There birch sap it is a precious ally in weight loss programs thanks to its detoxifying, diuretic and draining properties. It has been known for centuries in Northern Europe, Scandinavia, as well as Eastern Europe and Russia, and even in some areas of Northern China. It is above all a classic product in the Nordic countries. However, in recent years it has also become very fashionable in the United States and Europe. The reason? It is usually recommended in slimming or detox therapies, together with juices or smoothies.
If you haven't seen it yet, consider it birch-based LinfaPhit.
What is lymph
Sap is the vital juice that exudes from plants and trees; it circulates throughout the body and reaches every corner of the plants with the necessary nutrients, without it nothing green would exist.
The sap runs through the inside of these living beings, during thawing periods it exudes in the form of drops or "tears" from the trunks of the trees, thus exiting outside.
By adding some sort of catheter to the trunk of the tree the sap can be collected with vessels making a small cut or from the branches themselves. This extraction does not damage the plant at all and can be done from each tree for just one night a year. This process can only be done in early spring, when it is in full development and the sap brings new nutrients to the leaves and branches for their growth.
The populations living near these forests already know, from ancestral knowledge, that this drink is not only useful for plants, but is also adequate, nutritious and healthy for human beings.
For this reason, harvesting systems have been created that exploit this gift of plants.
Properties of birch sap
Although the sap can be consumed by different species, birch sap is a favorite, especially among the population of Northern Europe, America and China, for its rich properties, including:
- diuretic, draining and detoxifying effect. For this reason the birch sap it was used to purify the body. It goes without saying, therefore, that both the sap and the herbal teas made with the leaves of this tree can help deflate and eliminate liquids.
- It is suitable for lowering the dreaded uric acid, the same one that causes gout attacks.
- It assists in the work of the liver and kidneys and since ancient times it has been used to fight infections of the excretory system.
- There birch sap relieves almost all stomach problems.
- Having an anti-inflammatory effect, it is also perfect for moderate cases of muscle, rheumatic or tendon pain.
- Furthermore, in recent years it has become fashionable in some slimming diets.
How to take birch sap
To take on the birch sap it is sufficient to consume birch water, which is rich in it. In fact, the water is filtered directly by the trees, so we are talking about an absolutely natural filter. Trees absorb nutrients from the earth and it is in its sap that we find these nutrients that pass into birch water, which is rich in macronutrients such as minerals, potassium and antioxidants, low in sugar, and has a sweet taste (note that it is a water that comes from the wood).
Method of intake and dosage
There birch sap it can be taken fresh directly from the tree, it keeps for a long time but must be stored in the refrigerator; if even light pasteurization is applied it can be preserved much longer. Ginger can be added to make it more invigorating and aid digestion. It contains 18 calories per 100 ml of water, which is not much if we consider that it contains a high content of nutrients. Chemically it is very similar to coconut water, rich in macro and micro-nutrients, such as proteins, amino acids, enzymes, electrolytes and potassium.
Some people also take it fermented, due to the high probiotic content it has. Since it is not considered a medicine, the amount of birch water that can be drunk in relation to its effects has not been established. However, we should be cautious due to its detoxifying and slightly diuretic properties if we have low blood pressure.
What is Birch Sugar (Xylitol)
Maybe you didn't know but xylitol is one of the components of birch sap : it is a sugar that has, in addition to sweetening properties, antiseptic properties. This is another component that distinguishes it from coconut water.
Xylitol has long been used in the food industry as a sweetener, as it has a very low ability to induce glycemic levels, and is a good alternative to sugar in insulin-resistant and diabetic people. In fact, xylitol contains 40% fewer calories than sugar.
Since it has a similar structure to that of sugar, it can be a good substitute for preparing desserts without altering the recipes. Xylitol, in turn, has antiseptic properties, which is why it is very often added to gums, to reduce the incidence of tooth decay, strengthen the enamel and avoid other mouth infections, as it reduces the formation of plaque on the teeth. It is also often used in toothpaste and mouthwashes.
However, excess xylitol can lead to a decrease in intestinal flora, so we should be cautious when taking it, because this decrease in flora can cause mild diarrhea. To counteract this effect it is good to add probiotics.