sugar cane is heat or cold - #39390
I am really confused about this sugar cane thing. Last week, I went to a family gathering, and my aunt was raving about how sugar cane is heat or cold, depending on the season. She was saying it’s super beneficial for hot weather because it can cool you down. But then, another relative mentioned that sugar cane could actually create heat in the body too?? I mean, how is that even possible? I started feeling a bit off after munching on some sugar cane juice, like I had this odd mix of heat in my body, but then I felt a chilly sensation afterwards. It’s like, which is it? Am I supposed to consume sugar cane during summer or avoid it? I live in a really hot place, and I often turn to it for refreshment but don’t want to make my situation worse. Is it good for cooling down or can it actually cause heat in the abdomen? I had some tests done recently because I’ve been donting okay my digestion but feeling weird. My doctor didn’t mention anything about sugar cane being heat or cold when I asked about foods. Anyone here have an idea or experience with this? Would love to hear your thoughts!
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Doctors' responses
Sugar cane has long been debated within Ayurveda, and it can seem confusing due to its dual nature, as your family noticed. According to Ayurvedic principles, sugar cane is predominantly considered cooling in nature but can also lead to a warming effect in certain conditions.
The confusion often arises because sugar cane juice, the way it’s consumed most commonly, acts differently. During summer or in hot climates, sugar cane juice is popular because it indeed has a cooling effect on the body, making it an excellent choice for reducing heat and providing hydration due to its sweet rasa (taste) and cooling virya (potency). Ayurvedic texts mention its ability to pacify pitta dosha, which is associated with heat in the body.
However, the warming aspect comes from its post-digestive effects, known as vipaka. Once metabolized, sugar cane can potentially aggravate kapha and raise cellular activity, which generates some internal heat, especially if consumed in excess or if one has a predominately kapha constitution or kapha imbalance. This can be why you felt both heating and cooling sensations. It’s important to consider your prakriti (basic constitution) and vikriti (current balance) when consuming sugar cane.
Your odd sensation may stem from your digestive capacity, or ‘agni’. If your digestion is not optimal, sugar cane juice might not process as efficiently, causing unpredictable effects. Sugars and sweet substances can sometimes ferment in the gut if digestion is weak, leading to discomfort or heat sensation.
In terms of practical advice, since you live in a hot area and seek refreshment, it’s reasonable to enjoy sugar cane juice in moderation. Pay attention to how it affects your body and try pairing with a meal that balances out the potential kapha-increasing effects, like a light, pungent or bitter salad. Moreover, make sure to consume it in its raw, natural form rather than processed, as added ingredients may alter its natural benefits.
If you’re feeling imbalanced, consider consulting a local Ayurvedic practitioner who can provide personalized guidance based on your constitution and current symptoms. Also, be cautious; if you experience persistent digestive discomfort, it might be best to reevaluate its intake or frequency in your diet.

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