Swiftlet Nest Farming Proves Good for Business… Maybe Too Good

Up there on the weirdest-things-you-can-eat list has to be Birds Nest soup. It would be weird enough just to eat your standard twiggy-grassy robin’s nest, but this predominantly Chinese delicacy is made almost entirely from the goopy spit of a southeast Asian bird called a swiftlet (check out a couple of close-up nest photos over at EatingAsia). The birds glue their nests hundreds of feet high on sheer cave walls. When cooked, they yield a slick, nearly flavorless broth that’s prized for such medicinal chestnuts as increased longevity and, you guessed it, libido.

Unfortunately, swiftlets are not an invasive species we can proudly devour. To the contrary, growing demand from a prosperous China is compromising the birds’ ability to continue, uh, spitting out the nests. It doesn’t help that the sticky nests are the devil to clean, so collectors take the nests before they’ve been used to raise any young swiftlets. And in a weird double-twist, an unlikely solution—farming the nests—has increased supply and at the same time endangered some wild populations.

The monetary incentive is tremendous: swiftlet nests can sell for more than $1,200 per pound and fuel a multi-million dollar trade that can rival the fishing returns of poor regions. One Web site offers an 8-ounce “family pack” for about $600 (five percent discount on orders over $1,000).

In traditional harvesting, extremely daring men scale teetering bamboo poles to reach the nests, then scrape them from the cave walls. If you’ve ever shinnied up a flagpole with a basket and stick slung over your back and then performed your favorite yoga poses at the top, you may have some idea how dangerous this is. (Rock climbers tend to be fascinated; one has even made a documentary.)

Swiftlet Nest Farming Proves Good for Business… Maybe Too Good

A low-tech alternative—constructing artificial caves to farm the nests—has proved both successful and popular in Indonesia, where multistory buildings are erected in the middle of towns (sometimes even with a shop or apartment on the ground floor). The upper stories feature generous entrance holes, swiftlet songs play at the entrance to set a welcoming mood, and owners can add insect attractants and a swiftlet-pleasing scent, as chronicled in the World of Swiftlet Farming blog.

The set-up appeals to enough swiftlets that Indonesian production of the nests is booming (up to 280 tons, valued at more than $800 million, according to a 2004 source). Unfortunately, the high prices encourage wild-nest collectors to redouble their efforts. The toll is felt most keenly on islands, where nest farming is limited and so is the ability of swiftlets to recover from raids. In a 2001 study in India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands, swiftlet populations had declined 83% in 10 years.

Overharvesting was a clear cause, with declines recorded in 366 of 385 known nesting caves. Of 6,031 nests surveyed, only two had been left alone long enough for swiftlet chicks to have hatched. Harvesting was so devastating that the authors urged the islands’ governments to encourage nest farming as the swiftlets’ only chance for survival. (Though nest farming still involves destroying nests, the damage is counterbalanced by the increased nesting opportunities provided by the farms. Farmers typically allow late-nesting swiftlets to raise young, and even captively raise swiftlets in the nests of other birds to keep numbers up.)

National parks in India, Thailand, and other countries typically ban wild nest harvesting. But restrictions have yet to be enacted on a comprehensive, international scale - partly because farming has been so successful and global numbers are fairly high. Swiftlets are not listed as endangered by CITES or the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

I’m fascinated by the good-news bad-news saga of farming. Since its inception 10,000 years ago, farming has been our solution to the difficulty and unpredictability of securing animal food. By all accounts it’s been a huge success, but never a complete one. Disappearing swiftlets are just another curve ball in a world tainted by the likes of mad cow disease, brucellosis, and avian flu. Farmed salmon, anyone?

History of Edible Birds Nest

Birds Nests seem to be a food for the Chinese since a long time ago. Edible nests are found in China but rare, and that the Chinese must always have relied on overseas sources...

Birds Nest – The Beginning

He lost count of how many generations his ancestors have been occupying this land, this raw bountiful land now known as Borneo.
He is an indigenous tribal man, living out of caves and makeshift shelters that hardly qualify as a hut. He speaks no languages but simply communicates his basic needs to his community.
There are other tribes beside his own, each living in their own area and populating the jungles and the caves, eking out a living by gathering fruits and plants, and of course, the occasional hunted animal.
He walked a little bit further today despite the sweltering sun, taking pride in his youth and ability to withstand hardship. But like any other tropical country, Heaven has plans of its own. The sun was soon overshadowed by water-laden clouds, which in turn, waste no time in emptying its burdens like a blessing down to earth.
Our jungle boy was reluctantly persuaded to take accommodation in the nearest caves, while praying that his fellow tribes people are safe from the rain too.
This wasn’t his first visit to these particular caves but he seldom stayed long here, for the dampness and darkness wasn’t something every human can appreciate. The incessant high pitch screeching of the swiftlets and the bats made it an even less desirable attraction.
Since the weather is going to remain the same for some time, he took this opportunity to focus his acute vision on his surroundings. Scanning the high walls and ceiling of the cave, he was astounded by what he saw.

Tiny white cup-like structures are fixated in the most disorderly arrangement all over the upper levels of the cave walls and ceiling. And hundreds, if not thousands of swiftlets are popping in and out of these nests like a game of hide and seek.
Even the modern man would be surprised to learn of birds building nests in caves instead of on trees, so one can imagine the amazement of this uneducated tribesman.
His instincts instantly told him that these different caves are conducive for these birds and bats to stay and breed compared to the ones his people are staying in. After all, no two caves are alike.
Fascinated, he made a commitment to come back and learn more about these cave dwelling birds. He may eventually discover something beneficial to his people, especially if he can unlock a new source of food.

Discovery of Edible Birds Nest

Birds Nest – The Discovery
Over the next few months, he returned to these Bird Caves several times, often in the daylight to try and observe as much as he can about this new phenomena. He is not alone this time. His fellow food gatherers are excited about his findings and have accompanied him on this long trek.
Suddenly, one of his companions is gesticulating wildly. Following the direction of his shaking finger, they began to understand why. Not too far from them is the most beautiful cave lizard they have ever seen. It is similar to a house lizard albeit tougher and bigger in size.
This cave lizard is nearly shimmering. Unlike the common cave lizards they are used to seeing, this cave lizard has the nicest shade of colour, smooth glowing skin and almost bursting with regality. It is the most handsome cave lizard they have ever laid their eyes on.
As they looked on with a baffled expression, the cave lizard calmly approaches an empty swiftlet nest and began eating it, starting from the edges.
Upon further observation, the men chanced upon other extraordinary looking cave lizards and even cockroaches, either at rest or feeding on the abandoned nests.
By now, it is evident that there is something unique about these Birds Nests, something that improves the skin and appearance of its consumer. Most importantly, it is something possibly edible that they can use to sustain their diet.
Like the cavemen they are, rocks were hurled upwards towards the nests, dislodging several of them. The nests fell down into the waiting arms of these men, broken eggs and all.
Carrying their newfound harvest, the men eagerly headed back home to show their tribal chief what they have gathered.
Unknown to them, this accidental discovery will soon spark off a huge interest by travelling Chinese explorers and merchants, taking this prized delicacy all over the world.
A new food is born.

Birds Nest's Cleaning Process

This is sad but the truth is this. Birds Nest contains very high soluble protein which helps in our epidemic growth and has anti-aging properties. However, most Birds Nests available in the market are processed using bleaching agents, harmful chemicals and contain preservatives. Thus, destroying the precious nutrients - the soluble protein found in Birds Nests.

We take Birds Nest's cleaning seriously.

Each piece of Birds Nest was cleaned thoroughly using only Reverse Osmosis Distilled Water. Other dirt and feathers were plucked out painstakingly using forceps. This is a long and tedious process but that is how we deliver quality Birds Nest products. Right from the right harvesting methods to our stringent quality control, only can we ensure the most authentic and cleaned Birds Nests safe for you and yor family's consumption. Your health in our responsibility!
Traditionally, the Birds Nests are heated dry using an oven. This resulted in a huge loss of Birds Nests nutrients after the direct heat.
At Company Birds Nest, we use a "Freeze-Drying" method to dry every piece of Birds Nest. This drying method is done by freezing water moisture and sublimate it to gas, hence all nutrients are able to perserved.
Birds Nests are a good absorbent. Swiflets' Birds Nests tend to easily absorb dirts and chemical elements from their surrounding. Thus, the environment is one of the most crucial factor that affects the quality of Birds Nest. At Company Birds Nests, we build our bird houses organically and use advanced technology to maintain the bird house's humidity and cleanliness. The unqiue design of our bird house is done to prevent the invasion of pests. Certainly, the Birds Nests collected from our bird houses is definitely top in quality!

