The Tree Sap Diet is another name for the Maple Syrup Diet. This cleanse diet , which has been advocated by singer Beyonce Knowles, also goes by the name The Beyonce Diet, The Cayenne Pepper Diet and The Lemon Cleanse. The diet consists primarily of a detox drink made from the sap of maple or palm trees, combined with lemon juice and cayenne pepper. This detox beverage is generally combined with some degree of fasting, according to dietitian Juliette Kellow on Weight Loss Resources.uk. Talk to your doctor before embarking on any diet.
History
According to Kellow, the tree sap diet originated more than 30 years ago, and was developed by naturopathic practitioner and author Stanley Burroughs. Burroughs explained the diet in his book, "The Master Cleanser," which was published in 1976. The diet became increasingly popular when it was adopted by singer Knowles, who used the cleanse to lose weight for the 2006 movie "Dreamgirls." According to Bloomberg.com, Knowles lost 14 lb. on the diet. Discuss healthy rates of weight loss with your doctor.
Claims
The purported benefits of the Tree Sap Diet are not limited to weight loss. According to Kellow, the diet claims to boost immune function, eliminate toxins, improve mental focus, provide clearer skin and eyes, strengthen nails and hair, and increase energy levels. The diet also claims to enable you to lose "one stone in a fortnight," Kellow reports. This is the equivalent of 14 lb. in 14 days. The Tree Sap diet is not scientifically proven to be effective for any of these conditions.
Versions
The Tree Sap Diet has several versions, based on your needs and flexibility. The full detox entails subsisting entirely on the detox drink for 10 days, with a possible extension to 14 days. Kellow notes that you should only extend the diet to 14 days with a doctor's approval and supervision. The "relaxed version" involves replacing breakfast and/or dinner with the detox drinks. This option also requires that you avoid sweets, processed food, dairy, red meat, white bread, fried food and coffee. The once a week version involves a weekly detox using the tree sap drinks.
Warning
According to Kellow, the Tree Sap Diet is potentially harmful to your health. Abstaining from all food and drinking only this beverage for days at a time is likely to have deleterious effects on your body. Kellow notes that even if you drink nine detox drinks per day, your daily intake on this diet will be a maximum of 468 calories. This is likely to lead to low energy levels, hunger and nutritional deficiencies. Moreover, although such an extreme diet is likely to produce weight loss, weight lost on crash diets is frequently regained, Kellow reports.
Considerations
Exercise is not mentioned as part of the Tree Sap diet, and given the very low calorie count of this fast, it is unlikely you will have enough energy to exercise. In addition, maple syrup can be a volatile commodity. According to Bloomberg.com, the cost of Vermont maple syrup in 2009 rose to $70 a gallon. Talk to your doctor about the practicality and possible benefits of this diet for your health needs.
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