What are Bird's Nest benefits scientifically?

Edible bird's nest is a rare delicacy. It is one of eight nutritional treasures and is highly coveted in the Asian culture. Often referred to as the “caviar of the East”, bird's nest is among the most expensive delicacies consumed by humans. Modern science has decoded the components in swallow Bird’s Nest. Thanks to that, we now understand the bird's nest benefits scientifically.

1. What is Bird's Nest Soup?

Bird's Nest Soup is a delicacy in Chinese cuisine. The Bird's Nest is a glue-like substance made of saliva secreted from the swiftlet’s sublingual glands during breeding season, then are harvested for human consumption.
Bird’s Nest are particularly prized in Chinese culture due to their rarity, and supposedly high nutritional value and exquisite flavor. They are among the most expensive animal products consumed by humans, with nests being sold recently at prices up to about US $5,000 per kilogram, depending on grading.
The type or grading of bird's nest depends on the type of bird as well as the diet of the bird. It differs in colour from white to dark brown.

What are Bird's Nest benefits scientifically?

2. What are Edible Bird's Nest benefits?

Edible Bird's Nest contains an abundant amount of 18 different amino acids, some of which cannot be manufactured by the human body and must be obtained through dietary sources.
Bird's Nest Soup contains a significant amount of aspartic acid (4.69%) and proline (5.27%), which promote cell regeneration; cysteine and phenylalanine (4.50%) have been shown to enhance memory, increase nerve impulse conduction and absorption of vitamin D from sunlight; syalic acid and tyrosine (8.6%) speeds up recovery; glucosamine helps restore cartilage and bursae in the case of osteoarthritis...
In particular, syalic acid and tyrosine are metabolized quickly during the removal of toxic substances and stimulates the growth of red blood cells.
In addition to amino acids, swallow Bird’s Nest contain large amount of protein (45-55% by weight). Bird's nest contains glycoproteins, a high energy substance that the body can easily absorb. Moreover, there are 31 elements that are found in edible bird's nest. For example, bird's nest are rich in calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg).
These minerals are essential for normal functioning of the body. Elements that are useful for memory and nerve functions such as Mn, Br, Cu, and Zn are also found in high levels in bird's nest. Other rare element such as Cr, which enhances absorption of nutrients through the intestinal membranes, and Se, which is an anti-aging agent are found in bird's nest in small quantity.
Given its rarity and nutritional values, it is no surprise that bird's nest is highly coveted. Bird’s Nest Soup can also be used to stimulate the appetite, improve digestion and stimulate bowel movement.
Regular consumption of swallow nest can help prevent colds and flus by improving the function of the lungs and kidneys. When consumed in moderation, bird's nest unique predigested form of proteins and nutrients is believe to boost the body’s immune system, increase resistance to external environmental factors and to aid recovery from chronic illnesses.
Swallow Bird's Nest contains galactose without fat. Threonine found in bird's nest supports collagen and elastin formation, these two substances are important in the reconstructuring of skin cell structure and when combined with glycine can prevent wrinkles as well as anti-aging, anti-acne, reduce formation of pigmentation spots leaving the skin smooth and full of vitality.
In traditional Chinese medicine, Bird’s Nest is classified as a tonic. It can help improve physical and mental health of the elderly. For example, improving memory (phenylalanine), liver problems (threonine), intestinal (histidine), regulate blood sugar (leucine), increase ability to absorb calcium, anti-aging spine (lysine), anti-arthritis (methionine). In particular, tyrosine can help speed up recovery from radiation therapy and chemotherapy in cancer patients and patients after surgery.
Currently Edible Bird's Nest is being investigate as an HIV-AIDS treatment because it has been found to stimulate growth of white blood cells.
Long term consumption of small amounts of bird's nest have shown to have the best effects. The best method to cook bird's nest is by placing it in a ceramic bowl then place the bowl in a larger pot and fill the pot with water half way up the bowl. One nest per week is enough. You can divide it into 3 portions and eat 1 portion every other day.
Additionally, Edible Bird's Nest contains high levels of calcium (65% daily value), iron, potassium and magnesium. Balanced levels of these minerals help improve bone strength, enhance circulation which reduces the risks of cardiovascular diseases, promote a healthy metabolism, and protect against infections by stimulating the production of white blood cells.
Moreover, bird's nest contains an EGF-like component that stimulates tissue growth and regeneration. This could be one of the reasons that bird's nest has rejuvenating properties. bird's nest also provides significant protection against viral infections, most notably influenza.