Birds Nest's Cleaning Process

Birds Nests Cleaning Process:

Premium grade and quality raw Birds Nest were chosen in a temperture controlled environment to eliminate heavy metals contamination.
Next, skilled and well-trained workers were employed to separate the feathers and dirt using tweezers.
Using only reverse osmosis distilled water to ensure the cleanliness of each Birds Nests and the natural shape of the nest is preserved as it is.
Stringent quality control are carried out to ensure the each and every piece of Company Birds Nests achieved the specification set. Cleaned Birds Nest were categorized according to its grade.

Penang swiflet industry needs a proper nest

As Penang celebrates its month-long George Town Heritage Festival to commemorate the second year of the city’s listing as a Unesco World Heritage site, the issue of swiflet farming hovers over the heads of its authorities, posing a threat to the prestigious listing status.

Malaysia is currently looking at implementing the Swiflet Industry Guidelines for Birds Nest harvesters to turn the business into a RM5 billion industry by 2020.
The Penang state government will now need to make a stand on how it wishes to regulate this potentially lucrative industry.
The issue being faced in George Town currently is that the swiflet industry is co-existing along residents and businesses of the historic inner city.
So-called “restored” shophouses are said to be fronts of swiflet farms, since swiflet farmers are believed to prefer buying or renting properties in George Town, than locate their operations in an agricultural area.
Apart from posing heritage concerns, the issue of public health is one which needs urgent addressing.
The hardened nests made up of swiflet saliva have been a delicacy treasured by the Chinese for centuries.

The global market for Birds Nest is said to be worth billions of ringgit.

Because of the head-start it had about two decades ago in swiflet farming on a commercial scale, Indonesia supplies between 70 per cent and 80 per cent of the delicacy consumed worldwide, mainly in Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, Macau, Singapore and North America.
From the public health angle, swiflet houses are said to have the potential to spread diseases from bird droppings within an enclosed area and sewage, which are dumped into city drains.

The dried bird droppings have also been attributed to cause lung infections.

Apart from not allowing residents, hotel and restaurant operators and other businesses to operate in a healthy environment, swiflet houses are also being feared in George Town for its potential to cause damage to properties and result in the devaluation of these units.
In 2008, the Birds Nest industry was worth RM1 billion with unpackaged Birds Nest fetching up to RM7,000 per kg.
Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Noh Omar had recently said the guidelines for swiflet farming were aimed at reducing red tape by making licensing easier.
He said the Department of Veterinary Services, which prepared the guidelines, were simplifying the process of obtaining approvals with the Health Ministry, Department of Environment, Wildlife and National parks Department, Farmers’ Organisation Authority and local authorities.
Among others, Noh said the guidelines encompassed the good husbandry practices, good manufacturing practice and edible Birds Nest certification.
They also cover import and export approvals, coordination by the department of city and town planning, registration and licensing.
George Town is currently home to an estimated 300 swiflet farms, which are said to be operating out of shophouses. The majority of these operators are believed to not have any licences to operate the business in the city.
The state authorities are now being asked to move fast to prevent further noise, smell, property damage and unsanitary conditions, which are now associated when swiflet farms over shophouses in George Town.
In stressing that they are not calling for a ban of swiflet farming in Malaysia, Penang activists are simply asking for the activities to be banned from urban and residential areas, so that the safety of residents and tourists is ensured.
All it takes now is for a special area or zone to be designated for swiftlet operations and allow the industry to soar and rake in the high investments it is touted to yield.

Introducing Grade AAA Birds Nest

Okie, for lack of a better name, I decided to call my new line of Birds Nest product Grade AAA.

GRADE AAA refers to cleaned and packed Birds Nest. I assure you that my Birds Nest products has not been contaminated with any bleaching agents nor chemicals. All our Birds Nests are hand-picked for feathers and foreign artifacts so that you enjoy the highest quality Birds Nest produce.

Introducing Grade AAA Birds Nest

I want you to enjoy the Birds Nest without any worries and to come back to us again in the future. I believe that if you are satisfied with our Birds Nest products, you will come back and buy from me again.
Let’s get back to business now, here’s the current price for my products (all prices quoted in USD):

1) Grade AAA = $3,100 (MYR 9,800)

2) Grade A = $2,125 (MYR 6,800)

3) Grade B = $1,810 (MYR 5,800)

4) Grade C = $1,440 (MYR 4,600)

Prices may fluctuate according to supply and demand.

Frequently Asked Questions of Birds Nest Soup

How is Birds Nest produced?

Birds Nest is produced by Swiftlets (Collocalia species). They use a glutinous secretion, also known as “nest cement” to bind together materials for nest building, or construct a whole nest with it. The nest cement is secreted from a pair of sublingual glands located beneath the tongue of the swiftlet.
A Swiftlet Birds Nest is built primarily for laying eggs and housing the baby Swiftlets. After the eggs have been laid and hatched, the baby swiftlets will remain in the nest until it is able to fly away independently. The Birds Nest becomes abandoned and will never be re-used. If not harvested, scavengers such as ants, lizards and cockroaches will consume the Birds Nest.

Why are some Birds Nest different in colour?

Birds Nest contains minerals like copper, iron, zinc, manganese, potassium and sodium. When these minerals are oxidized, they will result in a colour change to the Birds Nest. It is inadvisable to consume heavily-coloured Birds Nest.

What is the look, smell, feel, of pure Birds Nest?

Pure Birds Nest has a translucent look and free from impurities under examination of the naked eye.
All Birds Nest varies in shape and sizes so a uniformly shaped Birds Nest is likely to have been unnaturally altered during the cleaning process. Pure Birds Nest originally smells similar to the scent of egg white. Pure Birds Nest should be dried to avoid natural accumulation of sodium nitrite.
(The sodium in Birds Nest, nitrogen in air and water will react to form nitrite). Pure Birds Nest is quite fragile and can be broken easily.

How to identify the Genuine Birds Nest?

Birds Nest is an expensive and nutritious product. Thus, it is important to distinguish a genuine piece of Birds Nest. In the market, there are many unethical businessmen who would increase the weight of Birds Nest by adding additives like white fungus, jelly and animal skin.
Appearance: Good and genuine nests consist of two main types of filaments:
The outer layer that has longer and bigger filaments whereas the inner part has finer, shorter filaments.
After Cooking: When double boiled for 1-2 hours the Birds Nest inner filaments become water-soluble.
The outer filaments contain mainly minerals; it is less soluble but gives Birds Nest its signature fibrous taste and appearance.
Odour: During double boiling a fine scent of near albumin smell will occur.
Much like the smell of faint cooked egg white.

How do I store Birds Nest?

Birds Nest can be stored in any container that is dry and preferably airtight.
Birds Nest can be kept at room temperature or even in the refrigerator.
Company's Birds Nest is the driest Birds Nest on the market and our Birds Nest can be kept at room temperature for ten years or more.

How often can I eat Birds Nest? Can I eat too much Birds Nest?

Birds Nest can be consumed daily. An average person can consume anything between 3g to 5g of dry Birds Nest. Any excess consumption will be discharged by the body.

Who is unsuitable to eat Birds Nest? Who is suitable?

Birds Nest is suitable for all age groups but some small minority of people who are allergic to protein may find it unsuitable. A small sip of Birds Nest soup will make their lips swollen.

When is the best time to consume Birds Nest?

It is best to drink Birds Nest soup before sleep as the rich antioxidants will help the body to eradicte free radicals as the body heals during our sleep.

What are the health benefits of eating Birds Nest?

From the chemical analysis report of pure Birds Nest, we can identify soluble amino acids that will help to repair body cells and generate new cells. The antioxidant helps to eradicate free radicals in the body. Birds Nest also contains EGF(epidermal growth factor) which produces an anti aging effect, making regular Birds Nest consumers young and radiant looking. Many clinical trials of using Birds Nest as an anti-cancer food is now currently being conducted.

What are the nutritious contents found in Birds Nest?

