Can Sugarcane Cause Inflammation? A Look at the Sweet Truth

October 21, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2024 review, consuming excessive dietary sugars like fructose and sucrose can promote low-grade systemic inflammation and affect the gut microbiome. But while it's made of sucrose, can sugarcane cause inflammation and is it in the same category as refined sugar? The answer lies in the distinction between natural and added sugars, and the presence of potent phytochemicals in unprocessed sugarcane.

Quick Summary

The impact of sugarcane on inflammation depends on its form. While excessive refined sugar is pro-inflammatory, natural sugarcane juice contains anti-inflammatory compounds. Moderation is key to harnessing its health benefits while avoiding the risks of excessive sugar consumption.

Key Points

Natural vs. Refined Sugar: Fresh sugarcane contains beneficial antioxidants and fiber, while refined sugar from sugarcane is stripped of nutrients and can be pro-inflammatory when over-consumed.
Anti-inflammatory Compounds: Unrefined sugarcane juice has flavonoids and other antioxidants that actively combat oxidative stress and inflammation.
Gut Microbiome Health: Unlike refined sugar, which harms the gut, the fiber and nutrients in fresh sugarcane support beneficial gut bacteria, which produce anti-inflammatory compounds.
Mindful Consumption: Despite its low glycemic index (GI), sugarcane juice has a high glycemic load (GL). Moderation is key, especially for individuals with diabetes, to avoid significant blood sugar fluctuations.
The Health Risks of Excess: Any form of sugar, including natural sugarcane, can contribute to weight gain and indirect inflammation if consumed in excess. Practicing moderation and good hygiene is crucial.

Sugarcane vs. Refined Sugar: The Key Distinction

The most important factor in determining the inflammatory potential of sugarcane is understanding its form. Refined sugar, which is extracted and processed from sugarcane or sugar beets, is fundamentally different from fresh sugarcane juice or unprocessed sugarcane products. The processing removes all beneficial nutrients, leaving behind only concentrated sucrose. It is this concentrated, added sugar in processed foods that is consistently linked to chronic, low-grade inflammation.

Fresh sugarcane juice, on the other hand, contains more than just sucrose. It is a source of essential nutrients, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. This nutritional profile changes how the body processes the sugar, leading to a much different inflammatory response than consuming refined sugar.

The Anti-Inflammatory Power of Unrefined Sugarcane

Instead of causing inflammation, several studies show that fresh, unrefined sugarcane actually possesses anti-inflammatory properties. The compounds responsible include:

Flavonoids: These plant compounds are potent antioxidants that neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, a key driver of inflammation.
Phenolic compounds: Also acting as antioxidants, these compounds contribute to sugarcane's ability to protect cells from damage and support immune function.
Policosanols: Found in the wax of sugarcane stalks, these compounds have shown anti-inflammatory effects in animal studies, including reducing cholesterol and preventing atherosclerosis.

By contrast, refined sugar contains none of these protective nutrients. When consumed in excess, added sugar triggers the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, alters fat metabolism, and creates an imbalanced gut microbiome, all of which contribute to chronic inflammation.

The Role of the Gut Microbiome

One of the most significant differences between consuming natural versus refined sugar is the effect on the gut microbiome. The human gut contains a diverse community of bacteria that play a critical role in immune function and inflammation.

Refined sugar: A diet high in added sugars can cause gut dysbiosis, an imbalance where harmful bacteria flourish. This leads to increased intestinal permeability, allowing toxins to leak into the bloodstream and trigger a systemic inflammatory response.
Unrefined sugarcane: While containing sucrose, unrefined sugarcane also provides fiber and beneficial phytochemicals that support a healthy gut. The fiber promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria, which produce short-chain fatty acids with anti-inflammatory properties.

Sugar, Inflammation, and Glycemic Load

Glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) are measures of how food affects blood sugar levels. A high GI or GL can lead to rapid blood sugar spikes, which are pro-inflammatory.

