Is Sugarcane Juice Good for Fatty Liver?
Copy Link
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Aman Priya Khanna 
Quick Summary
- Sugarcane juice is a healthy drink but it is not good for people with fatty liver.
- Sugarcane juice contains high amount of fructose which can worsen fatty liver.
- People with fatty liver should avoid sugary drinks and should opt for healthy drinks like green tea, lemon water, coconut water etc.
The liver plays a significant role in our body and performs several functions like detoxification, producing certain proteins, production of bile juice and cholesterol, blood filtration and many others. But, with today’s lifestyle, many people suffer from liver diseases. One of the common liver conditions is fatty liver.
Often our elders recommend us to drink sugarcane juice (ganne ka ras) for liver diseases. Most of us love to drink sugarcane juice; it is known to be the best drink for the summer season. But can you have it if you have fatty liver? Let’s find out.
What is fatty liver?
A healthy liver contains less fat; it becomes problematic when the fat level reaches 5-10% of the liver’s weight. Too much fat build-up in the liver is called fatty liver disease and is a common condition. If an individual overeats fatty food or drinks too much alcohol, the body converts the extra calories into fats, which then get stored in the liver cells.
A few people develop a fatty liver regardless of having other comorbid conditions. But a person has more chances of developing fatty liver if they have conditions such as diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, high triglyceride levels, take certain medicines (tamoxifen, amiodarone, diltiazem, or steroids), haemochromatosis (too much iron storage), chronic hepatitis B and C, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or reaction to medicines (chemotherapy or steroids).
Most people with fatty liver show no signs of the disease until it progresses to cirrhosis. A person may notice the symptoms such as weight loss, nausea, swelling (legs and abdomen), stomach pain, loss of appetite, jaundice (yellowing of eyes and skin), weakness, mental confusion, and extreme tiredness.
The nutritional profile of ganne ka ras?
A cup (100 ml) of sugarcane juice contains the following nutrients:
| Nutrient |
Amount/100 ml |
|
Protein |
0.29 g |
| Carbohydrates |
10.9 g |
| Energy |
43 kcal |
| Sugar |
3.43 g |
| Sodium |
3 mg |
| Potassium |
106 mg |
| Calcium |
6 mg |
Sugarcane juice does not contain fats but other nutrients such as vitamins B1, B2, B6, C, and organic compounds like citric acid, fumaric acid, succinic acid, and malic acid.
Is sugarcane juice good for fatty liver?
In India, sugarcane juice has been used in Unani and Ayurveda systems of medicines for thousands of years, either alone or with some other plant. For example, people with liver-related conditions and jaundice are told to consume sugarcane juice according to the traditional system of medicine.
According to the Unani system of medicine, ganne ka ras is known to benefit the liver. It is thought to regulate bilirubin levels and is recommended to consume in large quantities to get relief from jaundice. On the other hand, various pharmacological studies support this claim of Unani medicine.
Ganne ka ras is a favourite drink for tropical and subtropical regions. It has a plethora of health benefits, which according to Ayurveda, is helpful for liver conditions like jaundice. Some of the potentials of sugarcane juice are:
- Boost immunity: sugarcane juice is rich in antioxidants essential for boosting immunity. These antioxidants are useful for neutralizing bilirubin and help against diseases such as liver conditions and digestive problems. It also contains minerals and organic acids, which strengthen the internal organs such as the stomach, kidney, brain, and sex organs.
- Provides energy: This juice is a nutritious drink containing carbohydrates, sugar, and iron, which are a rich energy source. It is a famous energy-boosting beverage in tropical Asian areas. A study reported that sugarcane was equally effective as a commercial sports drink in athletes. It is also a more potent rehydration drink than plain water and sports drink.
- Detoxification: Regular intake of sugarcane juice helps flush out toxins and provides clear urinary flow as it allows proper functioning of the kidneys. Sugarcane juice with coconut water and lime juice helps reduce the burning sensation linked with urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, prostatitis and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
- Protects liver: sugarcane juice has liver-protective activity. A study revealed that sugarcane juice, along with isoniazid (INH-medicine for tuberculosis), when given to mice with a damaged liver, helped them lower the alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and bilirubin levels. The liver-protective property of sugarcane juice can be due to the presence of antioxidants, anthocyanins, and flavonoids, which lowers oxidative stress.
Modern studies have reported that sugarcane juice has several bioactivities such as analgesic (pain-relieving), antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, antihyperglycemic, and liver-protective activity. It also has several bioactive compounds such as tricin, apigenin, and luteoline glycosides (vitexin, orientin, swertisin, schaftoside) that were reported to be the main constituent in sugarcane juice for its liver-protective activity.
The liver protective activity of sugarcane juice is studied in several animal models. A study showed sugarcane juice lowered liver injury due to the presence of antioxidants that reduced oxidative stress. The results also showed decreased ALT, AST, and bilirubin levels, indicating that sugarcane juice helped lessen liver damage.
Another animal study reported that sugarcane juice contains anthocyanins and flavonoids which have strong antioxidant properties and provides liver protection against liver injury induced by isoniazid. The results also showed that it lowers the toxic effect of INH. Thus, the results indicated that sugarcane juice contains several antioxidants that help in fighting liver damage/injury. There is ample evidence of the positive effect of various classes of antioxidants, such as anthocyanins, polyphenols, glucosinolates, and carotenoid on the reversion of fatty liver.