Protein
About half the Birds Nest comprises of protein. Protein is a macronutrient that the human body needs in relatively large amounts. First, it provides the essential amino acids that our own tissues can't produce. Secondly, protein provides nitrogen to produce non-essential amino acids and other nitrogen-containing compounds.
Amino Acid
Birds Nest contains amino acids such as arginine cystein, histidine tryptophan, etc. Amino acids can be best described as the construction blocks from which protein is made.
Minerals
Various types of minerals like zinc, copper, iron, sodium, phosphorous have also been found in analyses of Birds Nests. These minerals are essential as our need for oxygen to sustain all mental and physical processes and for our total well-being. They are important in maintaining all physiological processes as they made up the constituents of teeth, bones, tissues, blood, muscle, and nerve cells.
Antioxidant
Antioxidants are substances or nutrients in our foods which can prevent or slow the oxidative damage to our body. Health problems such as heart disease, muscular degeneration, diabetes, cancer, etc. are all contributed by oxidative damage. Antioxidants may also boast our immune defense and therefore lower the risk of cancer and infection.

House Birds Nest is better than Cave Birds Nest? True or not?

In Malaysia, cave Birds Nests are mainly harvested from natural caves in the states of Sarawak and Sabah on Borneo Island. The famous caves are located at Niah, Kakus, Baram and Tinjar.
The harvesters often face considerable danger when harvesting these Birds Nests. Since cave Birds Nests are formed by free, naturally-living swiftlets, some people consider them to be more valuable than birds nests found in houses. Thus, cave Birds Nests often fetch a higher price as compared to house Birds Nest.
However, unknown to many consumers in the market, cave Birds Nests generally contain more foreign materials and feathers than house nests.  Besides, cave Birds Nest are exposed to the risk of heavy metals contamination from external environmental factors. So, consume cave Birds Nest at your own risk!

Red Blood Birds Nest (Red Birds Nest) Is Not As Good As You Think!

It is believed that the red-coloured “blood Birds Nest” is specially prized because they are formed by swiftlets that vomit their blood to build the nest.
There is also another belief that the “blood Birds Nest” was formed by a different species of swiftlet which consumes different kinds of water and food.
Contrary to these beliefs, swiftlets do not vomit blood; neither do they consume different kinds of water and food. In general, Birds Nests act like sponges. They absorb the chemical elements from the environment such as iron from the cave walls, dirty waters and poisons. Hence, “blood Birds Nest” may be harmful rather than beneficial to human beings.
Some dishonest Birds Nest traders even dyed their Birds Nests red in order to fetch a higher price. So, play it safe – choose only pure Birds Nest!

Birds Nest Soup

A bowl of Birds Nest soup (冰糖燕窝) is a prized (or should I say pricey) Chinese delicacy. Birds Nests (swallow’s salivia nests) are expensive due to the difficulty in harvesting. Its drink is said to do wonders for skin, throat and lungs, as well as boosting overall health and well-being.

Introduction:

Lots of Asian celebrities consume this daily to look beautiful! When cooked, the Birds Nest takes on a gelatin texture, making it a lovely tong shui (“sweet soup”; Chinese dessert). Whenever my mum makes Birds Nest’s soup in the past, she stew it the simplest way possible (as with all my mum’s recipes) – just Birds Nest, water and rock sugar. When I cooked mine, I added a few ginseng slices though it is purely optional. Check out my mum’s tips below for making a homely bowl of double-boiled Birds Nest soup.

Birds Nest Soup

Mum’s Tips for Home-Stewed Birds Nest Soup

1. Rather than weighing the Birds Nest, we go by pieces per person. For two persons, my mum used 2 small pieces or 1 large piece. This equates to about 5-8 grams per person. We use 1 rice bowl of water per person.
2. Although red dates are a common addition in Birds Nest soup, my family omitted them. According to my mother, the cheap red dates will act like a sponge which absorb the goodness of the Birds Nest soup (though it’s not so bad if you eat the red dates).
3. My family prefer to enjoy Birds Nest in the purest way – just Birds Nest, water and rock sugar. If I cook it, I sometimes add American ginseng slices. If you find ginseng bitter or intend to consume at night (it improves alertness/提神), omit it.
4. Don’t fuss over prepping the Birds Nest, because the ones sold nowadays are usually very clean. We simply soak the Birds Nest pieces in cold water for about 1/2 to 1 hr until softened, but not so long that the Birds Nest disintegrates into small bits. If there are any impurities such as debris and feathers, pluck them out using kitchen tweezer, drain and they are ready for cooking.
5. Just as we do not soak Birds Nest for too long, we also avoid stewing them for too long. The older folks especially dislike it when the stewed Birds Nest soup do not have solid chunks after cooking. We usually stew them for half to 1 hour in a double-boiler.
6. For best results, double-boil instead of using direct flame. We use a slow cooker as the double-boiler.
7. It is said that Birds Nest soup is best consumed at room temperature, or chilled, on an empty stomach (such as just before bed). For maximum absorption, do not eat “heaty” snacks or medication a few hours before and after drinking Birds Nest soup.

Healing Powers of Birds Nest Soup Remain Mysterious

At as much as $4,500 per pound, edible Birds Nests are among the most expensive foods on the planet.

Made from the saliva of cave-dwelling birds called swiftlets, the nests are dangerous to harvest, laborious to prepare and have, according to traditional Chinese medicine, a long list of health benefits.
Traditionally consumed in soup, edible Birds Nests are now being turned into food and drink additives as well as put into cosmetics, say two Chinese researchers who have assessed just what is known about the nutritional and medicinal properties of this expensive, and to Westerners, strange-sounding health food.
Science cannot yet explain the healing powers attributed to the soup, they conclude. Birds Nests "bioactivities and medicinal value are still open to question as there (is) not much scientific research on the medicinal properties," Fucui Ma and Daicheng Liu of Shandong Normal University in China write in a review article to be published in the October issue of the journal Food Research International. .
Swiftlets live in limestone caves around the Indian Ocean, in South and South East Asia, North Australia and the Pacific Islands. Males primarily build the nests, attaching them to the vertical walls of the caves. Removing them can be dangerous and painstaking work, and, depending on the type of nest, it can take one person eight hours to clean 10 nests, the researchers write. [Amazing Caves: Photos of Earth's Innards]
For possibly 1,200 years, the Chinese have prepared and eaten the nests as a soup. The nests are considered to have a high nutritional and medicinal value, believed to have everything from anti-aging and anti-cancer properties to the ability to improve concentration and raise libido.
Protein is the most abundant constituent of the nests, which contain all of the essential amino acids, the building blocks out of which proteins are made. They also contain six hormones, including testosterone and estradiol, the researchers write.
The nests also contain carbohydrates, ash and a small quantity of lipids (naturally occurring molecules that include fats). Previous research has indicated that the nests contain substances that can stimulate cell division and growth, enhance tissue growth and regeneration, and that it can inhibit influenza infections.
But not everyone reacts well to them. Birds Nests are known to cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction.
Little research has been carried out on their biological function so far, and more is needed to better understand the qualities attributed to them, they conclude.

Classification by Country of Origin

Edible Birds Nest only originate from South East Asia.
1) Indonesia – Texture is smoother, softer and cleaner with fewer impurities as the majority of the nests are harvested from Indonesia’s house nests. Indonesia produces approximately 80% of the world’s supply. Prices are generally lower.
2) Thailand – These birds nests are thicker and firmer with higher density thus it requires more soaking and cooking time. As the majority of the nests are cultivated from the caves with a small production volume, the prices are generally higher.
3) Malaysia – With higher production of feather prime nests Birds Nest, Birds Nest from Malaysia are usually processed into cakes and prices are low.
4) Vietnam – These Birds Nest are higher quality and richer taste and aroma due to an ideal environment conditions for Birds Nest in Vietnam. Birds Nest here are limited in supply and prices are higher.

Classification by Shape and Size

Being a natural food product, edible Birds Nest come in many different shapes and sizes:
1) Cup – Whole nest that ranges from large to extra large size (top grade).
2) Triangle – Triangular shaped Birds Nest that are medium in size.
3) Strips – Broken pieces from whole Birds Nest,
4) Cakes – Tiny Birds Nest pieces that are shaped into the shape and size of a biscuit.

Classification by Terrain

Edible Birds Nests are harvested from only two types of terrain shown below:
1) House Nest – Swifts build their nests inside a house located near to the sea where the environment is ideal and more controlled; therefore leading to fewer impurities and feathers in the Birds Nest.
2) Cave Nest – Swifts build their nests on mountain and rock caves and cliffs near the sea. The natural climate and environment affects the texture which tends to be stiffer and harder. But generally cave nests contain more foreign materials and feathers than house nests.

