sugarcane juice is heat or cold - #22643
I am kind of confused about whether sugarcane juice is considered heat or cold. My aunt swears by it, saying it’s super refreshing in the summer, and she drinks it all the time to stay cool. But my friend said something totally different, claiming that it’s actually heat-producing and can make you feel warm, especially if you’re already feeling hot. I drank some sugarcane juice last week during a picnic when the temps hit like 90°F, and honestly, it felt refreshing at the moment. But then later, I felt kinda sluggish and tired. Could that be just in my head? I mean, is sugarcane juice heat or cold? Would it depend on if it's fresh or processed? I’ve read some claims that sugarcane juice can soothe your stomach, but then others are like, "Avoid it if you’re feeling hot." It’s just so confusing! Additionally, how about during winter? Should we stay away from sugarcane juice then? Does it affect digestion differently in different seasons? Any honest insights would really help!
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Doctors' responses
The confusion around sugarcane juice being “heat” or “cold” often stems from cultural interpretations rather than scientific evidence. In many traditional health systems, like Ayurveda, foods are classified as heating or cooling based on their effects on the body’s energy system. However, from a modern medical perspective, sugarcane juice itself doesn’t inherently generate heat or cold within the body. Its refreshing nature largely comes from its high water content and natural sugars, which can give a quick energy boost and potentially make it feel cooling, especially when consumed chilled on a hot day. This might explain why it felt refreshing when you had it during the picnic. That tired feeling afterward could be related to a sugar crash, as the body responds to the sudden spike in blood sugar levels by releasing insulin, leading to an eventual drop in energy. Whether the juice is fresh or processed, the change in sugar levels can have a similar effect; however, fresh juice contains more natural enzymes, which can be beneficial for digestion, while processed forms may include added sugars or preservatives. Regarding seasonal consumption, it’s not inherently harmful to drink sugarcane juice in winter, but individuals might opt for warmer beverages due to personal comfort rather than any digestive reasoning. For digestion, sugarcane juice can be soothing because it contains natural electrolytes like potassium, which can support your digestive system. However, moderation is important; excessive intake might lead to digestive discomfort, regardless of the season, due to high sugar content. If you’re using sugarcane juice to manage body heat, it might not be as effective as staying hydrated with pure water.
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