3. Bird's Nest benefits in details according to scientific analysis:

Edible Bird's Nest contains up to 18 essential amino acids (***) cannot be manufactured by the human body and must be obtained through dietary sources. Some of their health benefits are below:
***Lysine is involved in the production of antibodies for a strong and healthy immune system. It is well known for its antiviral properties and helps prevent outbreaks of herpes and cold sores. Moreover, lysine promotes the formation of both collagen and muscle protein, and may help speed up recovery from surgery and injuries. It is also needed for hormone production and the growth and maintenance of bones in both children and adults.
***Methionine helps prevent the accumulation of fat in the liver to ensure normal liver function, which is essential for the elimination of toxins from the body. Methionine also supports liver function by regulating glutathione, an antioxidant that is needed to help neutralize toxins in the liver.
Our body also needs methionine to produce cysteine and taurine, which help the body eliminate toxins, build strong, healthy tissues, and promote cardiovascular health. Methionine is needed to make creatine, which is necessary for all muscular function, and thus supports normal functioning of the heart and circulatory system. Methionine is essential for the formation of healthy collagen. Methionine supplement can improve memory in people with AIDS.
***Phenylalanine is needed for normal functioning of the central nervous system. Phenylalanine is especially effective for treating brain disorders such as depression and chronic pain. Phenylalanine supplementation may improve memory and concentration. It may also help you feel happier, less hungry and more alert.
***Threonine supports cardiovascular, liver, central nervous, and immune system function. Threonine also supports the immune system by aiding in the production of antibodies.
Threonine promotes normal growth by helping to maintain the proper protein balance in the body. Threonine helps keep connective tissues and muscles throughout the body strong and elastic, including the heart, where it is found in significant amounts. It also helps build strong bones and tooth enamel.
Alanine helps regulate blood sugar by helping the body convert the simple sugar glucose into energy and eliminate excess toxins from the liver. It is crucial for preserving balanced levels of nitrogen and glucose in the body.
Arginine plays an essential role in the health of connective tissues such as joints and muscles. By enhancing circulation, arginine may help reduce the risks of heart disease. Other benefits of arginine include promotion of male fertility, enhancement of the immune system, regulation of hormones and blood sugar. Additionally, arginine may help reduce body fat and speed up weight loss.
Aspartic acid keeps your mind sharp and is sometimes used to treat fatigue and depression. It may also promote a healthy metabolism.
Cysteine helps maintain a healthy, youthful appearance by encouraging collagen production and skin elasticity. Cysteine’s detoxifying effects may also protect the body from oxidative stress. Moreover, cysteine stimulates the production of white blood cells and provides some protection against Influenza
Glutamic acid is important in the metabolism of sugars and fats. It is used in the treatment of childhood behavioral disorders, epilepsy, mental retardation, muscular dystrophy, ulcers, and hypoglycemic coma.
Glycine helps regulate blood sugar levels by supplying the body with glucose needed for energy. Glycine supplementation may be useful for treating hypoglycemia, anemia, and chronic low energy and fatigue. Additionally, glycine may protect against development of cancerous tumors and melanoma.
It helps protect tissues against UV rays, oxidation and free radicals. Glycine is essential for a healthy, normally functioning digestive system. It helps regulate the synthesis of bile acid used to digest fats.
Moreover, glycine is necessary for central nervous system function. It helps to improve memory retrieval. Lastly, glycine also seems to play a role in keeping the prostate healthy and reduce the symptoms of prostatic hyperplasia in men.
Histidine levels in the body must be balanced to ensure good mental and physical health. Low levels of histidine may contribute to the development of rheumatoid arthritis and certain type of deafness.
Histidine is also important for normal sexual functioning, because it gets converted into histamine, a chemical needed to stimulate sexual arousal. It is sometime used to treat certain types of sexual dysfunction. Additionally, histidine is important in the development and maintenance of healthy tissues.
It acts as a natural detoxifier, protecting against radiation damage, and removing heavy metals from the system. Histine may even help prevent the onset of AIDS as it is crucial to the production of both red and white blood cells.
Isoleucine is best known for its ability to repair muscles, keeps energy levels stable by helping to regulate blood sugar. A deficiency of isoleucine produces symptoms similar to those of hypoglycemia, and may include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, depression, confusion, and irritability.
Leucine promotes the healing of bones, skin, and muscle tissue after traumatic injury, and is often recommended for those recovering from surgery. Leucine works with isoleucine and valine to increases production of growth hormones, and helps burn visceral fat, which is located in the deepest layers of the body and the least responsive to dieting and exercise.
Serine is especially important to proper functioning of the brain and central nervous system. Serine is also involved in the fat and fatty acid metabolism, muscle formation, and the maintenance of a healthy immune system. Serine helps produce immunoglobulins and antibodies for a strong immune system.
Valine helps prevent the breakdown of muscle by supplying the muscles with extra glucose for energy production during intense physical activity. Valine also helps remove potentially toxic excess nitrogen from the liver, and is able to transport nitrogen to other tissues in the body as needed. Valine may help treat liver and gallbladder disease, as well as damage to these organs caused by alcoholism and drug abuse.
​* Edible bird's nest is a food product and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant or breast feeding, please consult with your healthycare professionals before consuming our products.