Q. Why do you recommend Sugarcane Juice?

Sugarcane, I am told by my friends in Mexico, is the biggest blade of grass on earth and has the highest nutrient content than any other vegetable or fruit. " But they are full of sugar," they say, "Haven’t we been told that sugar is not good as it is a major contributor to diabetes and hyper-activity?" This is the general comment.

Sugarcane juice produces a perfect formula of vitamins and minerals, and can only be grown in the tropical climate. And together with rain and sunshine, the formula is perfected. The final by-product of the cane however, is the injurious sugar, especially the white kind, and of course, this is not sugar as we know it, from this nature’s original formula, but that which is produced after much refining and chemical addictives, and is void of nutrients.

When I discovered sugarcane juice in Mexico approximately 25 years ago, I started recommending it in the many radio shows, TVs and magazine articles. I used my popularity to promote natural health, and sugarcane juice was part of that promotion, and the ordinary supply of sugarcane juice took off like a rocket and everyone was drinking sugarcane juice. Thousands were drinking the juice exclusively for several days or more, and they felt great.

Sugarcane drains the soil of nutrients and the farmers who are low paid could not afford to rest the soil by not growing the cane for a season or more. The result was that they use synthetic fertilizers, as the soil on its own would not produce the cane. In fact, the soil of almost all food is not rested and fertilizers are used. The farmers on their own, will not switch to organic. Rarely, some will. But one thing for sure, they would all be driven by the true free market principles of demand and supply.

The responsibility of the consumers through their buying habits, control the free market. Supply will meet demand and things will be as they should. It will not take long for some farmers to produce organic cane, and this is happening in Malaysia --- the supplier for Singapore. In the meantime, enjoy sugarcane juice. Demand organic and soon, it will be available.

We have canvassed some hawker stands in Singapore and have found many honest suppliers:

* Downstairs at Tangs, they are very honest and very clean, known as “New Age”. Ask for William.
* Behind Chinatown Point, #01-111 Hong Lim Hawker Centre – two brothers, clean, friendly and honest. They do not peel off the skin of the sugarcane in the juicing, and the taste is just superb and well-balanced.
* In Kovan Hawker Centre, #01-31 is clean, cheap and friendly. And another store #01-60, they juice the skin of the sugarcane as well.

I am sure there are many more, but it’s up to you to establish a personal relationship with the vendor to make sure that the sugarcane is not sweetened. I personally pay a little extra to ensure that I get the sweetest and cleanest cane.

We live in a world where contamination is everywhere. Lies and doubletalk are used by ad agencies that sell the manufacturer’s wares with sex and songs. The cost of these ads are paid for by the purchase of the product, so we are lied to and manipulated constantly, and the use of insecticides and pesticides and genetic modification are pervasive everywhere on earth. The only escape from these fraudulent practices is our health, awareness, as well as, our buying habits.

Forty years ago, when I started this journey, you couldn’t find organic food. There is no demand to speak of. Presently, organic farming is the fastest growing industry in the US. Canada is even more advanced. Canada, especially Vancouver and Vancouver Island, has veggie buffets that are far superior to anything in US. What is being demonstrated very clearly is the basic tenet of a free marketplace. It is alive and well, and its principle is demand and supply. It reminds us that the consumer is in charge, and our buying habits drive the marketplace, especially when we are healthier.

So, have patience. The fact that sugarcane sales are increasing will drive the entrepreneurial mind. Organic cane will be produced and enjoyed, and the marketplace will slowly return to its rightful owner --- the consumer. If you feel guilty about food that is not organic, just glance back over your shoulder and remember just a few years ago, everything you ate did damage, and the energy needed to digest the food was very high, and the energy return was low, in most cases, non-existent.

Avoid being caught up in the New Age ‘Dos’ and ‘Don’ts’ on health issues. Go slow and go intelligently. Change cannot be forced, but compassionately realized. We are presently talking with residents of Asia’s Garden of Eden --- Malaysia. The fertility of its soil is a natural producer of clean and organic material. The free marketplace will recognize this soon and help our closest neighbor, Singapore, get into organic business. It would be much cheaper and fresher, certainly much better, than the expensive material they get from Australia or New Zealand.

So, enjoy your fruits and vegetables.The hardest part of your journey has been made by your decision to begin this change. My favorite old saying is,"All things happen for the good for those who love the truth and are called according to its purpose."

All the very best,
Ray
Dec 2005, Singapore