The Science behind Edible Birds' Nests (Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) & Sialic Acid)

The Science behind Edible Birds' Nests (Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) & Sialic Acid)

Recent research by academics has unveiled some key sciences that form the basis from which numerous health benefits can be derived from the regular consumption of this delicacy.

The nutritional value of 100g of dry nest includes 49.9g of water-soluble protein (including amino nitrogen, monoamine nitrogen, non-amino nitrogen, arginine, humin, histidine, lysine and cysteine), 30.6g carbohydrate (glycoprotein and mucin), 4.9g iron, 2.5g inorganic salt (including potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, phosphorus, silica and other trace elements), and 1.4g fiber (Dictionary of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The History of Chinese Medicine and the Nutrition Table).
The energy contained in 100g of swiftlet nest is 345 kcal (Wikipedia).
In fact, Bird’s Nest contain high valued glycoprotein and are rich in minerals like amino acids, calcium, sodium, magnesium and potassium to name a few. Acting as the spark plugs of life, these minerals are essential as they are required to activate thousands of enzyme reactions within the body. For example, magnesium maintains the alkaline balance and control of neuromuscular activity while sodium balances the electrolyte, body fluid volume and maintains our bodies' nerve impulse condition. It is also free from fats and cholesterol.
In addition, some of the proteins and amino acid detected in Bird’s Nest have known antioxidant properties. A highly plausible explanation for this antioxidant activity may be due to the hydroxyl and carboxyl groups in the amino acids. Active oxygen and related elements play a significant physiological role and have a good effect in a variety of diseases including heart conditions, cancer and ageing.

Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)

Epidermal Growth Factor or EGF is a growth factor that plays an important role in the regulation of cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation by binding to its receptor EGFR. (Wikipedia)
The first scientific evidence that Birds' nest contain EGF was given by Ng Et Al. (1986) in Hong Kong. Edible bird's nest aqueous extract was found to potentiate mitogenic response of human peripheral blood monocytes to stimulation with proliferative agents. It suggested that edible bird's nest does possess immune-enhancing effect by aiding cell division of immune cells.
One year later, other scientific evidence was published by Kong Et Al. They demonstrated an Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)-like activity in aqueous extract of edible bird's nest that stimulated the normal cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation and development. It offers a rationale for the medicinal use of edible bird's nest in ageing resistance.
In short, the presence of EGF in birds' nest stimulates the rejuvenation of cells in human body, aid in tissue growth and hastens the process of body repair.

Sialic Acid

Sialic acid found in Bird’s Nests are rich glycoproteins that bind selectin in humans and other organisms. It plays an important role in human influenza infections.
In a research conducted by Guo et al (2005) at the University of Shizuoka, researchers found that edible birds' nests extract could strongly inhibit infection with influenza viruses in a host range-independent manner. The results suggest that EBN is a safe and valid natural source for the prevention of influenza viruses.
Sialic Acid is also an important sugar for the development of a baby's brain, immunity against infections, and development of their digestive system. Sialic acids in birds' nests can be considered the next alternative to human milk which predominantly contain high sialic acid levels.

Swiftlet Bird's Nest is regarded as having a wide range of tonic and medical values

Traditionally, it is believed that Bird’s Nest can strengthen the lungs. Consumption of Bird’s Nest is also recommended to complement other treatments to combat degenerative diseases such as cancer and also for recovering health after illness, or surgery. Recent studies in Hong Kong suggested that it may even be useful in the treatment of AIDS.
In respect to aesthetic industry, research shown that swiftlet nest consist of high DOSIS of Epidermal Growth Factor(EGF). Currently EGF is used in the cosmetic industry for skin whitening, reduce wrinkles, and prevent premature aging. EGF is known to be capable of penetrating into the skin dermis to stimulate the growth of new cells, replacing cells that are old or damaged, and controls the growth of skin cells. Consuming swiftlet nest routinely is a means of maintaining one's beauty from inside out.

Benefits of eating Bird's Nest

You would have heard by now that among the most popular Chinese medicinal food is the Bird's Nest. This type of food can be costly where it could start from hundreds and reaches to thousands of ringgit. Basically, Bird's Nest is known to be a very nutritional type of food which is very good for health.
So what makes Bird's Nest so popular. Why would people go to great lengths to find and enjoy Bird’s Nest? This is because research has shown that Bird's Nest contain a rich amount of nutrients that are very organic. This includes minerals like zinc, copper, sodium, calcium, potassium while it has a lot of soluble glycoprotein and amino acid.
Throughout history, it has been recorded that traditional Chinese medicine doctors have used Bird's Nest for various medicinal reasons. This includes using this highly beneficial product for the use of treating asthma and bronchitis while it is known to help rejuvenate the skin and for anti-aging purposes.
According to scientific research, it has been found that Bird's Nest can actually facilitate more than just skin rejuvenation. In fact, it can help in growth and provide the human body with vital energy it needs. It helps to accelerate any type of recovery from diseases while keeps the body strong in terms of immunity and metabolism.
Bird's Nest are so popular with its benefits so well known that other types of medicinal herbs like the abalone, eggs and sea cucumbers do not come close. For the pregnant woman, Bird's Nest is highly recommended because it helps to increase the overall health of both the mother and the child.
It helps to grow the brain of the baby while ensuring that the mother's general health and immune system is strong. On top of that, mother's who have given birth are encouraged to take Bird's Nest as it helps them to recover faster while maintaining their overall beauty and body shape.
In most cases, Bird's Nest can be consumed as they are while there are many instances when this type of food is served with other accompanying dishes like fresh milk, soup and others. This is most commonly done for the younger people as it helps to enhance their metabolism and immune system.