Contents
What is the benefit and harm of birch sap, they knew even in Ancient Our Country. The popularity of the delicious drink in the field of traditional medicine was so high that it was used to restore strength and energy after prolonged winter frosts.
The value and composition of natural birch sap
Healing nectar is valued due to the presence in the composition of a large amount of vitamins, as well as other useful and nutritious substances. The chemical composition of birch sap per 100 g includes:
- 5,8 g carbohydrates;
- 27,3 mg of potassium;
- 1,3 mg of calcium;
- 1,6 mg of sodium;
- 0,6 mg of magnesium;
- 0,2 mg aluminum;
- 0,1 mg manganese;
- 25 micrograms of iron;
- 10 μg silicon;
- 8 µg titanium;
- 2 mcg copper;
- 1 µg nickel.
The benefits of birch sap also lie in the high content of essential oils, phytoncides, organic acids, saponins and tannins.
Birch sap calories
Birch sap is considered a dietary product, which is characterized by high benefits and very low calorie content. 100 g of this healthy drink contains only 22 – 24 calories.
Why birch sap tastes sweet
Birch sap is a liquid that is absorbed and filtered by wood, giving a healthy drink a sweet aftertaste. The movement of nectar begins during the period of spring thaws, when the snow melts and water begins to flow to the root system of the birch. It turns the starch accumulated over the winter in the trunk and roots of the tree into sugar, which, in turn, dissolves in water and, under pressure, rises through the internal veins of the plant to the buds, nourishing them. Sap flow lasts from March to the end of April.
How much sugar is in birch sap
The basis of a sweet drink are carbohydrates. Nectar contains 0,5% to 2% sugar. A greater amount of sugar is found in the sap of birch trees growing in warm climates in a sunny, well-lit place.
Useful properties of birch sap
Birch sap contains the following beneficial vitamins:
- Vitamin B6: responsible for the synthesis of nucleic acid that prevents skin aging and has a positive effect on the nervous system;
- Vitamin B12: participates in the process of cell division and energy metabolism, makes it easier to endure stress and overload, prevents the development of anemia;
- Vitamin C: the content of it in the drink is the highest. It is actively involved in the synthesis of collagen, which is necessary to maintain healthy skin and hair, and also has a beneficial effect on the activity of the pancreas.
Potassium and sodium, which are part of the nectar, regulate the water-salt balance of the body and normalize the heart rhythm. Sodium activates pancreatic enzymes, is involved in the production of gastric juice, and helps maintain a normal acid-base balance. Potassium improves the supply of oxygen to the brain, helps reduce swelling and maintains the concentration of magnesium in the blood.
Magnesium, in turn, is beneficial in that it helps keep teeth healthy, prevents the deposition of calcium and stones in the kidneys. Magnesium contributes to the normalization of the activity of the cardiovascular and endocrine systems, helps to remove toxins and salts of heavy metals.
Almost all calcium in the human body is concentrated in the teeth and bones. It is responsible for the processes of excitability of nerve tissues, muscle contractility and blood clotting.
Aluminum, at its normal concentration, stimulates the formation and growth of connective, bone and epithelial tissues, contributing to their restoration and regeneration. Manganese is considered beneficial because it regulates blood glucose levels and stimulates the production of ascorbic acid.
Iron is the main source of hemoglobin, protects the body from the harmful effects of bacteria. Titanium and silicon take an active part in the process of bone restoration after fractures.
The benefits of birch sap for the body
Useful substances and vitamins contained in the drink determine its healing effect on the body:
- birch nectar is beneficial for colds accompanied by fever;
- has an anthelmintic effect;
- has a general strengthening effect on the body;
- normalizes metabolism;
- considered useful in sore throat, bronchitis and tuberculosis;
- used in the treatment of scurvy, rheumatism, arthritis and gout;
- birch sap is also useful for beriberi
- the drink is known for its diuretic effect, due to which it is often used for diseases of the genitourinary system;
- considered effective even in venereal diseases;
- the benefits of the drink have been proven in the spring, when most people experience a decrease in appetite and increased fatigue;
- since ancient times, tree nectar has been known as a useful external remedy for leg ulcers;
- as an external agent, it is also used for skin lichen and eczema;
- life-giving moisture of birch is recommended to wipe the face with acne.
