Swallow Bird Nest Facts and Knowledge

Swallow Bird Nest are almost 100% proteins and essential amino acids. Protein plays a crucial role in almost all biological processes and amino acids are the building block of it. Amino acids are biologically important organic compounds.

What is the benefit of Swallow Bird Nest?

Recent scientific research has an Swallow Bird Nest has been found that amino acids rich in antioxidants and contain rich. Two key factors for the new cells and fight free radicals in our body.

Antioxidants

Swallow Bird Nest is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances or nutrients that can prevent or delay the oxidation of our bodies. health problems, including heart disease, degeneration, diabetes, cancer, etc. supplied by oxidative damage. Antioxidants are resistant, so the risk of infections and cancer.

Collagen and Amino acids

Swallow Bird Nest is also rich in Collagen and Amino acids such as leucine, lysine, glycine, glutamine, tyrosine, arginine, cysteine, histidine, tryptophan, amino acids, etc., they describe the building blocks of proteins that is beneficial to human body.

The nutritional value of 100 g of dry nest includes:

- 49.9 g of water-soluble protein (including amido nitrogen, monoamine nitrogen, non-amino nitrogen, arginine, humin, histidine, lysine and cysteine),
- 30.6 g carbohydrate (glycoprotein and mucin),
- 4.9 g iron,
- 2.5 g inorganic salt (including potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur,
phosphorus, silica and other trace elements)
- 1.4 g fiber
Swallow Bird Nest is a delicacy in the form of nests constructed by the salivary secretions of Swallow Bird Nests. It contains all the beneficial essence from the Swallow Bird Nest's diet, and therefore is good for overall well-being, especially for those pregnant women and elderly, however the benefit of Swallow Bird Nest also applies to everyone.

See the following for quick summary of benefit:

For expecting mothers:
1) It helps to strengthen the body of mothers and foetus
2) Mothers can recover faster post-birth due to Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)
For women:
1) It results in fairer and more radiant skin as Swallow Bird Nest is rich in collagen, protein and vitamins
2) Women who frequently consume Swallow Bird Nest also have smoother skin, and are more youthful and radiant (prevent wrinkles, rejuvenate complexion)
3) It also improves organ performance, e.g. lungs, kidneys and heart
For men:
1) It improves kidneys and strengthens lungs
For children:
1) It strengthens the immune system
2) It helps prevent common cold and flu, and alleviate asthma
3) It also reduces fatigue and improves focus
For elderly:
1) It helps in maintain general health and well-being
2) It prevents cancer, strengthen the lungs and kidneys, improves quality of spleen, clears phlegm, aids digestion and enhance appetite

Swallow Bird Nest Facts and Knowledge

Swallow Bird Nest Category:

Swallow Bird Nest usually fall into caves and house nests. Cave nests are harvested mainly in natural caves, since the cave nest is formed by free swiflet bird, some consider them to be more expensive therefore, they are sold at higher prices. But the reality is that usually cave nests contain pollutants and in danger of heavy metals contamination from the environment.
House nests are made in in the attic of houses and shops, abandoned or neglected areas in Indonesia but human has knowledge to control the best environment for swiflet to produce a high quality Swallow Bird Nest and at the same time protecting the bird and eggs from danger.

“House Nests” Are As Good If Not Better Than “Cave Nests”

In Indonesia, “cave” Swallow Bird Nest are mainly harvested from natural caves in the Borneo Island.
The harvesters often face considerable danger when harvesting the nests but to avoid destroying the nature, more and more law are created to prevent over-harvesting Swallow Bird Nest directly from natural cave.
Since “cave nests” are formed by free, naturally-living swiflets, some consider them to be more valuable than nests found in houses, and they often fetch a higher price. However, unknown to many consumers, cave nests generally contain more foreign materials and feathers than house nests. Besides, cave nest are exposed to the risk of heavy metals contamination from environmental factors. So, consume cave Swallow Bird Nest at your own risk!

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

It is believed that the red-coloured “blood Swallow Bird Nest” is specially prized because they are formed by Swallow Bird Nests which vomit their blood to build the nest. There is also a belief that the “blood Swallow Bird Nest” was form by a different species of Swallow Bird Nest which consumes different kinds of water and food.
Contrary to these beliefs, Swallow Bird Nests do not vomit blood, neither do they consume different kinds of water and food. Swallow Bird Nest acting like a sponge. They absorb the chemical element from the environment such as iron from the walls, dirty waters and poisons. Hence, “blood Swallow Bird Nest” may be harmful rather than beneficial to humans.
Some dishonest vendors even apply red dye to their Swallow Bird Nest in order to fetch higher prices. So, play it safe – choose only pure Swallow Bird Nest!

