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What are the benefits and harms of birch sap, they knew even in Ancient Russia. The popularity of this tasty drink in the field of traditional medicine was so high that with its help they restored strength and energy after prolonged winter frosts.
The value and composition of natural birch sap
Healing nectar is appreciated due to the presence 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 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 mcg silicon;
- 8 mcg titanium;
- 2 μg copper;
- 1 mcg nickel.
The benefits of birch sap are also high in essential oils, phytoncides, organic acids, saponins and tannins.
Calorie content of birch sap
Birch sap is considered a dietary product that 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 wood absorbs and filters, giving a sweet taste to a healthy drink. The movement of nectar begins during the spring thaws, when the snow melts and water begins to flow to the root system of the birch. It converts starch accumulated during the winter in the trunk and roots of the tree into sugar, which, in turn, dissolves in water and, under the influence of pressure, rises along the inner 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. The nectar contains from 0.5% to 2% sugar. A large amount of sugar is found in the sap of birches growing in warm climates in a sunny, well-lit place.
Useful properties of birch sap
Birch sap contains the following beneficial vitamins:
- Vitamin B6: is 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: its content is the largest in the drink. It actively participates in the synthesis of collagen, which is necessary for maintaining healthy skin and hair, and also has a beneficial effect on the activity of the pancreas.
Potassium and sodium included in the nectar regulate the water-salt balance of the body and normalize the heart rate. Sodium activates pancreatic enzymes, participates in the production of gastric juice, and helps maintain a normal acid-base balance.Potassium improves the supply of oxygen to the brain, helps to reduce swelling and maintains the concentration of magnesium in the blood.
Magnesium, in turn, is beneficial in helping to keep teeth healthy, preventing calcium and kidney stones from being deposited. Magnesium helps to normalize the activity of the cardiovascular and endocrine systems, helps to 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 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 recovery 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 are actively involved in the process of bone repair 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 tonic effect on the body;
- normalizes metabolism;
- considered useful for angina, bronchitis and tuberculosis;
- used in the treatment of scurvy, rheumatism, arthritis and gout;
- useful birch sap and vitamin deficiency
- 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 are faced with 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 remedy, it is also used for skin lichen and eczema;
- It is recommended to wipe your face with the life-giving moisture of birch for 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 useful drinks that help improve the functioning of the digestive system. It has a positive effect on the work 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 recommended to be used to strengthen the intestines in case of gastritis.
Why is birch sap useful for a woman's body?
The benefits of birch sap for women:
- strengthens hair and helps fight dandruff;
- has antioxidant properties and helps to cleanse the skin of toxins;
- relieves symptoms and feeling unwell during menopause;
- moisturizes dry skin in lotions and creams;
- using homemade masks with this component, you can make your hair silky smooth.
The benefits and harms of birch sap for pregnant women
The drink contains practically no strong allergens, therefore it is useful even for pregnant women.It saturates the female body with a large amount of essential trace elements. Due to its diuretic effect, birch sap helps to cope with edema during pregnancy.
Is birch sap possible with breastfeeding?
The benefits of birch sap for HS are also high, however, despite its beneficial properties, it can harm the body of a newborn, since it is dangerous in case of allergy 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 to 3 days. If no reaction followed, you can gradually increase the dosage to 200 - 250 ml. It is also recommended to dilute the drink with plain water during the first dose.
Why is birch sap useful for a man's body?
The benefit of this tasty drink for men is that with its regular use, the body's production of testosterone improves, 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 for children
You can start feeding your 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. If the baby responds well, with each new feed, you can gradually reduce the amount of water.
Small children are advised to give no more than 150 ml of the drink no more than 2-3 times a week. Upon reaching the age of three, the volume of drinking 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. 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. Making homemade nectar masks is no less popular.
To obtain a rejuvenating effect, 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 daily wiping your face with a cotton pad dipped in nectar. A mixture of juice with cognac and burdock oil is often used as an effective hair mask.
Contraindications to taking birch sap
For a healthy body, birch sap will not do any harm. Contraindications to its use are kidney stones and stomach ulcers. If you have these diseases, you should consult your doctor before drinking the drink.
Could you be allergic to birch sap?
People who are allergic to birch pollen can 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.
