7 Things To Know About Birds Nest Soup

Woven by swiftlets from their saliva, edible Birds Nest Soup (or Birds Nest) is one of the most popular tonics in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Did you know these interesting facts and beliefs about Birds Nest Soup?

1. Birds Nest Soup is best consumed on an empty stomach.

In TCM, Birds Nest Soup is classified as a tonic. Ideally, it should be consumed before meals to allow the body to better absorb its nutrients.

2. The colour of red Birds Nest Soup does not come from the swiftlet’s blood.

Contrary to popular belief, the colour of red Birds Nest Soup is caused by either oxidation or minerals absorbed from the environment.

7 Things To Know About Birds Nest Soup

3. Men may use Birds Nest Soup to promote overall immunity.

Birds Nest Soup has high glycoprotein content, growth factors and a neutral energetic property, which help boost a weak immune system.

4. Birds Nest Soup is traditionally used as a beauty food.

Birds Nest Soup is reputed to maintain youthfulness and enhance the complexion.
Modern studies have shown that Birds Nest Soup is rich in epidermal growth factor(EGF). This substance is responsible for skin and tissue repair.

5. Birds Nest Soup is believed to speed up recovery.

When Birds Nest Soup is consumed in moderation, its unique predigested form of proteins and nutrients is said to aid recovery from chronic illnesses.
In particular, Birds Nest Soup may help relieve respiratory ailments such as asthma or chronic coughs.

6. Seniors may use Birds Nest Soup to maintain and enhance their health.

Birds Nest Soup is traditionally used to clear Phlegm, ease chronic dry coughs and relieve fatigue - common complaints as we get older.
Birds Nest Soup can also be used to stimulate the appetite, improve digestion and stimulate bowel movement.

7. Birds Nest Soup is a good supplement for growing children.

From a biological standpoint, Birds Nest Soup contains proteins, amino acids and minerals that are essential for healthy development.
In TCM, regular consumption of Birds Nest Soup helps prevent colds and flus. By improving the function of the Lungs and Kidneys, Birds Nest Soup helps boost the body’s immune system and increase resistance to external environmental factors.
Note: Since Birds Nest Soup may cause allergic reactions in certain individuals, do exercise caution when consuming Birds Nest Soup for the first time.

Why is Birds Nest good for us?

Birds Nest contains glycoprotein & amino acid and is rich in mineral content such as calcium, potassium, phosphorus, carbohydrate, iron and iodine - nutrients that have many benefits to the body, such as improve metabolism, tissue and cell growth; and enrich vital energy.

What exactly is this Birds Nest?

Birds Nest refers to the saliva produced by the Swiftlet birds, while making its nest. The saliva acts as glue, pasted to form a thin flaky wall in the nest. When the saliva comes in contact with air, it hardens and a white Birds Nest cup is formed. The entire process takes around 30 days.
The saliva, though moist and in liquid form when produced, will harden into a type of strands. The saliva is considered the cement that holds the entire nest together, and the strands are interwoven throughout the nest. The strands should look almost completely gapless in order to protect the chick during reproduction. Woven into the strands are bits of impurities or items which must be picked out prior to consumption. These impurities can include twigs, mud, or feathers.
A Swiftlet Birds Nest is built primarily for laying eggs and housing the baby Swiftlet. After the eggs have been laid and hatched, the baby Swiftlet will remain in the nest until it is able to fly away independently. The nest then becomes abandoned and will never be re-used. If not harvested, scavengers such as ants, lizards and cockroaches will consume the Birds Nest.

Experts have concluded that Birds Nests have three main functions:

• Enhance the rebirth of cells and tissues
• Improve the immune system
• Strengthen the body health and accelerate recovery from illness

Who should consume Birds Nest?

According to the traditional Chinese medicine, Birds Nest is a great food for all ages and gender.
Ladies - Frequent consumption results in fairer skin - helps you stay young and look radiant.
Pregnant women - Consumption during pregnancy improves the immune functions of the fetus and mothers will be able to recover easily after giving birth.
(Note: Please consult your doctor before consuming Birds Nest as suitability depends on individual's body system. Best consume after 5th month of pregnancy.)
Elderly - Clears phlegm, strengthens lungs and kidneys, improves spleen as well as enhances appetite.
Children - Enhances immune ability, resulting in less vulnerability to colds or flu.
(Note: Best consumed age 3 and above)
Men - Improves kidneys and strengthens lungs, and therefore less inclined to get weak.
Tips: Birds Nest do not cause allergy, unless you are allergic to other product content in the process which we have not.

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.

When is the best time to consume Birds Nest?

It is best to take a spoon of Birds Nest in the morning when the body is fresh and the stomach is empty, ready to take full benefit of Birds Nest. It is also best before sleep as the rich antioxidants will help the body to eradicate free radicals as the body heals during our sleep.