Don’t be fooled by the sweetness of the sugarcane; it’s harmless, and nutritionists say the sweetness is natural, normal and most importantly, contains many benefits to our overall health. They say sugarcane can rejuvenate the blood, and that it also has flavonoids that refresh the body because of its minerals and vitamins. FIGHT AGAINST DISEASES Private Kamanzi, a nutritionist at Amazon Nutrition Cabinet, says sugarcane has many health benefits and are vital to our well-being, as far as good health is concerned. He says they have properties that are needed for the proper functioning of the kidney, and at the same time, capable of keeping the kidney free from kidney stones. By consuming sugarcane regularly, he says, it can stop the risk factors for kidney stones. It purifies the kidney and protects people from urinary tract infections as well. “This infection is common among many people, making sugarcane important as it can keep one safe from this,” he says. Erick Musengimana, a nutritionist at Rwanda Diabetes Association in Kigali, says it also has an effect on the functioning of the liver. Here, he explains, sugarcane improves the functioning of the liver in general. He says sometimes there are instances when the liver is overused and produces bilirubin in the blood plasma. Again, he says, people with a condition called jaundice which indicates that the liver is overused and has produced more bilirubin in the blood stream and plasma, can use sugarcane to prevent this. To avoid such incidences, or improve functioning of the liver in general, Musengimana says consuming sugarcane plays a role in improving its health. ANTIOXIDANTS Rene Tabaro, a nutritionist at Oshen-King Faisal hospital in Kigali, says sugarcane has many antioxidants like Vitamin A and C that prevent one from developing different cancers. He says that it has been discovered that humans worldwide are exposed to cancer due to climate change and industrial revolution, among other things. “Because sugarcane has these vital antioxidants, making a habit of consuming it regularly can help keep us away from different types of cancer,” he says. He adds that it is rich in iron, magnesium, calcium and potassium and because sugarcane juice is an alkaline drink, cancer cells cannot thrive in an alkaline environment. It as also has flavonoids and phenolic substances, they possess anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties as well. “It’s also rich in minerals, vitamins and protein, among others, which help build one’s immunity,” he says. It stabilises blood sugar levels, reducing fever and convulsions and rejuvenates all body organs, including the eyes and brain. Tabaro says it also has a low glycaemic index, which is natural and doesn’t go directly to the blood stream when consumed. For this reason, he says, it can help improve one’s weight, especially for people with the problem of maintaining normal weight. It can be an alternative for sugar and other sweeteners. HOW TO CONSUME IT Kamanzi says most people shy away from chewing sugarcane, especially in public, and, some don’t because they fear to hurt their teeth. He, however, says that the good news is that they can opt for sugarcane extracted juice, which when taken, can still provide the health benefits just like when it’s chewed. He adds that the juice has another advantage; it is an alternative to processed juices sold in supermarkets. If you like making homemade juice using different fruits, you can add sugarcane juice to make it sweet, instead of adding sugar. Sugarcane also improves oral health as it refreshes one’s breath and prevents tooth decay at the same time. Also, Tabaro says, sugarcane prevents gastric acid reflux because it has natural sugars and antioxidants that fight against the condition. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