Therefore, consuming sugarcane juice might be good for fatty liver. However, consult your doctor before consuming sugarcane juice for fatty liver.
Conclusion
Who knew a glass of sugarcane juice could do wonders to our bodies? Sugarcane juice has several potentials for the human body; however, you must consult a doctor before taking sugarcane juice for fatty liver.
Yet if you have any queries, feel free to contact our personal care team; they will solve all your doubts and questions. You can also visit our website HexaHealth to learn more about fatty liver-related information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sugarcane juice good for liver health?
Sugarcane juice has several properties, such as pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and liver-protective properties, along with bioactive compounds like apigenin, tricin, etc., which are reported to help fight against liver diseases. Therefore, sugarcane juice is good for liver health. However, more studies are required.
Download AppWho should not drink sugarcane juice?
Sugarcane juice is considered safe when taken from a hygienic place. However, people with diabetes should consume sugarcane juice in moderation after consulting their doctor.
What juices are good for fatty liver?
Some of the juices that may help you cleanse your liver are grape juice, sugarcane juice, beet juice, and green smoothies prepared using carrot, avocado, spirulina, kale etc. These juices are good for the liver and might be helpful for fatty liver.
What are sugarcane juice’s benefits and disadvantages?
The benefits of sugarcane juice are its ability to aid in various diseases. It may help in diseases such as liver conditions, cancer, myocardial infarction, diabetes, malaria, etc. However, sugarcane contains policosanol that might show mild adverse effects such as dizziness, digestive problems, insomnia, acidity, headache, heartburn, nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, etc.
Does sugarcane juice make you fat?
There is no sufficient information on whether sugarcane juice causes obesity. Further studies are required to confirm the same.
When should sugarcane juice be avoided?
Sugarcane juice should be consumed in moderation by diabetic patients due to its high sugar content only after doctor’s consultation.
Role of Sugarcane juice for SGPT?
In an animal study, sugarcane juice was reported to lower Serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) levels and had liver-protective activity. However, further studies on humans are required to confirm its effect on SGPT.
Can I drink sugarcane juice for fatty liver?
Sugarcane juice has liver-protective properties that might be helpful for fatty liver. However, consult your doctor before taking sugarcane juice for fatty liver.
Is sugarcane good for hepatitis patients?
Sugarcane juice is considered beneficial for liver diseases. It contains several biochemical compounds, like antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, that might be good for hepatitis patients. However, consult your doctor.
Is sugarcane juice good for high cholesterol?
Sugarcane juice has cholesterol-lowering activity, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties that might help lower high cholesterol. However, consult your doctor.
What happens if we drink sugarcane juice daily?
Daily consumption of sugarcane juice may boost immunity as it is rich in iron, calcium, and magnesium clears urinary flow, helps the kidney function efficiently, helps fight cancer, and provides several other benefits. In several Asian countries, sugarcane juice is considered a nutritional drink because it contains vitamins, minerals, and hydrophilic compounds with several beneficial activities.
Is sugarcane juice good for liver cirrhosis?
Sugarcane juice is considered beneficial for the liver and diseases related to the liver. Therefore, it might aid in liver cirrhosis. However, consult your doctor and do not self-medicate.
Does sugarcane juice cleanse the liver?
Sugarcane juice is quite beneficial to the liver. It contains several bioactive properties, minerals, and vitamins that help boost immunity and fight against illnesses linked to the liver. Therefore, it might cleanse the liver. However, more research is required.
Which juice is good for liver cirrhosis?
Some juices are truly beneficial for the liver, such as beet juice, sugarcane juice, grape juice, and green smoothies made using avocado, carrot, kale, etc. Therefore, this might be helpful in liver cirrhosis; however, more evidence is needed.
What is the best time to drink sugarcane juice?
As such, there is no specific time to drink sugarcane juice. It is the best summer drink. However, it would be best if you drank sugarcane juice immediately after the sugarcane is squeezed. Avoid drinking sugarcane juice if its colour changes from grey to brown.
How do you detoxify your liver?
A person can detoxify their liver by incorporating the following changes:
- Drinking juices such as sugarcane, beetroot, grape, etc.
- Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking
- Eating healthy foods
- Exercising regularly
- Avoid sugar
Last Updated on: 12 December 2023
Reviewer
Dr. Aman Priya Khanna
MBBS, DNB General Surgery, Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery, FIAGES
12 Years Experience
Dr Aman Priya Khanna is a well-known General Surgeon, Proctologist and Bariatric Surgeon currently associated with HealthFort Clinic, Health First Multispecialty Clinic in Delhi. He has 12 years of experience in General Surgery and worke...View More
Author
HexaHealth Care Team
HexaHealth Care Team brings you medical content covering many important conditions, procedures falling under different medical specialities. The content published is thoroughly reviewed by our panel of qualified doctors for its accuracy and relevance.
Vianam Healthtech Private Limited (HexaHealth), Third Floor Building B, The Presidency, 46/4, Sector 14, Mehrauli Gurgaon Road, Gurgaon, Haryana 122001
