Birch Water: Why This Health Drink Will Be Taking Over From Coconut Water In 2015

Forget Coconut Water, This Is Why You Should Drink Birch Water
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Coconut water was the ultimate superfood of 2014 - first the celebrities were glugging it by the gallon, then the hipsters caught on. Now it's stocked in most UK newsagents.

But as we approach the new year, it seems there's a new drink du jour.

Birch water.

That's right folks, those trees in your local park could be the key to solving to all your health and beauty problems.

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Birch extract has been used as a herbal remedy for centuries throughout the world. Many claim it to provide a plethora of health benefits - not all of which have yet been backed up by significant research.

Advocates claim birch water aids kidney function, reduces cholesterol and even eliminates cellulite.

"Extracts from the leaves have been used in herbal supplement combinations to aid detox, kidney function and bladder health by supporting the body’s natural elimination of toxins and impurities – it partly does this by acting as a diuretic," Alice Mackintosh, a nutritionist at The Food Doctor tells HuffPost UK Lifestyle.

"The tree also contains compounds called saponins that have been shown to help reduce cholesterol by binding and removing excess levels from the body - they also have anti-inflammatory effects in the body."

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Mackintosh says it's important to differentiate between health benefits of a herbal tincture (which is made from the bark and leaves of the tree) and the health benefits provided by the water extracted from a tree trunk.

"Though water from the trunk may well contain hydrating electrolytes such as potassium, as well as a number of other health giving nutrients, there may not be sufficient levels to promise some of the miracles currently being proclaimed," she says.

Ann Ashworth, a spokesperson from the British Dietetic Association is also sceptical about the benefits of birch water due to the insufficient evidence on how it works for humans and if it can be harmful in any way.

"If thinking about stopping conventional medical treatment in favour of birch tree water, please talk about it with your doctor first," she adds.

Nutritionist Karen Poole points out that the popular Paleo diet advises people to avoid saponins, as although they may inhibit the absorption of fats, they can also trigger an immune response and damage the gut wall.

"Birch water is like any new fad - one shoe does not fit all. You have to take into account individual habits, concerns and lifestyle and view birch water as part of an overall approach to healthy living that adopts many healthy attitudes that compliment each other," she adds.

More research is needed around the health benefits of birch water, but at the very least the sweet-tasting liquid provides an alternative to fizzy drinks and sugar-laden, processed fruit juices.

Mackintosh warns: "Some of the birch waters available on the market also contains added sugars – so watch out for these and always check the label."

Flavored Waters
Lemon-Cucumber Water, Mint Water, Strawberry-Basil Water(01 of10)
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Get the Flavored Water recipes from A Beautiful MessLemon and cucumber are a terrific combination for flavoring water. Mint, by itself, is simply refreshing. But strawberry and basil is really unique. (credit:A Beautiful Mess)
Blackberry, Lemon And Ginger Water(02 of10)
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Get the Blackberry, Lemon and Ginger Water recipe from Eat BoutiqueIf you're looking for a water with a zing, use ginger, which can be combined with any number of fruits. Here it's paired with sweet blackberries and tart lime. (credit:Eat Boutique)
Fruit Infused Water(03 of10)
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Get the Fruit Infused Water recipe from Sweet LifeThis is hardly a recipe at all, but simply take your favorite fruit, such as lemon, apple or grapefruit and add a few slices of it to your glass of water. Voila! Instant flavored water. (credit:Sweet Life)
Cucumber Mint Water(04 of10)
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Get the Cucumber Mint Water from Food RenegadeWhy not use a vegetable, like cucumber, to flavor your water? The combination of cucumber and mint adds a lot of fresh flavor to this drink. (credit:Food Renegade)
Lemon-Blueberry Water(05 of10)
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Get the Lemon-Blueberry Water recipe from Mama and Baby LoveBlueberries not only add their flavor to this water, they add a pleasant pink color. (credit:Mama and Baby Love)
Citrus Flavored Water(06 of10)
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Get the Citrus Flavored Water recipe from the Cupcake TheoryForget about orange juice or lemonade, you'll love this citrus-flavored water even more. Use a combination of lemons, limes and oranges. (credit:The Cupcake Theory)
Elderflower Mint Water(07 of10)
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Get the Elderflower Mint Water recipe from The Hausfrau JournalElderflowers and mint add a unique and subtle herbal/floral flavor to water. Just bundle up the flowers and herbs and let it steep in the water for at least an hour. (credit:The Hausfrau Journal)
Watermelon Rosemary Flavored Water(08 of10)
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Get the Watermelon Rosemary Flavored Water recipe from The Fountain Avenue KitchenThe aroma of rosemary imparts a unique flavor to this watermelon water. The combination is surprisingly refreshing. (credit:The Fountain Avenue Kitchen)
Cucumber-Lemongrass Water(09 of10)
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Get the Cucumber-Lemongrass Water recipe from Eat BoutiqueMost people wouldn't think to use lemongrass outside of Asian cooking, let alone at all. It lends a unique citrus flavor to this water, which also has refreshing cucumber. (credit:Eat Boutique)
Cherry-Lime Flavored Water(10 of10)
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Get the Cherry-Lime Flavored Water recipe from And Love It TooYou'll want to muddle together pitted cherries and lime slices to make this refreshing water. Use a large wooden spoon to make the work much easier. (credit:And Love It Too)