Classification by pre-cleaning quality

Type of edible Birds Nest prior to cleaning processing.
1) Premium (Aerodramus Fuciphagus) nests – Consist of 95% saliva and 5% feathers
2) Feather prime nests – Consist of 50% saliva and 50% feathers
3) Grass nests – Consist of 5% saliva with grass and twigs

Facts About Birds Nest Soup

Birds Nest soup is a popular and rather expensive soup that originated in China. This soup used to be served to the affluent. But thanks to China’s booming economy, nouveau riche is able to afford this specialty soup. For a soup that has a mild flavor and very little nutrients, it commands hundreds of dollars per bowl. What’s so special about the soup anyway?

It’s Virtually Flavorless

Just like shark’s fin, Birds Nest has no flavor of its own. When making a soup, the chef relies on other spices to flavor the dish. Essentially, the Birds Nest adds texture and minimal nutrients to the soup. Birds Nest is best consumed on an empty stomach. This way, the body can absorb the nutrients.

Quality by Color

Birds Nests are sorted according to their color. The whitest of all are the most expensive. Grayish or even red-colored Birds Nests are often more affordable. The color of the nests did not come from the swiftlet’s blood. It’s caused by two things: oxidation or absorption of chemicals.

Facts About Birds Nest Soup

No Proven Healing Benefits

Although revered in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Birds Nest soup is not proven to cure any disease. However, the nest contains a type of protein that may strengthen the immune system. But scientific evidence is needed to support this claim.

May Accelerate Recovery

The Chinese usually serve Birds Nest soup to sick people. According to TCM specialists, the pre-digested proteins in the soup may help speed up recovery. But again, there is no scientific data to back this up.

The Dark Side of Destroying Swiftlet’s Natural Habitat

Tons of Birds Nests are being exported to China from Southeast Asian nations per year. Over- farming and habitat exploitation caused a sharp decline on swiftlets population – particularly in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
In Malaysia where Birds Nest is an emerging industry, business owners started building swiftlets farms. Unfortunately, conditions have to be perfect for the swiftlets to nest. According to one study, “internal airflows, relative humidity, air temperature distributions and light intensity are needed to create the right environment for swiftlets to breed.” Without taking these factors into consideration, Birds Nest farming will fail.
Conservationists around the world warn about the dangers of exploiting the population of swiftlets. The caves in which they live have fragile, self-sustaining ecosystem. The dwindling population of swiftlets will also affect the other animals that live in these caves.

How to make Birds Nest soup

The bird is the word

Birds Nest soup may sound like a crazy Chinese urban legend of a dish, you know, one so bonkers it can’t be real or it’s just a funny lost-in-translation name, but the delicacy is indeed an authentic one. Rather from being made from twigs and bits of moss, they’re made from the hardened saliva from swiftlet nests and dissolved in a broth.

If that still doesn’t sound too appetising, don’t worry, today they’re harvested entirely for human consumption and super-high in minerals like calcium, magnesium and potassium. Believed to enhance the immune system, aid digestion and improve libido Birds Nest soup has been keeping the Chinese healthy (and horny) since 500 AD during the Tang dynasty. A dish for the elite, it was only imperial nobility who dined on the unique broth. According to legend it was the great admiral Cheng Ho who bought the Birds Nest to Southeast Asia for the Chinese Emperor.
These days, whilst still a rare delicacy, Birds Nest soup is easily accessible for mere mortals. In Chinatown you can find the sacred dish at Gerrard Street’s Royal Dragon or if you want to prepare it at home, dried nests can be bought from SeeWoo supermarket on Lisle Street.

Here’s how to make your Birds Nest soup.

METHOD:
Soak the Birds Nest for 6 hours or leave overnight until it has softened and expanded
Remove and chop into portions, allocate 15g per person
Add the portions to the chicken stock with the ginger and oil and stew for 20 minutes over heat until the nests have dissolved
Add seasoning or adjust stock levels to taste then it’ll be ready to serve!

Healing Powers of Birds Nest Soup Remain Mysterious

At as much as $4,500 per pound, edible Birds Nests are among the most expensive foods on the planet.
Made from the saliva of cave-dwelling birds called swiftlets, the nests are dangerous to harvest, laborious to prepare and have, according to traditional Chinese medicine, a long list of health benefits.
Traditionally consumed in soup, edible Birds Nests are now being turned into food and drink additives as well as put into cosmetics, say two Chinese researchers who have assessed just what is known about the nutritional and medicinal properties of this expensive, and to Westerners, strange-sounding health food.
Science cannot yet explain the healing powers attributed to the soup, they conclude. Birds Nests "bioactivities and medicinal value are still open to question as there (is) not much scientific research on the medicinal properties," Fucui Ma and Daicheng Liu of Shandong Normal University in China write in a review article to be published in the October issue of the journal Food Research International. .
Swiftlets live in limestone caves around the Indian Ocean, in South and South East Asia, North Australia and the Pacific Islands. Males primarily build the nests, attaching them to the vertical walls of the caves. Removing them can be dangerous and painstaking work, and, depending on the type of nest, it can take one person eight hours to clean 10 nests, the researchers write.
For possibly 1,200 years, the Chinese have prepared and eaten the nests as a soup. The nests are considered to have a high nutritional and medicinal value, believed to have everything from anti-aging and anti-cancer properties to the ability to improve concentration and raise libido.
Protein is the most abundant constituent of the nests, which contain all of the essential amino acids, the building blocks out of which proteins are made. They also contain six hormones, including testosterone and estradiol, the researchers write.
The nests also contain carbohydrates, ash and a small quantity of lipids (naturally occurring molecules that include fats). Previous research has indicated that the nests contain substances that can stimulate cell division and growth, enhance tissue growth and regeneration, and that it can inhibit influenza infections.
But not everyone reacts well to them. Birds Nests are known to cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction.
Little research has been carried out on their biological function so far, and more is needed to better understand the qualities attributed to them, they conclude.

6 Reasons Why Birds Nest Is The MOST Foolproof Gift For Any Mum

Gone are the days when I could cover drawing block with crayon scribbles, pass it to my mum, and wish her a happy Mother's Day. Now that I'm not 12 any more, it’s an annual struggle.
Once again, Mother’s Day is around the corner, and as has been the case for the past decade, I have no idea what to buy. I’m sure I’m not alone in this yearly dilemma. What's the best gift you can get for the woman who sacrificed so much for you, one that encompasses just how thankful you are?
This year, one of the brands all mums seem to love is offering special packages to celebrate Mother's Day. Company has prepared some Mother's Day hampers perfect to tell your mum you love her and want her to live till a ripe old age.
After all the cooking, nagging, and chicken essence-feeding you’ve made her do all these years, here are 6 reasons why you should give Mom the gift of Birds Nest for Mother’s Day.

6 Reasons Why Birds Nest Is The MOST Foolproof Gift For Any Mum

1. She can use it to make Birds Nest jelly… that you also can eat

Most of us just consume Birds Nest straight from the bottle, but it can be used to add additional flavour and nutrients to many other dishes. It’s used to cook rice and congee, but it’s most popularly used to make Birds Nest jelly.
If your mom is a kitchen whiz, encourage her to experiment with using Birds Nest to spice up her recipes. And then you can help her eat it. Win-win.

2. It’ll keep her looking young

The best compliment Mom can receive at Chinese New Year is someone asking you “is that your mother or your sister?” It is timeless and has yet to fail.
Birds Nest contains proteins with amino acids, as well as substances that promote tissue regeneration and cell growth - all of which come in handy when keeping Mom’s skin youthful and fresh.
She may not admit it, but she’s trying to hold on to her youthful looks for as long as possible - this is your contribution to her noble struggle.

3. She can brag about how thoughtful her child is

Aaaand that's the last time your friends came for a stayover.
Moms love to talk about their children, and waxing lyrical about their beautiful offspring is an inevitable part of any gathering of mothers. We don’t enjoy it when they start comparing us to their friends’ kids, but we know they’re just proud and want to show us off.
Give Mom one more thing to be happy about by buying her a beautiful package of Birds Nest - it’s a gift with additional bragging rights.

