SUGARCANE
Sugarcane, or sugar cane, are several species of tall perennial true grasses of the genus Saccharum, tribe Andropogoneae, native to the warm temperate to tropical regions of South and Southeast Asia, Polynesia and Melanesia, and used for sugar production.
Parts of a Sugar Cane. Sugar cane is comprised of stalks, leaves and a root system. The stalk contains the juice used to make sugar and is broken up in segments called joints. Each joint has a node (band) and an inter node (area between nodes).
Soil
Sugarcane is grown in various kinds of soils, such as red volcanic soils and alluvial soils of rivers. The ideal soil is a mixture of sand, silt, and clay particles, with a measure of organic material. The land is plowed and left to weather for a time before sub soiling is carried out. The crop demands a well-drained soil, and drains—on the surface, underground, or both—are provided according to the topographic conditions of the fields.
Fertiliser
Fertilisers are applied to sugarcane from the beginning of planting through the whole growth cycle but not during the ripening period. Optimum amounts of fertiliser vary greatly with soil types, climatic conditions, and the kind and length of the growing cycle.
To secure a good crop, weeds in the cane fields must be attacked until the cane stools develop a good canopy, which checks weed growth. Weeding, still largely manual, though mechanical cane weeders with attached rakes have been developed. Chemical herbicides are widely used.
Harvesting
The mature cane is harvested by both manual and mechanical means. Some mechanical harvesters are able to sever and discard the tops of erect crops and cut cane stalks, which are delivered into a bin trailer for transport to the mill by tractor or light railway wagon.
Propagation
Sugarcane is propagated primarily by the planting of cuttings. The sections of the stalk of immature cane used for planting are known as seed cane, or cane sets, and have two or more buds (eyes), usually three. Seed cane is planted in well-worked fields.
Seed cane is spaced 1.4 to 1.8 metres (4.5 to 6 feet) apart at densities 10,000 to 25,000 per hectare (4,000 to 10,000 per acre). Under favourable conditions, each bud germinates and produces a primary shoot. Root bands adjacent to each bud give rise to a large number of roots, and each young shoot develops its own root system. Titillating, or sprouting at the base of the plant, takes place, and each original seed cane develops into a number of growing canes, forming a stool. The plant crop is obtained from these stools.
Another method of cane propagation is by rationing, in which, when the cane is harvested, a portion of stalk is left underground to give rise to a succeeding growth of cane, the ratoon or stubble crop. The ratooning process is usually repeated three times so that three economical crops are taken from one original planting. The yield of ratoon crops decreases after each cycle, and at the end of the last economical cycle all stumps are plowed out and the field is replanted.
Health Benefits of Sugarcane:
It's rich in iron, magnesium, calcium and other electrolytes so it's great for dehydration. It helps cure the common cold and other infections and also fight fever as it boosts the body's protein levels.
Drinking a glass of raw sugarcane juice has a surprising number of health benefits and is loaded with critical nutrients that our body needs. Raw sugarcane juice can lower blood pressure, strengthen the bones, reduce cholesterol, aid in weight loss, fight fevers and infections, and soothe stress. It can help you sleep better, boost energy levels, support kidney health, strengthen the immune system, protect the skin, optimise digestion and manage diabetes, among others.
prevents cancer:
Sugarcane juice is alkaline in nature because of the high concentration of calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, and manganese, which helps prevent diseases like cancer, that cannot survive in an alkaline environment. Thus it helps in fighting various types of cancer such as prostate and breast cancer.
Sugarcane Juice Nutrition Facts
The nutritional density of sugarcane juice is impressive and includes significant levels of potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, various amino acids, zinc, thiamine, and riboflavin. There are approximately 180 calories in an 8-ounce glass of sugarcane juice, as well as 30 grams of sugar. Furthermore, this juice is high in dietary fibre. It provides antioxidants like flavouring and polyphonic compounds, which can further aid overall health and reduce oxidation stress.
Boosts Energy
Unlike drinks and foods that are packed with processed sugar and high-fructose corn syrup, the natural supply of sugars in sugarcane juice can provide a solid stock of energy that can start your day off strong and regulate the release of glucose in your body for a healthy “sugar high.” Sugarcane juice is an excellent natural choice to re hydrate the body and stave off fatigue.
Skin Care
One of the components of sugarcane juice is alpha hydro acids, specifically glycerol acid, which has been linked to antioxidant effects on the skin. This juice, when regularly consumed, can clear up skin inflammation and infections, while also reducing signs of ageing, such as wrinkles, blemishes, discoloration, and scars.
Support during Pregnancy
Sugarcane juice taken during pregnancy can help to boost metabolism, improve digestion, reduce symptoms of morning sickness, and provide energy throughout the day, thanks to its low glycemic index. It can boost the immune system naturally, rather than having to rely on pharmaceuticals or antibiotics. This juice also helps eliminate symptoms of constipation, another frequent complaint by pregnant women.
Fresh Breath & Fight Cavities
Sugarcane juice is often consumed as a home remedy for tooth decay, and resulting bad breath. Sugarcane has minerals such as calcium and phosphorus that protect the enamel of your teeth, protect against decay, and strengthen your teeth. The high doses of nutrients in this juice help counter bad breath due to nutrient deficiency.
Bone Mineral Density
Intake of this juice boosts calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium and manganese levels in the body, making it a critical part of strengthening your bones. This, in turn, helps to prevent the development of osteoporosis. A single glass of this juice every day can keep your bones strong as you age.
Improved Digestion
There are certain laxative qualities of sugarcane juice, thanks to its supply of dietary fibre. The fibre helps stimulate peristaltic motion, heal inflammation in the gut, and relieve symptoms of constipation, bloating and cramping.
Lower Cholesterol Levels
Studies have found that drinking raw sugarcane juice can help to lower overall cholesterol levels, both LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, which can further protect heart and prevent cardiovascular disease as you age.
Stress Management
Some of the amino acids found in sugarcane juice, in addition to tryptophan and magnesium, can help to balance stress hormone levels and even help to induce sleep. If you regularly suffer from insomnia or interrupted sleep and give relief from insomnia or interrupted sleep.
Normal Blood Pressure
With its supply of potassium, sugarcane juice is able to reduce the strain and tension in blood vessels and arteries, effectively lowering blood pressure, and reducing your risk of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes.
Strengthened Immune System
With a rich supply of vitamin C and antioxidants, this juice is known to stimulate and boost the immune system, and reduce infections in the stomach, liver and respiratory tracts. It can also help prevent the onset of chronic disease including cancer or the prostate, colon, and breast.
Prevention of Kidney Stones
Numerous studies have linked the consumption of sugarcane juice with a lower occurrence of urinary tract infections and a lower risk of developing kidney stones.Essentially, this juice detoxifies the body and protects the function of the body’s detoxing centres.
Sugarcane Juice for Weight Loss
Sugarcane juice is rich in dietary fibre that helps to bind with fat and prevent it from being stored in the body, while also making feel full, thus preventing snacking and overeating. The alkaline nature of this juice helps to create the ideal environment for fat-burning, rather than an overly acidic system, while the high natural sugar content provides a huge source of energy, which increases activity and stimulates more calorie-burning.
Sugarcane Juice for Diabetes
This juice has a surprisingly low glycemic index, based on the types of sugars that are found in the juice, so it is actually more beneficial than average fizzy drink or soda, as the sugars are more slowly absorbed and processed by the body, preventing the sugar rush that many people associate with high glycemic beverages. For people not suffering from Type 2 diabetes, this drink can actually help to regulate blood sugar levels, when consumed in moderation.
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