Born in KwaZulu Natal? Then you will know what sugar cane looks like. But have you ever tried the juice made from the cane?

Sugar cane juice is the juice extracted from pressed sugarcane. It is consumed as a beverage worldwide, and especially in regions where sugarcane is commercially grown.

How do they make it? They stick the chopped up peeled cane into this machine and crank the handle of a machine that looks similar to a pasta maker. These stands end up with fresh sugar cane juice plus a huge pile of dry flat stalk pieces.

What does it taste like? It smells and tastes like a very weak but very sweet apple juice. Almost like lemongrass tea, quite grassy.

It may sound completely ridiculous at first, but sugarcane juice is actually good for you. Though it is comprised purely of sugar, it is comprised of the right sugar; that is unrefined sugar. As raw sugar contains no simple sugars, sugarcane juice has a relatively low glycemic index (the effect a carbohydrate has on blood glucose levels), which keeps the body’s metabolism healthy and helps maintain a healthy body weight. Roughly one teaspoon of raw sugar contains only eleven calories.

The natural minerals and vitamins found in sugarcane are exceedingly valuable. Phosphorus, calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium. Sugarcane is an alkalizing substance, and therefore is beneficial at fighting cancer.

Studies have shown that it has proven an effective at fighting prostate and breast cancer cells. Furthermore, it is exceptionally beneficial for rehydration as it not only cools the body but also energizes with a high quantity of useful carbohydrates and protein. The nutrients found in sugarcane are beneficial to inner organ functioning, including the kidneys, heart, brain and sex organs.