How to identify the Genuine Swallow Bird Nest ?

Swallow Bird Nest is an expensive and nutritive product. Thus it is important to distinguish the genuine Swallow Bird Nest. In the market, there are many unethical businessmen who would increase the weight of Swallow Bird Nest by adding additives like white fungus, jelly and skin.

Something should be known about the Swallow Bird Nest

Swallow Bird Nest is a name of a kind of famous foods-drugs which is made of a nest of Swallow. It’s a great delicacy for East Asian countries such as Japan, Korea, China, Viet Nam, and other countries…( extracted from “Vietnam’s medical herbs and medicine” by Do Tat Loi  and other materials)

Swallow has its scientific name as collocaliasp, belong to the Apodidae. There are many species: Swallow in Java island (Collocalia Thunbergi), Collocalia Inexpectata Hume, Collocalia Unicolor Gordon, Collocalia Linchi Affinis Bearan
The Swallow lives scatter in the Island of Asia’sSoth-East: Indonesia, Philipines, The southern of China… and in Viet Nam, they live in large population along the coastal from the province of Quang Binh to Ha Tien. There are three famous areas: Cham isle of Quang Nam, Dan Nang) Mui Yen, seaside of Binh Dinh Province and Khanh Hoa.
People usually find swallow for nest harvesting. Unlike different birds, it comes to the breeding season, the swallows build their nest by their own saliva. The nest soup is considered as a famous, nourish food- drug. It’s served as a great delicacy among East Asian countries such as Japan, Korea, China, Viet Nam, and other countries. In Viet Nam, it is listed as one of eight precious dishes. The nests harvested are white bird Aerodramus fuciphagus and the black swallow’s nest. Among them, the white and pink nests are more nourish and precious. The soup is considered a medicine for strengthen health, helps improve one’s accent, reinforces the immunity,…

Classification Through Origin

1. Wild/Cave Nest

There are two kinds of cave nest: Fuciphaga and Maxima. But just the nest Fuciphaga only knew as the wild/cave nest on the market. Maybe it is because the dangerous feature of harvesting the nest on cave, so this kind of nest is high worthy than other nests on the market. The nest in cave with the condition of nature has the shape like a bowl having the thick body and hard leg. The shape like bowl can help protecting the egg or the young bird from other animals. The leg of nest must be hard to firmly fix on the wall since most caves have high humidity. This kind of Swallow Bird Nest is easily found in Vietnam, Thai, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
2. House Nest
The cave Esculanta nest is a kind of nest usually found in house. Rasing swallow must require a great investment not only in the time to entice it but also in the food feeding it. We cannot feed it with the manmade food because of the wild characteristic of the bird, it catches the insect for food as flying. Depending on the color of the Swallow Bird Nest, the nest’s color is usually ivory white, the quality of the nest according to the area having food for bird. The foods for swallow usually are insect, ephemera… The nest can be harvested 1 -4 times per year, and the swallow bears all year round.

Classification Through Color

The reason why the Swallow Bird Nest has different color is still a controversy. According to Vietnam’s folk, it is believed that the old bird and the bird in the period of food shortage must use their own blood mix with their slaver to build the nest. That is the reason why their nests have the color of red or pink as well as the less openness of blood nest than white nest. However, the question for the temperature, humidity and the food required to create a nest is till studied by scientist. When the white nest built on the red cliff absorbing the water from the cliff, it also has the red color. But the openness of this kind of blood nest is equivalent to the white nest. ( 7-9 times)
Blood Nest
This is a kind of fresh red nest which has a highest value among the other nests because of its scarceness and high consumption. Not all manufactures have this kind of nest. And if any, the nest is only harvested once to twice a year with the tiny amount. The number of blood nest and pink nest account for smaller than 10% of the gross of nests on the market.
Pink Nest
Similar to white nest both at the price and scarceness, pink nest has the orange color, but this color can be changed from the orange of tangerine to the yellow color of egg yolk.
White Nest
White nest is the most popular nest on the market. It is harvested three-four times a year. The number of white nests (including the above three kinds ) are sold on the market account for 90 percent of the gross of nest on market…

Classification through vietnamese people's view:

Nest-harvesting in Viet Nam has been a hundred year of career and it contributes to the source of income for area having this natural product. The professional nest- harvester and nest -seller usually classify the nest as the class as follows:
Blood :red color, due to the blood of bird
Pink: pink color and less plasma than the blood nest
Quan: big nest, more than 10 gram in weight
Sky: white nest at the top, 8- 9 gram in weight
Bai: small than 6-7 gram
Earth: nest at the bottom of the cliff, black and dirty
Vun : the nest is broken during the process of exploiting and transportation.

