Is Sugarcane Juice Good for 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. 

 

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.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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).
4. 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.

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.