does sugarcane increase weight - #38648
I am really confused about my diet lately and need some advice. I used to be pretty normal weight, but after I started including more sugarcane juice in my meals, I feel like I’ve been gaining weight kinda fast. I mean, I love the taste and always thought it was a healthy option. I’ve read that sugarcane has lots of nutrients, but does sugarcane increase weight? I remember last month when I decided to swap my regular soft drinks with fresh sugarcane juice. I thought it would be a better choice, but since then, my clothes feel tighter and I’ve been avoiding my favorite snacks but still see the scale moving up. The other day, I even checked my BMI and it’s bordering on being overweight – yikes! I am wondering if it’s just the sugarcane or maybe I’m overlooking other factors in my diet too? Like, is the sugar in sugarcane way too much for daily intake? It feels like such a contradiction because I thought I was being healthier. Anyone have experiences with this or advice on how to balance it out? Does sugarcane really contribute to weight gain or am I just overthinking this? Thanks in advance!
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Doctors' responses
Sugarcane and it’s juice are indeed nutritious, but let’s look closer to figure out what’s going on. It’s not uncommon for people trying to make healthier choices to, inadvertently, still consume more sugar or calories than they expect. Sugarcane juice, despite its natural fiber and minerals like iron, magnesium, and calcium, is high in sugar content. When consumed in moderation this isn’t necessarily a problem, but frequent, large servings could indeed contribute to weight gain, especially if it becomes part of a daily habit.
Switching from soft drinks to sugarcane juice can reduce your intake of artificial additives and processed sugars, but it’s important to consider the overall sugar and calorie content. Sugarcane juice is naturally sweet, and drinking it regularly can add a significant amount of calories to your diet. Each glass of sugarcane juice can have around 180-240 calories, depending on the serving size. If these extra calories are not balanced by cutting calories elsewhere or increased physical activity, it can contribute to weight gain.
From an Ayurvedic perspective, it’s critical to balance your doshas to maintain a healthy weight and overall health. Excessive sugar can aggravate the Kapha dosha, which is associated with weight gain, water retention, and sluggish metabolism. If you’re feeling heavier and notice your clothes fitting tighter, you might be experiencing Kapha imbalance. Here’s a suggestion on how you might address it:
- Monitor portion sizes: If you enjoy sugarcane juice, try reducing the amount you consume. Maybe have just half a glass a couple of times a week instead of daily. - Diet diversity: Ensure you have a balanced diet with a lot of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts. Aim for foods with low glycemic index to keep your blood sugar levels stable. - Increase physical activity: Incorporate regular physical activity suited to your capacity and lifestyle. This could be daily walks, yoga, or any form of exercise you enjoy. - Mindful eating: Pay attention to your meals — ensure you’re consuming food when you’re truly hungry and try to eat without distractions. - Awareness of hidden sugars: Be conscious of other sugars in your diet that might add up along with the sugarcane juice.
It would be helpful to evaluate the rest of your dietary habits, as weight changes can often be a result of multiple factors working together. Remember, it is about finding a balance and moderating your sugarcane juice intake could be a step in the right direction.

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