From The Straits Times    |

tree water 640.jpg

Image from Cover Media

Never heard of birch water? Then it’s time you swotted up on the tree sap, which is tipped to be the big health drink of 2015.

Celebrities made coconut a must-have this year by being snapped sipping its water, revealing they cook in its oil and swear by it when it comes to keeping their skin clear and their hair shiny. But now the birch tree could be throwing some serious shade over it.

According to experts, its sap flushes out toxins, eliminates cellulite and can even help cure arthritis and bronchitis.

Found in the silver birch and the North American sweet birch, it’s removed in the same way syrup is drawn from maple trees. In its pure form, it’s sweet tasting and boasts macronutrients, electrolytes and potassium.

“Birch water is very similar to coconut water in its chemical profile,” Dr. Michelle Storfer, a nutritionist and founder of The Food Effect, told MailOnline.

“It’s high in macronutrients and micronutrients including proteins and amino acids, as well as enzymes, electrolytes and potassium.

“But unlike coconut water, it contains saponin, which has been shown to lower cholesterol and may have some anti-inflammatory effects.”

In Eastern Europe, Russia and parts of northern China, the sap has already become a popular drink. Avid consumers claim it helps in the treatment of constipation, diarrhoea, flu, headaches and liver disease, as well as skin conditions like eczema and dandruff.

What makes it even better is that those with a silver birch in their gardens can get their hands on the sap themselves. However, it needs to be timed right – it can only be harvested in early spring, when it runs up the inside of the trunk, providing nourishment to the leaves. Either drive a tap into the base of the trunk or cut the end of a branch and attach a bottle.

Fresh, it can be kept for a few days, but with some pasteurisation it can be preserved longer.

“Medically however, we don’t know that much about the birch water’s value as a health drink, as it’s only just entered the market in the US, with its health claims similar to coconut water,” Dr. Storfer continued.

“I’d say if you enjoy it, there’s definitely no harm in consuming in moderation… it’s definitely good for rehydration, and far better than any sugary fizzy drinks out there!” © Cover Media

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