Pregnancy is one of the crucial phases of every woman’s life, and proper nutrition is the key to making this journey healthier for her and her baby. Pregnant women are often confused about what to eat and what’s not. Here comes one confusing drink – Sugarcane juice! But the answer is Yes. You can consume sugarcane juice during pregnancy. However, it is always important to consult your doctor before adding sugarcane juice or any new food item to your diet, especially during pregnancy. It is a refreshing and delicious drink packed with essential nutrients and a valuable addition to the pregnancy diet. Sugarcane juice offers many health benefits, like boosting immunity, working as an energized and mood-refreshing drink, helping digestion, and more. Here in this article, we will discuss the health benefits of sugarcane juice for pregnant women.
Best Health Benefits of Sugarcane Juice for Pregnant Women
Pregnancy is a beautiful time, but it can also be a vulnerable one. Expectant mothers are more susceptible to infections, which can harm both them and their developing baby. That’s where sugarcane juice is a delicious and natural way to boost health during pregnancy. Here are some benefits of sugarcane juice you can enjoy during pregnancy period-
- Nutrient Powerhouse—Sugarcane juice is a rich source of essential nutrients such as carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients include iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are suitable for the development of both mother and baby.
- Relieves Constipation- One of the common health issues in pregnancy is constipation. However, sugarcane juice is fiber-rich, aids digestion, and relieves constipation.
- Helps to get rid of cold and cough- Consuming cough syrup is always a concern for pregnant women. Taking medication for colds and coughs is not recommended by doctors. It acts as a natural remedy for keeping a cold and cough.
- Helps in Foetal Development—Sugarcane juice is rich in folic acid and helps prevent neural tube defects in babies.
- Helps to Control Weight—Gaining excess weight is a concern for pregnant women. However, it is lower in calories than many other fruit juices. It increases metabolism and helps to keep weight in check. It can be consumed in moderation as part of a healthy pregnancy diet.
- Helps to Boost immunity—Changes in the body and hormones can weaken immunity. However, sugarcane juice is packed with antioxidants, and it strengthens the immune system, protecting both mom and baby from infections.
- Staying Hydrated—Staying hydrated is helpful for maintaining overall health during pregnancy. Sugarcane juice has a high water content that keeps you feeling refreshed and replenished. Proper hydration allows your body to transport essential nutrients efficiently.
- Morning sickness Saviour: Sugarcane juice’s anti-emetic properties can help alleviate nausea and vomiting, which are common pregnancy woes.
- Vitamin C Powerhouse: Sugarcane juice fulfills 20% of your daily vitamin C requirements. This essential vitamin plays a crucial role in immune function by stimulating the production of white blood cells, which are the body’s frontline defense against pathogens.
- Blood Pressure Regulator- Pregnant women face blood pressure issues, which can pose serious risks for both mother and baby. Sugarcane juice is rich in potassium, which helps to lower blood pressure. Moreover, antioxidants in sugarcane juice, like phenolic acids and flavonoids, fight inflammation and oxidative stress and potentially lower blood pressure. Sugarcane juice’s high water content helps the body flush out sodium, contributing to high blood pressure.
- Skin Savior- Skin pigmentation is common during pregnancy, and sugarcane juice helps combat skin concerns like dryness and pigmentation.
Nutritional Value in Sugarcane Juice
Sugarcane juice is packed with essential nutrients and vitamins. Here is the nutritional value of sugarcane juice-
- Serving size: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Calories: 200
- Carbohydrates: 48 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Vitamin A: 10%
- Vitamin B6: 5%
- Vitamin C: 20%
- Iron: 4%
- Calcium: 2%
- Magnesium: 8%
- Potassium: 10%
Related: The Importance of Nutrition During Pregnancy
Precautions for drinking Sugarcane Juice during Pregnancy
While sugarcane juice offers numerous health benefits, it might cause some health risks if taken in excess and without the advice of a doctor. It is always recommended to consult your doctor before adding new food to your diet. Moderation is the key to enjoying health benefits. Stick to 1-2 glasses daily to enjoy its immunity-boosting properties without exceeding your sugar intake. There are some precautions to keep in mind while drinking sugarcane juice during pregnancy:
- Maintaining hygiene during pregnancy is very important. Freshly squeezed sugarcane juice can contain bacteria like E. Coli or Salmonella if not prepared hygienically.
- Ensure the juice is prepared with cleanliness and sanitized equipment.
- Only consume fresh juice and avoid keeping it for long hours.
- Consume in moderate amounts as it contains high amounts of sugar and may cause various health issues.
- If you have gestational diabetes, then consult your doctor before consuming sugarcane juice. Your doctor is the right person to advise you on the right amount of other alternatives to sugarcane juice.
- Some people might be allergic to sugarcane. If you experience an allergic reaction, such as rashes, itching, or swelling, after consuming sugarcane juice, consult your doctor.
Can Sugarcane Juice Sweeten Your Pregnancy Experience?
Sugarcane juice contains essential nutrients for a healthy pregnancy and offers immense health benefits. However, drinking in excess can lead to complications. Hence, it would help to drink sugarcane juice during pregnancy but in moderate quantities. Apart from this, this is a valuable addition to a pregnant woman’s diet as a natural immunity booster. Its rich antioxidant content, vitamin C, essential minerals, and hydrating properties help both mom and baby be healthy and protected. It also contains potassium, which can help lower blood pressure; its high sugar might negate this effect.
If you have concerns about blood pressure, consult your doctor and prioritize other blood pressure-lowering strategies like a balanced diet and regular exercise. Sugarcane juice should be considered a treat, not a dietary staple. Focus on a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein to ensure you and your baby receive essential nutrients. Enjoy this sweet treat in moderation and reap the rewards of a stronger immune system throughout pregnancy.
Verified by Crysta IVF Fertility Experts
