1. Squeeze the stalks of sugarcane through a juicing machine
2. Strain the juice in a glass
3. Now comes the best part: add your favorite ingredients such aslemon juice, mint leaves, black salt, or ginger to enhance its taste.

This sweet and tasty glass of sugarcane juice would be perfect to meet yourpregnancy cravings. Besides satisfying your sweet cravings, sugarcane also offers plenty of benefits in pregnancy.

Benefits Of Sugarcane Juice During Pregnancy

As an expectant mother, you can relish sugarcane juice for the following reasons.

1. Strengthens immune system: Antioxidants in fresh sugarcane juice strengthen the immune system and help in fighting against infections, flu, and cold during pregnancy. It also maintains thebilirubinⁱXA yellowish pigment found in the bile, a liquid produced by the liverlevels and protects the liver.A strong immune system is not only good for the mother but also safeguards the health of the baby inside the womb(4).

2. Wards off morning sickness:STIKes Muhammadiyah Ciamisconducted a review revealing that the majority of pregnant women, approximately 70-80 percent, experience morning sickness. Extreme morning sickness, on the other hand, affects a smaller percentage, ranging from one to two percent, among all pregnant women. Morning sickness and nausea are a common symptoms experienced by pregnant women. However, drinking sugarcane juice with a bit of ginger will help reduce this concern(5).

3. Boosts energy: Sugarcane juice is an excellent energy booster that can help you regain your strength quickly. If you are feeling weak and need a quick supply of energy, a glass of sugarcane juice could help. The sucrose content in sugarcane juice helps to heighten energy levels, provides hydration, quenches thirst, and will also restock the lost levels of sugar(6)(7).

4. Fights urinary tract infections:Urinary tract infections are common during the pregnancy phase. Sugarcane juice, being a natural antioxidant and a good source of minerals, helps you fight UTI. Its consumption is also helpful to treat other diseases such as kidney stonesand jaundice(8).

5. Promotes fetal health:Sugarcane juice is a rich source of protein, which is good for both the baby’s and mother’s health. Also, it contains folic acid orvitamin B9which is known to reduce the risks related to congenital disabilities includingspina bifidaⁱXA condition that affects the spine from birththat can cause learning difficulties, bowel problems, and movement issues as well(9)(10).

6. Keeps weight in check: Excessive weight gain is a common concern for pregnant women. ThepolyphenolⁱXA chemical found in plants that aid the body in fighting off diseasescompounds present in sugarcane juice help in boosting the metabolism and maintaining your weight(2).

7. Cures skin concerns:Acne can become worse during pregnancy due to the increased estrogen levels. Glycolic acid, commonly found in sugar cane, is known totreat acneeffectively. So, drinking a glass of sugarcane juice will help you get rid of acne issues(11).

8. Keeps dental issues at bay:Another common concern during pregnancy isbad breathand tooth decay. Drinking sugarcane juice regularly can prevent dental issues as it contains magnesium and calcium in good amounts(2).

9. Helps to relieve constipation:很多孕妇患有消化不良d constipation. Including sugarcane juice in your routine diet may aid digestion and help combat the issue Also, you can get rid of stomach infections(12).

Although drinking sugarcane juice in pregnancy can be beneficial for your health, it does not mean you can have it more than you should.

Precautions With Sugarcane Juice During Pregnancy

蔗汁对怀孕有好处。然而,它should be consumed in limited quantities. In case you have diabetes, it is better to seek advice from your doctor before consumption. Last but not least, make sure your glass of juice is prepared fresh and in hygienic conditions. Otherwise, you may have to deal with unpleasant consequences such as food poisoning.

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