Content
The benefits and harms of birch sap were known back in Ancient Rus'. The popularity of the tasty drink in the field of traditional medicine was so high that it was used to restore strength and energy after prolonged winter frosts.
Value and composition of natural birch sap
Healing nectar is valued due to the presence of a large amount of vitamins, as well as other useful and nutrients. The chemical composition of birch sap per 100 g includes:
- 5.8 g carbohydrates;
- 27.3 mg potassium;
- 1.3 mg calcium;
- 1.6 mg sodium;
- 0.6 mg magnesium;
- 0.2 mg aluminum;
- 0.1 mg manganese;
- 25 mcg iron;
- 10 µg silicon;
- 8 mcg titanium;
- 2 mcg copper;
- 1 mcg nickel.
The benefit of birch sap also lies in the high content of essential oils, phytoncides, organic acids, saponins and tannins.
Calorie content of birch sap
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 does birch sap have a sweetish taste?
Birch sap is the liquid that wood absorbs and filters, giving the healthy drink a sweet taste. The movement of nectar begins during the spring thaw, when the snow melts and water begins to flow to the birch root system. It converts the starch accumulated in the trunk and roots of the tree over the winter into sugar, which, in turn, dissolves in water and, under the influence of 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 is carbohydrates. Nectar contains from 0.5% to 2% sugar. A larger amount of sugar is contained 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, which 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: its content in the drink is the highest.It is actively involved in the synthesis of collagen, necessary to maintain healthy skin and hair, and also has a beneficial effect on the activity of the pancreas.
Potassium and sodium contained in nectar regulate the water-salt balance of the body and normalize heart rate. Sodium activates pancreatic enzymes, participates in the production of gastric juice, and helps maintain 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 and prevents the deposition of calcium and stones in the kidneys. Magnesium helps normalize the activity of the cardiovascular and endocrine systems, helps remove toxins and heavy metal salts.
Almost all calcium in the human body is concentrated in teeth and bones. It is responsible for the processes of excitability of nerve tissue, muscle contractility and blood clotting.
Aluminum, at its normal concentration, stimulates the formation and growth of connective, bone and epithelial tissues, promoting 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 and 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
The beneficial 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 for sore throat, bronchitis and tuberculosis;
- used in the treatment of scurvy, rheumatism, arthritis and gout;
- Birch sap is also useful for vitamin deficiencies
- the drink is known for its diuretic effect, due to which it is often used for diseases of the genitourinary system;
- considered effective even for sexually transmitted diseases;
- the benefits of the drink have been proven in the spring, when most people experience decreased appetite and increased fatigue;
- Since ancient times, tree nectar has been known as a useful external remedy for leg ulcers;
- it is also used as an external remedy for skin lichens and eczema;
- It is recommended to wipe the face with acne with the life-giving moisture of birch.
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.
For pancreatitis, birch sap is considered one of the healthiest drinks that helps improve the functioning of the digestive system. It has a positive effect on the functioning of the pancreas, preventing various inflammations from developing, enveloping, restoring and strengthening it. Due to such a large number of beneficial properties, birch sap is recommended to be used to strengthen the intestines during gastritis.
What are the benefits of birch sap for a woman’s body?
Benefits of birch sap for women:
- strengthens hair and helps fight dandruff;
- has antioxidant properties and helps cleanse the skin of toxins;
- relieves symptoms and poor health during menopause;
- moisturizes dry skin in lotions and creams;
- Using 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 contains practically no strong allergens, so it is useful even for pregnant women. It saturates the female body with a large number of essential microelements. Thanks to its diuretic effect, birch sap helps cope with swelling during pregnancy.
Is it possible to take birch sap while breastfeeding?
The benefits of birch sap for breastfeeding are also high, however, despite its beneficial properties, it can cause harm to the newborn’s body, since it is dangerous for allergies to pollen.
To begin with, you should try to drink no more than 100 ml of the drink and monitor the child’s condition for 2 - 3 days.If no reaction occurs, 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 are the benefits of birch sap for a man’s body?
The benefit of this tasty drink for men is that with its regular use, the body improves the production of testosterone, increases libido and increases the activity of the testes. All this ensures a solution to problems with potency, a return to a happy life, and relief from excessive nervousness and irritability.
At what age can children drink birch sap?
You can start feeding your child this healthy nectar when he reaches 1 year of age. During the first dose, it is better to dilute the liquid with clean water in a 1:1 ratio. If the baby responds well, you can gradually reduce the amount of water with each new feeding.
It is recommended to give young children no more than 150 ml of the drink no more than 2 to 3 times a week. Upon reaching three years of age, the drinking volume can be increased to 250 ml.
How much birch sap can you drink per day?
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. The shelf life in a glass jar on the 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 made based on it. Making homemade masks from nectar is no less popular.
To obtain a rejuvenating effect, you should mix the drink with honey and sour cream and apply the resulting mixture to your face, leaving it to act for 15 - 20 minutes.You can get rid of acne by wiping your face daily with a cotton pad soaked in nectar. A mixture of juice with cognac and burdock oil is often used as an effective hair mask.
Contraindications to taking birch sap
Birch sap will not cause any harm to a healthy body. Contraindications to its use are kidney stones and stomach ulcers. If you have these diseases, you should consult your doctor before drinking the drink.
Can you be allergic 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.