4. Birds Nest is great for overall health

The 1456688th re-iteration of “when are you going to give me babies?!”
Birds Nest has been said to be pretty good at keeping folks in the pink of health, and being in good health generally means living longer.
Help your mom live long enough to nag your children about having children by giving her the gift of Birds Nest - she’ll probably be glad to have great-grandchildren to spoil, and it’s even better if she’s in good enough health to play with them as well.
Plus, Birds Nest has substances that boost your immunity, as well as hormones like testosterone and estradiol, which play an important role in regulating bodily functions.
And you know the good thing about not falling sick so easily? You won't need to pay for a doctor, so you have more money to spend on other things. Yessss.

5. It’s your best bet when you don’t know what to buy

Buying a handbag for your mom is like poking a sleeping tiger with a stick. Either she’ll love it, or she’ll hate it, and if she hates it you’ll feel awful for not knowing her tastes well enough and that’s not a happy feeling at all. The same goes for jewellery, shoes, and even stationery - it’s often hard to pinpoint what will be a great gift for Mom.
Plus, can we talk about the amount of effort that goes into wrapping that gift that she might not even like? I have zero ability with wrapping presents - I consider it a good day if my packages don’t end up looking like misshapen lumps.
The greatest thing about buying Birds Nest is that it comes pre-packaged beautifully for you - you can just hand the box to your mom without any wrapping and it’ll still look fabulous.
Company has special gift boxes for Mother’s Day that take the pain out of wrapping gifts. With pretty, colourful packaging that is both elegant and classic, Mom will probably reuse the boxes for other things the way she does with the mooncake ones. Yay for upcycling!

6. It costs less than a jade bracelet

The one good thing about Birds Nest is that, while it may be pricey for something that looks like regular jelly, it’s still cheaper than fancy jewellery or a branded purse - and better for your mum's health.
But at the same time, it’s not so cheap that it’ll make you seem like a penny-pinching miser. Your wallet is grateful.

Mom deserves the nicest things...

First of all, she had to give birth to you, after carrying you around for nine months. Then she and your dad had to actually raise you, which involved a lot of poop, tantrums, and whining on your part.
And let’s not forget all the times we refused to do our homework, or insisted on eating ice-cream before dinner, or ignored her instructions to wash our hands for the thousandth time. And then there were the rebellious teenage years with the awful fashion decisions and general belligerence. Yup.
After all you’ve put Mom through, she deserves a lovely gift that shows just how much you love her. And what better a gift than something that’s good for her health?

… So pamper Mom with what she wants!

Let’s run through all the benefits of Birds Nest as a gift: it’s good for health, it helps keep you looking young, it’s not too expensive, and it’s also a thoughtful and classic gift that everyone appreciates. What’s not to like?
But of course, when it comes to buying Birds Nest, there are a lot of fakes in the market, as well as plenty of concerns about whether or not the nests were ethically sourced. One way to do it is to make sure you buy from reputable places
Company has been in the business for 136 years, and they’re a familiar household name. Their products go through a stringent process of multiple checks before they reach the shelves - everything is sorted and checked manually to ensure that it’s the very best quality.
Company sells Birds Nest is two different forms. You can purchase raw Birds Nests, which are cleaned by hand and carefully inspected, to boil your own Birds Nest soup, or you can buy it pre-bottled for maximum convenience with all of the perks.
Whichever you choose,Company ’s Birds Nest come in the prettiest packages ever. Whether your mom likes beautiful bottles of Birds Nest in lovely, brightly-coloured boxes, or prefers more the traditional raw nests in elegant, traditional packaging, it’s the perfect gift. Plus, their Birds Nest has no stabiliser, no preservatives, and are sourced only from quality cave nests!
If you’ve been fretting over what to buy for your mom, your problem’s solved. Head down to Company and buy your mom a beautiful package of Birds Nest for Mother’s Day this year!
And if you’re too busy to head down, you can easily do all your shopping on Company ’s website - they’ve already got all the Mother’s Day hampers packaged to make your job so much easier.
What are you waiting for? It’s time to get shopping to give Mom the best present ever.

Edible Birds Nest Prevents High Fat Diet-Induced Insulin Resistance in Rats

Birds Nestis used traditionally in many parts of Asia to improve wellbeing, but there are limited studies on its efficacy. We explored the potential use of Birds Nest for prevention of high fat diet- (HFD-) induced insulin resistance in rats. HFD was given to rats with or without simvastatin or Birds Nest for 12 weeks. During the intervention period, weight measurements were recorded weekly. Blood samples were collected at the end of the intervention and oral glucose tolerance test conducted, after which the rats were sacrificed and their liver and adipose tissues collected for further studies. Serum adiponectin, leptin, F2-isoprostane, insulin, and lipid profile were estimated, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance computed. Effects of the different interventions on transcriptional regulation of insulin signaling genes were also evaluated. The results showed that HFD worsened metabolic indices and induced insulin resistance partly through transcriptional regulation of the insulin signaling genes. Additionally, simvastatin was able to prevent hypercholesterolemia but promoted insulin resistance similar to HFD. Birds Nest, on the other hand, prevented the worsening of metabolic indices and transcriptional changes in insulin signaling genes due to HFD. The results suggest that Birds Nest may be used as functional food to prevent insulin resistance.