Doctors advise drinking birch sap even with type 2 diabetes. This product is characterized by a low concentration of sugar, the main part of which is fructose, which does not require insulin for absorption.
With pancreatitis, birch sap is considered one of the most beneficial drinks that help improve the functioning of the digestive system. It has a positive effect on the functioning of the pancreas, prevents various inflammations from developing, enveloping, restoring and strengthening it. Due to such a large number of useful properties, birch sap is also recommended for strengthening the intestines with gastritis.
What is useful birch sap for a woman’s body
The benefits of birch sap for women:
- strengthens hair and helps in the fight against dandruff;
- has antioxidant properties and helps cleanse the skin of toxins;
- relieves symptoms and poor health with menopause;
- moisturizes dry skin in lotions and creams;
- With the help of homemade masks with this component, you can make your hair smooth and silky.
The benefits and harms of birch sap for pregnant women
The drink practically does not contain strong allergens, therefore it is useful even for pregnant women. It saturates the female body with a large number of essential trace elements. Due to the diuretic effect, birch sap helps to cope with swelling during pregnancy.
Is it possible to take birch sap while breastfeeding
The benefits of birch sap with HB are also high, however, despite its beneficial properties, it can harm the body of a newborn, since it is dangerous for pollen allergies.
To begin with, you should try to drink no more than 100 ml of the drink and monitor the child’s condition for 2 to 3 days. If no reaction followed, you can gradually increase the dosage to 200-250 ml. During the first dose, it is also recommended to dilute the drink with plain water.
What is useful birch sap for a man’s body
The benefit of this delicious drink for men is that with its regular use in the body, the production of testosterone is improved, libido increases and the activity of the testes increases. All this provides a solution to problems with potency, a return to a happy life, getting rid of excessive nervousness and irritability.
At what age can birch sap be given to children
You can start feeding a child with this useful nectar when he reaches 1 year. During the first dose, it is better to dilute the liquid with clean water in a 1: 1 ratio. In the case of a good reaction of the baby, at each new feeding, you can gradually reduce the amount of water.
Small children are recommended to give no more than 150 ml of drink no more than 2 to 3 times a week. Upon reaching three years, the volume of drinking can be increased to 250 ml.
How much per day you can drink birch sap
Despite all the benefits, you can drink no more than 1,5 liters of this healing drink per day. It must be consumed exclusively fresh. Shelf life in a glass jar on a refrigerator shelf is no more than 2 days.
The use of birch sap in cosmetology
The usefulness of birch sap in cosmetology has long been proven. There are many skin and hair care products based on it. No less popular is the preparation of homemade masks from nectar.
To obtain a rejuvenating effect, you should mix the drink with honey and sour cream and apply the resulting mass on the face, leaving it to act for 15-20 minutes. You can get rid of acne by rubbing your face daily with a cotton pad dipped in nectar. As an effective hair mask, a mixture of juice with cognac and burdock oil is often used.
Contraindications to taking birch sap
For a healthy body, birch sap will not do any harm. Contraindications to its reception are kidney stones and stomach ulcers. If you have these diseases, you should consult your doctor before drinking the drink.
Can there be an allergy to birch sap
People who are allergic to birch pollen may develop an allergic reaction to the drink. Its main symptoms are:
- inflammation of the mucous membranes and respiratory tract;
- sneezing;
- cough;
- redness and itching in the eye area.
Conclusion
The benefits and harms of birch sap are incomparable. This magical drink will help strengthen the body and get rid of many ailments. On the other hand, the only contraindications are stomach ulcers, kidney stones and personal intolerance to the components of the product.