WHY BIRCH FOR SLIMMING?

Scientific articles

What are the benefits of birch for weight loss?

Birch is considered a good remedy in weight-loss therapies, against cystitis, cellulite and cholesterol deposits. By stimulating diuresis, it facilitates water elimination and accelerates urination processes, exerting a kind of beneficial wash-out of the urinary tract. In this way, the plant also acts against water retention, so it can be useful in the treatment of cellulite. By promoting diuresis in fact, birch seems to be able to contribute to the reduction of theorange peel effect on the skin.

Birch Sap, obtained from this plant, is a drink (more appropriately, it is a glyceric macerate or gemmoderivate) with great properties, so much so that it is considered in Nordic countries to be a true spring elixir.

The history of birch sap

In the past it was customary for northern peoples to go to the woods to replenish their supplies of such sap, so as to bring to the body all the properties in which this extract is rich and to be able, thanks to them, to face the cold and long winters with greater vigor.

Birch sap acts on our body’s lymphatic system and, more specifically, it is able to collect waste material and promote its expulsion. Toxins and metabolic waste are then conducted from the periphery of the body to the cleansing organs such as the kidneys, lungs, liver and skin.

In addition, by stimulating diuresis in an important way, the sap helps eliminate deposits of uric acids, chlorides and urea, helping the body prevent inflammatory states and infections of the urinary system. Since the Middle Ages, birch sap has also been used to prevent and fight kidney stones.

In addition to purifying and preventive processes, this expulsion mechanism also promotes lymphatic drainage and fluid exchange, and counteracts water retention and cellulite with obvious results. Taking birch sap allows for fairly immediate beneficial effects, starting with the disappearance of that perennial feeling of bloating, aches and pains caused by accumulations of adiposity. By providing the body with a good supply of minerals (phosphorus, calcium and magnesium), moreover, diuresis is stimulated and the formation of further stagnation of excess accumulated fluids is prevented.

Properties of birch

Given the properties mentioned above, there are many who claim that birch sap is an excellent remedy for weight loss, but many others still have several doubts about it. In fact, its slimming properties would seem to be more than established and confirmed by the fact that this drink is low in calories, stimulates diuresis and metabolism, and promotes the elimination of waste. Of course, it should not be considered as the only remedy against extra pounds, but its intake should always be accompanied by nua good physical activity and a healthy, well-balanced diet.

By detoxifying the body, the skin is also more radiant and elastic. In addition, by stimulating epidermal cell growth, birch sap promotes healing of wounds and marks caused by acne and eczema. In these cases, the product can be taken either orally or locally with the help of sterile gauze.

In addition, birch contains xylitol, often used as a substitute for sucrose (common sugar). Xylitol in turn contains 40 percent fewer calories and has a 50 percent lower glycemic index than sucrose. In addition, this substance is found to be particularly beneficial for teeth and bones.

By facilitating the expulsion of uric acids, birch sap also proves to be an excellent remedy for rheumatism, joint pain and gout.

The saponins in birch sap provide another important benefit to the body, which is to prevent deposits of bad cholesterol in the blood and, as a result, prevent all the unpleasant effects that follow fromhypercholesterolemia: cardiovascular disease, swings in lipid metabolism, and atherosclerotic plaques.

Taking birch juice also allows flavonoids, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, calcium and trace elements to be introduced into the body. All together, these substances manage to provide our bodies with the defenses and energy needed to avoid contracting ailments or to overcome them in the best possible way. In this way, in fact, the immune system is strengthened.

In the past, children made great use of it because, thanks to its properties, birch sap was considered an excellent adjuvant to bring more strength to the body and protect it from seasonal illnesses. Today this custom is no longer there, and for greater safety, it is always best to consult with a doctor before administering such a substance to children.

Use of birch

Birch has diuretic and depurative properties. The leaves, which are rich in flavonoids, phenolic acids, essential oil and ascorbic acid, are mainly used in herbal medicine.

In addition to birch leaf, the bark and sap are also used for therapeutic purposes. Birch bark has pain-relieving and soothing properties while birch sap has diuretic and cholesterol-lowering action.

The scientific name for birch is Betula Alba, commonly called white birch. However, the same species is also referred to by other names: Betula pendula and Betula verrucosa. Another less common species, however, is Betula pubescens or hairy birch.

Birch Sap, obtained from this plant, is a drink (more appropriately, it is a glyceric macerate or gemmoderivate) with great properties, so much so that it is considered in Nordic countries to be a true spring elixir.

Benefits

Birch leaves are used in herbal medicine for their diuretic and depurative properties, conferred by:

Flavonoids, sesquitepene oxides, tannins (leucoanthocyanidins), vitamin C, betulinic, chlorogenic and caffeic acids, resins, essential oils.

Thedepurative action is assisted by the diuretic action. Increased urine output facilitates theelimination of excesswater and toxins accumulated in the body, such as cholesterol and uric acids that cause rheumatism and gout.

For this reason, birch is used in the treatment ofhypertension and water retention. The diuretic effect also acts preventively with respect to the formation of renella and becomes a kind of natural preventive remedy of urinary tract disorders, such as cystitis.

The plant also is one of the elective remedies in the treatment of cellulite because, although it does not have slimming properties, it helps reduce water retention, inflammation, and the formation of fibroconnective nodules characteristic of this skin blemish.

Birch sap, also known as Betula verrucosa sap, from which gemmoderivate is extracted, contains two heterosides capable of enzymatically releasing methyl salicylate with analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity. However, birch sap, like the leaves, also finds its major application in the treatment of cellulite.

Birch contraindications

Birch extract, despite possessing multiple beneficial properties, has some contraindications that, if not considered, could cause side effects, creating or aggravating specific problems.

This product is not recommended for therapies involving anticoagulant drugs, diuretics, hypotensives, and antiplatelet drugs; therefore, it is not suitable for people with heart and kidney failure.

In addition, birch could trigger a number of allergic reactions in individuals who have allergies to its active ingredients, as well as in other weak and particularly vulnerable individuals. For this reason, its consumption is also contraindicated for pregnant or lactating women, as it could cause allergic reactions in the child.

Because it contains salicylates (likeaspirin), individuals who have experienced an aspirin allergy should not take birch sap.