1. Introduction

The growing burden of cardiometabolic diseases, even in the face of increasing advances in medical sciences, is the driving factor behind the heightened interest in alternative therapies in the management of these diseases and associated problems [1, 2]. Additionally, rising obesity rates globally due to unhealthy lifestyle factors promote these rising disease trends; obesity promotes insulin resistance and eventually cardiometabolic diseases [3]. In fact, it is estimated that if persons at risk of insulin resistance and cardiometabolic diseases are accurately determined using sensitive diagnostic techniques, the numbers of those needing interventions to manage their conditions would be much higher than established figures [4]. There are different theories used to hypothesize the underlying mechanisms involved in the progression from obesity to insulin resistance and cardiometabolic diseases. Popularly, excess calories are thought to promote deposition of visceral fat around organs, with consequent changes in the adipose tissue metabolism in the body, and ultimately increase in insulin resistance especially in liver, as a result of glucolipotoxicity [5]. The ensuing insulin resistance causes disruption in the propagation of insulin signals on insulin-responsive cells. In fact, the perceived role of this phenomenon is the reason why therapeutic approaches to the management of insulin resistance and other associated cardiometabolic diseases involve the use of agents that promote insulin signaling.
Birds Nest is traditionally consumed among Asians for its nutritional value. It is believed to enhance energy levels, prevent aging, and improve overall well-being. Furthermore, there are scientific reports of its antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and bone-strengthening effects [6–9]. However, its effects on insulin resistance and cardiometabolic indices have not been documented. In view of the large patronage of Birds Nest by Asians, especially of Chinese origin [10], we decided to evaluate the effects of Birds Nest consumption on cardiometabolic indices in high fat diet- (HFD-) fed rats. Based on the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Birds Nest, we assumed it would have favorable effects on cardiometabolic indices, since both effects have been reported to favor insulin sensitivity. As the first study of its kind, we hypothesized that the results could provide the evidence for continued use of Birds Nest as a supplement and may even pave way for evidence-based development of functional foods and nutraceuticals using Birds Nest for managing cardiometabolic diseases.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Materials
Leptin, F2-isoprostane, and insulin ELISA kits were purchased from Elabscience Biotechnology Co., Ltd (Wuhan, China), while adiponectin ELISA kit was from Millipore (Billerica, MA, USA). Lipid profile kits were purchased from Randox Laboratories Ltd (Crumlin, County Antrim, UK). GenomeLab GeXP Start Kit was from Beckman Coulter Inc (Miami, FL, USA), and RNA extraction kit was from RBC Bioscience Corp. (Taipei, Taiwan). Simvastatin was from Pfizer (New York, NY, USA) and RCL2 Solution from Alphelys (Toulouse, France). Analytical grade ethanol was purchased from Merck (Darmstadt, Germany). Cholesterol and cholic acid were purchased from Amresco (Solon, OH, USA) and Santa Cruz Biotechnology (Santa Cruz, CA, USA), respectively. Standard rat pellet was from Specialty feeds (Glen Forrest, WA, USA), while palm oil was supplied by Yee Lee Edible oils Sdn. Bhd. (Perak, Malaysia). Birds Nest, of Aerodramus fuciphagus (white nest swiftlet) origin, supplied by Blossom View Sdn. Bhd (Terrengganu, Malaysia) was cleaned under tap water for 5 mins, dried at room temperature, and ground into powder manually using mortar and pestle before incorporating it into rat pellet.
2.2. Bioactive and Proximate Analyses
The proximate analysis of Birds Nest was done as reported in our previous publication [11], based on the official methods of Association of Official Analytical Chemists. Briefly, nitrogen content was determined using micro-Kjeldahl apparatus (Kjeltech 2200 Auto Distillation Unit, FOSS Tecator, Hoganas, Sweden), and then protein content was determined as N × 5.95. Furthermore, the ashing process was done by incinerating the sample in a furnace (Furnace 62700, Barnstead/Thermolyne, Dubuque, IA, USA) set at 550 C, while the fat content was determined as the dried ether extract of Birds Nest. Then, carbohydrate content was determined using the following formula: (100% – protein content – moisture content – ash content – crude fat content). All results were expressed as percentage of dry weight. The amounts of major bioactives in Birds Nest (sialic acid [SA], lactoferrin [LF], and ovotransferrin [OVF]) were analyzed using ELISA-based techniques (LF and OVF) and HPLC-DAD (SA). Briefly, Birds Nest was ground to powder and dissolved in water at 37°C for 2 h on a shaking incubator (LSI-3016, Daihan Lab tech Co. Ltd, Korea) and finally filtered. The water extract was then used to detect LF and OVF concentrations using Chicken Lactoferrin and Ovotransferrin Elisa Kits, Biosource (San Diego, California, USA), according to manufacturer’s instructions. Additionally, water extract of Birds Nest was also analysed for SA content using HPLC-DAD as reported previously [12].
2.3. Animal Study
The Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC) of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, approved the use of animals in this study (Project approval number UPM/IACUC/AUP-R011/2014), and animals were handled as stipulated by the guidelines for the use of animals. Sprague Dawley rats (10-week old, 230–280 g, ) were housed at the animal house (°C, 12/12 h light/dark cycle) and allowed to acclimatize for 2 weeks with free access to normal pellet and water. After acclimatization, rats were fed HFD containing 4.5% cholesterol and 0.5% cholic acid with or without treatment using simvastatin or Birds Nest (Table 1), except the normal group (). Intervention lasted for another 12 weeks, after which rats were sacrificed and their organs harvested for further studies. Additionally, blood samples were collected at the end of the intervention for biochemical analyses.
2.4. Food Intake and Weight
Food intake was calculated by subtracting the leftover food from what was added the previous day. Weight was recorded after acclimatization and weekly thereafter until sacrifice.
2.5. Biochemical Analyses
Lipid profile analyses were performed using serum from blood collected at the beginning and end of the study by cardiac puncture after an overnight fast. Samples were analyzed using Randox analytical kits according to manufacturer’s instructions using a Selectra XL instrument (Vita Scientific, Dieren, The Netherlands). Blood glucose was measured using glucometer (Roche Diagnostics, Indianapolis, IN, USA), and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), a measure of insulin sensitivity, was computed from the fasting plasma glucose and insulin levels using the formula, HOMA-IR = (fasting glucose level [mg/dL]/fasting plasma insulin [uU/mL])/2430 [13].
2.6. Serum Adiponectin, Leptin, F2-Isoprostane, and Insulin
Serum from blood collected in plain tubes was used for measurements of adiponectin, leptin, F2-isoprostane, and insulin using the respective ELISA kits according to the manufacturers’ instructions. Absorbance was read on BioTeK Synergy H1 Hybrid Reader (BioTek Instruments Inc., Winooski, VT, USA) at the appropriate wavelengths (450 nm for insulin, leptin, and F2-isoproatane and 450 and 590 for adiponectin). The results were analyzed on http://www.myassays.com/ using four parametric test curve: adiponectin (), insulin (), leptin (), and F2-isoprostane ().
2.7. Gene Expression
2.7.1. Primer Design
Rattus norvegicus gene sequences from the National Center for Biotechnology Information website (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nucleotide/) were used to design primers (Table 2) on GenomeLab eXpress Profiler software. In addition to the genes of interest, primers were also designed for housekeeping genes, while the internal control (Kanr) was supplied by Beckman Coulter Inc. Primers were tagged with an 18-nucleotide universal forward and 19-nucleotide universal reverse sequence, respectively. Primers were supplied by Integrated DNA Technologies (Singapore) and reconstituted in RNAse free water.
2.7.2. RNA Extraction, Reverse Transcription, and PCR
RNA was extracted from liver and adipose tissues using the total RNA isolation kit (RBC Biotech Corp., Taipei, Taiwan) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Reverse transcription (20 ng) and PCR were done according to the GenomeLab GeXP Start Kit protocol (Beckman Coulter, USA), using the conditions shown in Table 3.
2.7.3. GeXP Genetic Analysis System and Multiplex Data Analysis
PCR products (1 uL) were mixed with 38.5 μL sample loading solution and 0.5 μL DNA size standard 400 (GenomeLab GeXP Start Kit; Beckman Coulter, Inc, USA) on a 96-well sample plate and loaded on the GeXP genomelab genetic analysis system (Beckman Coulter, Inc, Miami, FL, USA), which separates PCR products based on size by capillary gel electrophoresis. Figure 1 shows a representative electropherogram. Results were analyzed with the Fragment Analysis module of the GeXP system software and normalized on the eXpress Profiler software.
Figure 1: Representative electropherogram following gene expression analysis on GenomeLab GeXP genetic analysis system (Beckman Coulter Inc., USA). The genes and their expected sizes were Irs2-137; Slc2a2-149; Kcnj11-158; Insr-166; Glut4-178; Irs1-188; Gck-197; Mapk8-218; Pklr-227; Prkcd-239; B2m-248; Hprt1-257; Mapk1-268; Socs1-272; Rpl13a-287; Prkcz-298; Ikbkb-306; Kan(r)-325; Mtor-337; Pdx1-348; Pik3cd-357; Actb-365; Pik3r1-372; Pik3ca-385; Hk2-389.
2.8. Data Analysis
The means ± standard deviations () of the groups were used for the analyses. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed using SPSS 17.0 software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) to assess the level of significance of differences between means with a cutoff of .