Learn about Swallow Bird Nest

The oats (also known as swift nests, "oats" are Swallow Bird Nest, "pole" means nest) is the nest of some Swallow Bird Nest made of their saliva. Saliva of Swallow Bird Nest is a nutrient rich gel. Swallow Bird Nest have been shown in modern studies to have high levels of protein, minerals, and healthy amino acids.

Swallow Bird Nest?

In Chinese, “pole” means nest. So translated, swallow’s nests mean nest, nest of Swallow Bird Nest. Since ancient times, Swallow Bird Nest has been considered as valuable food that only kings can enjoy.
In the breeding season, Swallow Bird Nest to lay eggs, usually Swallow Bird Nest of straw, dry trees, leaves or grass … but the Swallow Bird Nest in their own spacious water. Swallow Bird Nest was built during the breeding season and built by males for 35 days. The nest is shaped like a bowl that is attached to the cave. The nest consists of many slabs are woven from many threads of silk with water Swallow Bird Nest and braided together. At first glance it is like fiber.

Learn about Swallow Bird Nest

Normally, according to the color of people, salanganes are divided into three categories:

Swallow Bird Nest:

However, scientists today say that blood nest is very valuable but not due to the blood or refining of birds that come out. The cause of blood nest is due to Swallow Bird Nest is usually nest where the cliffs climb, the cliffs contain many iron oxide. Thus, the original nest of blood is white, but after the iron oxide from the cliffs should turn from white to red, and also contains a lot of trace elements. That is why the blood nest is red unusual and precious than other nest is like.

Banquet:

Like the Price of Yen and the rare, the nest is orange but the color can change from tangerine to yellow egg yolk.

White oats:

White Nest is the most popular nest in the market. Each year can harvest 3-4 times. The number of white nest (including 3 species of oats above) sold on the world market accounts for about 90% of the total number of oats in the market.
If based on the origin, Swallow Bird Nest is divided into two categories:

Nest Island:

Swallow Bird Nest in natural habitat, fly swift to fly in the surrounding or adjacent islands. When harvesting extremely dangerous, the price is high.

House Swallow:

It is because people apply the same conditions as in nature (humidity, light …) to feed in the house.

What is the composition of Swallow Bird Nest?

According to studies show that Swallow Bird Nest consists of two main factors: glyco and protein. The glyco part consists of seven types, the body is easy to absorb. Proteins contain many amino acids, which the body does not synthesize. Deeper into the composition of the Swallow Bird Nest is rich in protein (53-65%), other nutrients (about 10%), carbohydrates about 38.7% (sialic acid, hexosamine, hexose, deoxyexose) Minerals (calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium), natural glucosamine (essential elements that make cartilage), fiber … The composition of protein Swallow Bird Nest is soluble, easy to absorb. Amino Acids make up about 6%, there are 18 kinds of essential amino acids. In particular, amide, humin, arginine, cystine, histidine, lysine … accounted for a large proportion.

So Salanganes’Nhat effect on people?

According to Oriental medicine, Swallow Bird Nest is a food, if you eat the Swallow Bird Nest regularly and the right amount of nutrients will work, tonic, phlegm, cough, asthma. Spreading out, Salanganes bring many benefits to human health:
– Hypertension, diabetes: support the adjustment of blood sugar should use the nest of roses daily can help stabilize blood glucose.
– Digestive and intestinal diseases: good digestive stimulation.
– Helps to protect the skin, regenerate skin cells, anti-aging and red blood cell production, keeps skin youthful, soft. Anti-acne, freckles, freckles and smooth skin.
– Increasing resistance, immunity for the human body.
– For patients with severe pulmonary tuberculosis, swallow’s nests are capable of supporting the recovery and clearance of pathogens for the lungs.

Who should use Swallow Bird Nest?

– Old people
– Children
– Patient
– Pregnant women
– Beautiful women

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are unable to find your question and answer here please contact us instead.

Q: What is the method of collection and do you do delivery to home/office?