Glycemic index (GI): Sugarcane juice has a relatively low glycemic index, reportedly between 30 and 43. This means it releases glucose into the bloodstream more slowly than many other sugary drinks, preventing sharp spikes in blood sugar.
Glycemic load (GL): While the GI of sugarcane juice is low, its glycemic load (GL) is high due to its high sugar content per serving. This means a large glass could still significantly affect blood sugar levels, especially for individuals with diabetes or insulin resistance.

A Comparison: Sugarcane Juice vs. Refined Sugar


Feature	Sugarcane Juice	Refined Sugar (from sugarcane)
Composition	Sucrose, glucose, fructose, water, fiber, minerals (calcium, magnesium, iron), antioxidants, phytochemicals	Almost 100% sucrose
Processing	Minimally processed, often consumed fresh	Highly refined, all beneficial compounds removed
Nutrients	Nutrient-rich with vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals	Nutrient-devoid or 'empty calories'
Anti-inflammatory	Contains anti-inflammatory flavonoids and antioxidants	Associated with pro-inflammatory cytokines
Glycemic Impact	Low GI, but high GL if consumed in large quantities	High GI, leading to rapid blood sugar spikes
Gut Health	Supports a healthy gut microbiome via fiber and nutrients	Promotes gut dysbiosis and increased intestinal permeability
Health Context	Benefits depend on moderation, especially for those with diabetes	Linked to chronic inflammation, obesity, and other diseases when excessive

The Moderation and Hygiene Caveat

Although fresh sugarcane has anti-inflammatory compounds, moderation is essential. Excessive consumption of any form of sugar can lead to weight gain, high blood sugar, and other health issues, which can indirectly contribute to inflammation. For individuals managing diabetes, a small portion of freshly squeezed juice should only be consumed with medical guidance and strict blood sugar monitoring. Hygiene is another crucial factor, as contaminated or stale juice sold by street vendors can pose health risks due to bacterial growth. For the safest experience, always choose hygienically prepared or fresh sugarcane products.

Conclusion: The Nuanced Reality

So, can sugarcane cause inflammation? The answer is nuanced and depends on the form and quantity consumed. Unrefined, fresh sugarcane contains a host of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that can be beneficial in moderation. In contrast, the refined sugar produced from sugarcane is a leading contributor to chronic inflammation when consumed in excess. By choosing natural, whole-food options over processed, sugary products, you can better manage your inflammatory response and support overall health.

Healthline: Does Sugar Cause Inflammation in the Body? Bioleader: Is Sugarcane Safe & Healthy - Benefits Of Sugarcane WebMD: Do Sugarcane Drinks Have Health Benefits? Sweet Cane Cafe: Why Sugarcane? Healthline: Is Sugarcane Juice Good or Bad for Diabetes? News-Medical: Excess sugar consumption triggers inflammation and dysbiosis, worsening periodontal disease

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, fresh sugarcane juice contains natural anti-inflammatory compounds, including flavonoids and phenolic compounds, that help reduce swelling and redness in the body. Traditional and modern studies both support its anti-inflammatory effects.

Consuming fresh sugarcane means ingesting fiber, antioxidants, and minerals alongside the sucrose, which slows digestion and absorption. Refined sugar, lacking these nutrients, is absorbed rapidly, causing a sharp blood sugar spike that can trigger inflammation.

While fresh sugarcane juice has a relatively low glycemic index, it has a high glycemic load, meaning it can still cause a significant rise in blood sugar. People with diabetes should consult a doctor and consume it in strict moderation, if at all.

The glycemic index (GI) measures how quickly a food raises blood sugar, while the glycemic load (GL) considers the serving size and its overall impact on blood sugar. Sugarcane juice has a low GI but a high GL due to its high sugar content per serving.

To avoid risks, consume sugarcane in moderation to prevent excessive sugar intake. Always ensure fresh, hygienically prepared juice, especially from street vendors, to prevent contamination from bacteria or toxins.

Yes, fresh sugarcane juice can positively affect gut health. It contains fiber and nutrients that support beneficial gut bacteria, helping to maintain a healthy and balanced gut microbiome.

Yes, excessive intake of refined sugars and processed foods is a major contributor to chronic, low-grade systemic inflammation. This occurs through multiple mechanisms, including altering gut bacteria and triggering inflammatory cytokines.