3. Results and Discussions

3.1. Proximate and Bioactive Analyses
The proximate analysis of Birds Nest showed that it contained mostly protein and carbohydrates (Table 3), in agreement with previous findings [10]. Additionally, it contained a significant amount of SA (11%) as bioactive, with lesser amounts of LF (1%) and OVF (0.4%). Previous reports have indicated that Birds Nest is bioactive-rich [10], and it is likely that food synergy plays role in its overall effects [14]. The presence of any one bioactive compound may not explain the bioactivity of Birds Nest, but the concentration of the leading bioactive compounds like SA may have an influence to a great extent, albeit with the contribution of other bioactives. Moreover, SA, LF, and OVF have all been reported to have varying functional effects [15, 16], and their synergism may even produce better. This is similar to the concept of bioactive-rich fraction we have advocated for recently, in which a lead bioactive compound in an extract produces better bioactivity in the presence of other bioactive compounds [17]. Therefore, in view of recent advocacy for the study of foods but not their individual constituents as the functional unit of nutrition [18], we decided to study the bioactivity of Birds Nest as a whole.
3.2. Weight Changes
Figure 2 shows the changes in body weights of rats over 12 weeks of intervention. No statistically significant changes were observed but the changes in HFD-fed (untreated control) group (50% increase) were higher, in comparison with normal (47%), simvastatin (40%), 2.5% Birds Nest (45%), and 20% Birds Nest (43%) groups. Interestingly, as shown in Table 3, calorie intake for the different groups was similar over the intervention period. The results indicated therefore that Birds Nest had some weight-modulating properties, although the weight gain was lowest for simvastatin-treated group. Moreover, simvastatin is reported to have some weight reducing properties [19].
Figure 2: Effects of Birds Neston body weight changes in high fat diet- (HFD-) fed rats over 12 weeks. The normal group received standard rat chow, while the other groups received HFD containing 4.5% cholesterol and 0.5% cholic acid (untreated control group), HFD containing 4.5% cholesterol and 0.5% cholic acid + 10 mg/kg/day simvastatin (SIM), HFD containing 4.5% cholesterol and 0.5% cholic acid + 2.5% Birds Nest (EBNL, Birds Nest low), or HFD containing 4.5% cholesterol and 0.5% cholic acid + 20% Birds Nest (EBNH, Birds Nest high).
3.3. OGTT, Insulin, HOMA-IR, and Lipid Profile
Serum insulin levels at the end of intervention were not remarkably different between the groups except for the 2.5% Birds Nest group, which was significantly lower () than others (Table 4). However, absolute insulin levels may not reflect the state of the underlying insulin responsiveness since insulin resistance often starts with high insulin levels and ends up with lower levels. Therefore, we computed the HOMA-IR as a marker of insulin resistance that combines insulin levels and fasting glucose levels. The data showed that untreated control and simvastatin groups had a tendency to cause insulin resistance. This mirrors earlier findings on the effects of HFD feeding [20] and simvastatin [21] on development of insulin resistance. Birds Nest groups had lower HOMA-IR values in comparison with other groups, although not significantly different from normal (both Birds Nest groups) and untreated control (20% Birds Nest group) groups.
The cholesterol levels in the untreated control group were significantly increased in comparison with the normal group (Table 4). Moreover, worsening of lipid profile has been associated with insulin resistance [22]. The total cholesterol was significantly reduced by simvastatin and 20% Birds Nest group (). As seen from other cholesterol indices in the table, simvastatin, which is used to manage hypercholesterolaemia was able to improve lipid profile but not as well as 20% Birds Nest treatment. Furthermore, Figure 3 shows the OGTT results for the intervention groups. The glycemic response for the diabetic untreated group was higher than other groups (), while the normal and Birds Nest groups were the lowest and significantly lower than simvastatin treated group (). Insulin regulates a number of metabolic changes in the body and derangements in its actions even before insulin resistance becomes overt can be detected using the OGTT. This is because the OGTT gives an indication of how a biological system will respond in the presence of glucose and indicates how well the postglucose insulin surge handles the glycemic load received in the blood stream [23]. In this study, the data showed that untreated control and simvastatin groups did not handle the glucose load in a manner befitting the levels of insulin observed in the serum. Therefore, in spite of the lack of difference in insulin levels between the groups, the OGTT data showed that the untreated control and simvastatin-treated groups will have abnormal glycemic responses compared with the normal and Birds Nest groups because their bodies were tending towards insulin resistance.
3.4. Serum Adiponectin, Leptin, and F2-Isoprostane
Figure 4 shows the results for the serum levels of adiponectin, leptin, and F2-isoprostane. The results suggested worsened metabolic indices (increased leptin and F2-isoprostane and decreased adiponectin) in the untreated control group in comparison with the normal group. The Birds Nest groups showed dose-dependent improvements (decreased leptin and F2-isoprostane and increased adiponectin) in the metabolic indices although only 20% Birds Nest group was significantly better than the untreated control group. Adiponectin and leptin are adipokines that have an inverse relationship and have both been implicated in the development of insulin resistance. Low levels of adiponectin and high levels of leptin are indicative of a tendency for insulin resistance, while interventions that reverse these trends are reported to improve insulin sensitivity [24]. Furthermore, F2-isoprostane is a marker of oxidative stress, which is also linked with insulin resistance [25]. In fact, oxidative stress is hypothesized to precede insulin resistance [26], while antioxidants and interventions that lower oxidative stress levels are thought to improve insulin sensitivity [27]. Based on the trends observed in the present study, therefore, it can be argued that Birds Nest prevented HFD-induced insulin resistance in rats, partly through its ability to reduce oxidative stress.
Figure 4: Effects of Birds Neston (a) serum adiponectin, (b) serum leptin, and (c) serum F2-isoprostane in high fat diet- (HFD-) fed rats. Groupings are similar to Figure 2. indicates significant difference () in comparison with untreated control.
3.5. Hepatic and Adipose Tissue mRNA Levels of Insulin Signaling Genes
The data thus far indicated that Birds Nest is able to prevent insulin resistance in rats fed HFD over 12 weeks. Additionally, the data showed that although simvastatin is able to produce lower levels of cholesterol, it, in fact, increases insulin resistance, in agreement with previous reports [21]. Based on the fact that insulin levels were similar between the groups in this study, but there were significant differences in insulin sensitivity, we hypothesized that changes in insulin sensitivity may have been mediated at insulin signaling level. We, therefore, determined the effects of our interventions on transcriptional regulation of insulin signaling genes (Table 2) in hepatic and adipose tissues.
The expressions of the insulin signaling genes in hepatic and adipose tissues were characteristic of insulin resistance in the untreated control group; downregulation of the insulin receptor (Insr), insulin receptor substrate (IRS) 2, and phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) observed in the liver and adipose tissues in this group are suggestive of insulin resistance (Figure 5) [28–30]. Activation of Insr by insulin will normally initiate a cascade that involves activation of IRS and eventually PI3K, which mediate the intracellular actions of insulin. Transcriptional disruption of this insulin-initiated cascade forms part of the basis for obesity-induced insulin resistance [31].
Figure 5: Effects of Birds Neston (a) hepatic and (b) adipose tissue mRNA levels of insulin receptor (Insr), insulin receptor substrate (Irs) 2 and Phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) in high fat diet- (HFD-) fed rats. Groupings are similar to Figure 2. indicates significant difference () in comparison with untreated control.
Additionally, upregulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) [32] and inhibitor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells, kinase beta (Ikbkb) [33] and downregulation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) [34] and protein kinase C, zeta (Prkcz) [35], as seen with the untreated control group (Figure 6) are thought to promote phosphorylation of IRS with consequent increase in insulin resistance due to disruption of IRS-mediated insulin action via activation of PI3K [28, 30]. Intervention with Birds Nest upregulated the expression of Insr, IRS2 and PI3K in both liver and adipose tissues, but the difference was only significant for IRS2 in the liver and PI3K in the adipose tissue (Figure 5). These, however, suggest that Birds Nest prevented HFD-induced insulin resistance through transcriptional regulation of insulin signaling genes. Moreover, Birds Nest upregulated mTOR and Prkcz in the liver and adipose tissue but only caused downregulation of MAPK and Ikbkb in the liver indicating that the transcriptional changes induced by Birds Nest had differential effects on insulin signaling genes in liver and adipose. Therefore, slightly different mechanisms may be involved in its enhanced insulin signaling in different tissues.
Figure 6: Effects of Birds Neston (a) hepatic and (b) adipose tissue mRNA levels of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), protein kinase C zeta (Prkcz), inhibitor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells, kinase beta (IKBKB), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) 1 in high fat diet- (HFD-) fed rats. Groupings are similar to Figure 2. indicates significant difference () in comparison with untreated control.
The activities of glucokinase (Gck) and pyruvate kinase (Pk) are affected in insulin resistance, decreasing the chances of intracellular glucose phosphorylation and its commitment to glycolysis [36]. In the adipose and liver tissues of untreated control group, we observed downregulation of the Gck and Pk genes, in line with increased insulin resistance (Figure 7). The levels of these genes are believed to directly influence the levels of cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and consequently the activity of the potassium inwardly rectifying channel, subfamily J, member 11 (KCNJ11) gene, which regulates the ion channels involved in glucose sensing [37]. In this study, we observed downregulation of the KCNJ11 gene in both liver and adipose tissues, suggesting that the changes in Gck and Pk expression may have affected its expression through their effects on cellular ATP levels. Birds Nest intervention was able to upregulate expressions of Gck, Pk, and KCNJ11 in both liver and adipose tissues.
Figure 7: Effects of Birds Neston (a) hepatic and (b) adipose tissue mRNA levels of Glucokinase (Gck), potassium inwardly rectifying channel, subfamily J, member 11 (KCNJ11), and pyruvate kinase-liver isoform (L-Pk) in high fat diet- (HFD-) fed rats. Groupings are similar to Figure 2. indicates significant difference () in comparison with untreated control.
Based on the patterns of expression in the liver and adipose tissues, we propose that Birds Nest may be exerting its effect on insulin sensitivity through increased expression and likely activity of several genes involved in the insulin signaling pathway in the liver and adipose tissues (Figure 8). Although simvastatin is able to lower cholesterol levels (Table 4), its effects on insulin signaling genes (Figures 5, 6, and 7) tended towards insulin resistance, in agreement with previous reports. Liver and adipose tissues are involved in development of insulin resistance, and in fact they have been proposed to be the organs from where the problem is initiated. Therefore, the enhanced sensitivity of insulin in these tissues suggests that Birds Nest is effective at preventing insulin resistance. Furthermore, we hypothesize that synergism of multiple bioactives in Birds Nest is contributing to the overall bioactivity observed.
Figure 8: Proposed schematic showing targets of Birds Nestaction in the insulin signaling pathway. Birds Nest prevents insulin resistance in high fat diet rats by influencing the transcriptional regulation of multiple genes.

