Mbenefits birch sap for health there variety, ranging from maintaining bone health to preventing dehydration. This is because the sap of the birch contain nutrition essential for the body, as vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, manganese, and zinc.
The birch tree has a white trunk and leaves that are shaped like a triangle with a serrated texture at the edges. Meanwhile, the sap released by this tree is clear in color with a slightly sweet taste.
To get the benefits, birch sap can be consumed directly or mixed into syrup or honey. In addition, birch sap can also be used as an additive in skin care products.
Benefits of Birch Tree Sap
The benefits of birch sap for health have been believed for centuries by residents of Northern Europe, Western Europe, and China. Meanwhile, in Indonesia, the benefits of birch sap may not be very popular.
Here are a number of health benefits of birch sap that you shouldn't miss:
1. Maintain bone health
Birch sap contains manganese which is quite high, where 300 ml of birch sap is able to meet about 130 percent of the daily manganese requirement. The manganese in this birch sap is beneficial in supporting bone health.
Besides manganese, other ingredients in birch sap that can also support bone health are calcium, zinc, and copper. A study shows that manganese combined with calcium, zinc, and copper can help reduce bone loss in the elderly.
2. Fight free radicals
Birch tree sap is high in polyphenolic antioxidants. Polyphenols are compounds that function to protect body cells from damage caused by exposure to free radicals.
Research shows that polyphenols can protect the body from several serious diseases, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and some types of cancer.
In addition to polyphenols, birch sap also contains other powerful antioxidants, such as vitamin C. This vitamin is needed by the body to ward off free radicals, increase immunity, and control blood pressure.
3. Maintain healthy skin
Now there are many skin care and cosmetic products that contain birch sap. This is because of the benefits of being able to properly hydrate the skin.
A study shows that the content of birch sap in skin care products is useful for maintaining healthy skin and preventing premature aging.
Not only that, the vitamin C content in birch sap has also been shown to be effective in increasing collagen production, so that moisture and skin elasticity can be maintained.
4. Strengthens hair
The next benefit of birch sap is to prevent hair loss and strengthen hair. These benefits are obtained thanks to the content of iron and vitamin C in it.
Iron is an essential nutrient needed to stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss. While vitamin C can increase collagen production so that it can strengthen hair roots.
5. Hydrates the body
Compared to coconut water, birch sap tends to be lower in calories, so it can be used as an alternative to sweet drinks that refresh the throat. In addition, birch sap also contains electrolytes, such as magnesium and potassium, which are useful for keeping the body hydrated.
Birch tree sap is safe when consumed in appropriate doses. On the other hand, excessive consumption of birch sap can increase the risk of manganese poisoning and is very dangerous for people with impaired liver function.
When using beauty products made from birch sap, there is a risk of an allergic reaction afterward. Therefore, it is recommended that you do an allergy test before using it.
The method is quite easy. You just need to apply a small amount of the product to the inside of your elbow and see the reaction. If the skin has a rash, itching, and burning sensation, do not use the product.
The benefits of birch sap are varied, but further research is needed regarding its benefits. Therefore, it is a good idea to consult a doctor before consuming or using birch sap, especially if you suffer from certain diseases, such as impaired liver function.