4. Conclusions

In this study, we demonstrated that HFD will induce insulin resistance (higher OGTT, leptin and F2-isoprostane, and lower adiponectin levels), partly through transcriptional modulation of insulin signaling genes. Additionally, simvastatin was shown to further promote insulin resistance. Birds Nest however is able to prevent insulin resistance by preventing some of the transcriptional changes on insulin signaling genes induced by HFD. There is need to further evaluate the potential use of Birds Nest in the management of insulin resistance in already established insulin-resistant conditions.

Chinese Millionaires Eat Birds Nests as Delicacy

Are you willing to pay up to $100 for a bowl of birds nests soup?

In Asia, especially China and Indonesia, birds nests of swiflets have become one of the most expensive edible commodities. People hunt for it to harvest. The best quality of swiftlets Birds Nests can be found in Gomantong and Niah, Borneo. It is a rare and valuable product. Nowadays, one kilogram of swiftlets’ nests averagely retail for about 2,500 US dollar. This is the price of nature produced Birds Nest. These are the ones formed naturally without any human intervention. You can get cheaper Birds Nest from the Birds Nest farmer across South East Asia.

Chinese Millionaires Eat Birds Nests as Delicacy

For over 400 years, Chinese people have been consuming birds nests. Especially in soup. Its strong taste needs to be balance with herbs. That is why you will mostly find birds nests soup in ginger broth. In Hong Kong restaurants, you can have a taste of a bowl of birds nests soup for 30 – 100 US dollar. This makes it one of the most expensive soups considering its simplicity.
Want to taste the more modern and different kind of birds nests dish? Try out Gordon Ramsay’s birds nests desert.
The nest itself is made of the bird’s solidified saliva. Yup. Sometimes it comes in white color, sometimes it is brown or dark brown. The darker it is, the more expensive it costs. It all depends on the bird’s diet. It is believed that this Birds Nests is very useful in keeping good health.

Is it true or is it just placebo effect?

Edible Birds Nests contain mainly amino acids, carbohydrates and mineral salts. The major ingredients of edible Birds Nests are glycoproteins. Amongst the carbohydrates in edible Birds Nests, sialic acid (9%) is the major one. It was found that exogenous source of sialic acid may contribute to neurological and intellectual advantages in infants. However, the nutritional and biological mechanisms of sialic acid in human body are still under investigation. The other major carbohydrates include 7.2% galactosamine, 5.3% glucosamine, 16.9% galactose and 0.7% fucose.
Amino acids and mineral salts are also important components in edible birds nests. Three non-essential amino acids (aspartic acid, glutamic acid, praline) and two essential amino acids (threonine and valine) can be found. They could facilitate normal body functions such as cell repair and promote immunity. Edible birds nests is rich in mineral salts. It contains high content of sodium and calcium. It is because the source of edible birds nests is derived from saliva Collocalia inhabiting mainly in limestone caves. In addition, low levels of magnesium, zinc, manganese and iron are also detected in edible birds nests.

Are Birds Nests Vegan Food?

Edible Birds Nest, also know as cubilose, is a popular delicacy in Asia, made from the salivary excretions of swallows. Instead of twigs and straw, the swiftlet makes its nest from strands of gummy saliva along with other materials. The nest is created to look like a shallow cup placed on the wall of a cave. The saliva, will harden into tightly woven strands. The saliva is considered the cement that holds the entire nest together, and the strands are interwoven throughout the nest. Impurities woven into the strands must be picked out prior to consumption. Once the nests are harvested, they are cleaned and sold as a delicacy to restaurants and individuals for consumption. They are mostly harvested in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and the south of China.

“Can vegetarians eat Birds Nests?”

In a span of 3 days, coincidentally, I have been asked this question 3 times. (1) By a FaceBook Fan who dropped us a message. (2) By a Chinese restaurant owner whom we are partnering with. (3) By a Finance and HR Head of a local IT company whom would like to engage us for our health talk.
It is a very good question, and I’m pretty sure there have been debates on whether or not Birds Nest is suitable for vegetarians. So, is it a nest? (which also means it is a non-living object) Or, is it an animal by-product?
Firstly, let us take a look at what edible Birds Nests are made of. Edible Birds Nests are made from the salivary excretions of swallows.The gummy saliva, will harden into tightly woven strands. The saliva is considered the cement that holds the entire nest together, and the strands are interwoven throughout the nest. Such salivary excretions is super rich in nutrients, almost 100% proteins and essential amino acids. The birds made their nests for the sole purpose of laying eggs in the nests, and they will abandon the nest after the chicks have hatched. After which, these nests would be harvest by humans as health/tonic foods.

Next, we consider the common definition of a vegetarian: a person who does not eat or does not believe in eating meat, fish, fowl, or, in some cases, any food derived from animals, such as eggs, milk, or cheese, but subsists on vegetables, fruits, nuts, grain, etc. In additional, the choice of being a vegetarian may also be influenced by either moral, religious, and/or health reasons.
An interesting comparison is this: Can one compare the saliva of the swalllows, or swiftlets, to say milk or cheese, which are also derived from within an animal? Or, should one view the nest as a natural object, which contains a high concentration of amino acids?
Depending on how one interprets the definition of vegetarian, and what is one’s reason(s) behind being a vegetarian, Birds Nests (which technically is an animal’s saliva and not an animal’s body part) may, or may not be considered as vegetarian food. It would be up to the individual to consider the above factors, and form an opinion on his/her own based on their beliefs.
Just as there are vegetarians who consume eggs and cheese, there are vegetarians who consume edible Birds Nests.

What are Birds Nests

Edible Birds Nest, also know as cubilose, is a popular delicacy in Asia, made from the salivary excretions of swallows. Instead of twigs and straw, the swiftlet makes its nest from strands of gummy saliva along with other materials. The nest is created to look like a shallow cup placed on the wall of a cave. The saliva, will harden into tightly woven strands. The saliva is considered the cement that holds the entire nest together, and the strands are interwoven throughout the nest. Impurities woven into the strands must be picked out prior to consumption. Once the nests are harvested, they are cleaned and sold as a delicacy to restaurants and individuals for consumption. They are mostly harvested in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and the south of China.
Birds Nests are considered to be high in nutrients; especially proteins, calcium, potassium and other minerals, traditionally believed to provide a wondrous array of health benefits. These include aiding digestion, soothing sore throats, alleviating asthma, improving focus, and an overall benefit to the immune system.

Classification of Birds Nests and how to choose Birds Nests

Birds Nest is a general term used to describe the nests of birds belonging to the Apodidae family.
The key categories for consumption are:

1. saliva nest (Bai Yan, being more than 90% pure saliva),
2. feather nest (mixture of saliva and feathers), and
3. grass nest (mixture of grass, twigs, feathers and saliva).

Among these, saliva nest is the most popular, and the best types. Birds Nests can also be classified as(1) cave nest and (2) house nest, and the nests are named according to where they are built and harvested. So, what are cave nests and what are house nests?
Some people thought that house nests are made or manufactured, OR, they think that the swiftlets which build their nests in houses are reared birds.
Not true.
Swiftlets naturally build their nests in caves, but it is dangerous, difficult, and time consuming for man to harvest the cave nests from very high cave walls and cave ceilings. Cave nests generally cost more. Also, the environment in a cave is less hygienic and cannot be controlled. More efforts are required to thoroughly clean cave nests.
So, man is smart. They started building tall airy structures, which stimulate the conditions in a cave, in the natural habitat of the swiftlets. To attract the birds to come into these houses to build their nests. The environment in these houses are much cleaner than in a cave and can be controlled. Which also means, better quality and larger nests can be harvested from bird houses, and at a lower cost too.
Saliva nests come in the colours blood red, orange, yellow and white, generally depending on the colour of the natural food which the bird consumes everyday. Therefore, the colour of the Birds Nests is not necessarily an indication of their nutritional values. White nests, being “young nests” made from pure fresh saliva of the birds, are a common type of house nests that are harvested in the early stages of the life cycle of the Birds Nests.

Grading of nests

Saliva white nest produced by swiftlets (Bai Yan) are considered the one of the purest, finest and most nutritious. They are sold in different shapes, hence the grading of nests (listed from lowest to highest grade) as follows: nest chips, nest thread, nest cake, nest stripes and complete “cup-shaped” whole nest. Complete cup shaped nests, also known as whole nests, or Yan Zhan (燕盏), are the most valuable ones, typically graded Super A Grade.