A: Delivery is free within Singapore on order above 500 gram otherwise it is chargeable at 10 SGD within Singapore (confirmation required), delivery timing based on available slot and most of the delivery would be on the weekend. However self collection at Tiong Bahru Plaza or Toa Payoh MRT is free of charge upon agreed timing between both parties.

Q: Is the product exchangeable or refundable?

A: Yes if the item is still unopened and untouched within 7 days period from purchase date, the item can be exchanged only as long it is a valid reason. We would like you to be satisfied with our quality Swallow Bird Nest product and for any reason you are not satisfied, please let us know.

Q: What is the correct method of storing Swallow Bird Nest?

A: Swallow Bird Nest contains the precious salivary secretion of swallow. As with other foodstuff, it should be stored properly and is best to store Swallow Bird Nest in a dry and cool area with good air ventilation. The ideal method is to store the Swallow Bird Nest in an airtight storage container followed by refrigeration. The Swallow Bird Nest can be dried in front of the air-conditioner if it is wet. However, beware not to dry by baking or by direct sunlight. Check product regularly for dampness or presence of molds.

Q: How long will the Swallow Bird Nest last after each purchase in proper storage?

A: Uncooked, clean Swallow Bird Nest can be divided into individual or smaller packages suitable for your needs, with six months’ storage time in the fridge.

Q: What is the best time to consume Swallow Bird Nest?

A: The best time is to consume the Swallow Bird Nest with empty stomach to optimize the absorption of nutrients, which is typically just before you go sleep and after you wake up in the morning.

Q: What is the recommended of Swallow Bird Nest portion for general consumption?

A: Generally one piece of Swallow Bird Nest can serve for two to three bowl of pure Swallow Bird Nest with the rock sugar recipes. However this varies from people to people.

Q: What is Swallow Bird Nest grade?

A: Swallow Bird Nest in the market has many grades depending on the size, shape and thickness but the grade is not universal as it is based on each company design.
Normally, the highest grade Swallow Bird Nest has the perfect cup shape.
The price will also be more expensive as only a few Swallow Bird Nest collected have perfect cup original shape. However, the nutrition of the Swallow Bird Nest will not differ because of the shape or size.
A common myths is High grade (AAA) means more nutritious value. If you are looking for own consumption and its nutritious value, you can ignore the Grade part.

Tips for choosing Swallow Bird Nest

 (1) Size and volume

The most popular shapes are boat or spoon shape. If swallows build their nests on the corner of two walls, the shape of nest will become triangular. There is no effect on the nutrition value. Wider Swallow Bird Nests cups have higher quality. Natural Swallow Bird Nests cups are genuine Swallow Bird Nests.

(2) Color and purity

In natural color, without any soil, sand or moss is the best quality of Swallow Bird Nests. White Swallow Bird Nests are in color of slight "ivory". Yellow Swallow Bird Nests are in color of slight "beige" or "golden". Red (blood) Swallow Bird Nests are in red. All the Swallow Bird Nests will rehydrate and turn into lighter color after soaking in water, the thread of Swallow Bird Nests will become transparent. The water after soaking Swallow Bird Nests normally remains clear. However, the water after soaking red (blood) Swallow Bird Nests will become a little bit yellow. If the Swallow Bird Nest is extremely white, which means it may have been bleached, this will greatly reduce the nutrition content and harm the health.

Tips for choosing Swallow Bird Nest

(3) Density and volume after soaking

If threads are thinner and closer, gaps are few and size is large and thicker, Swallow Bird Nest cups will expand more after soaking. Swallow Bird Nest of different grade has different expansion ratios. The weight after soaking is several times of that before soaking. The "degree of expansion" refers to the degree of water absorption. A larger degree means greater expansion and volume.

(4) Taste and humidity

Differentiate Swallow Bird Nests with your nose, there should be a smell of swallow's saliva and stink of blood, and slight aroma of egg white after being cooked. Dry Swallow Bird Nest should be chosen. If they are sticky or soft, the moisture content is high, storage is difficult and mould grows easily.

(5) Price and trustworthiness

You must "see, smell and touch" the Swallow Bird Nests to choose good ones. Price of Swallow Bird Nests are judged by their taste, size, thickness, dryness and density. If you do not take a look at the goods, consider grades and quality, but only look at the names and prices as set by the company, it is impossible to pick cheap and nice goods. The best choice is to purchase from trustworthy shops with quality assurance.

Tips on Managing Stress with the Efficacy of Swallow Bird Nest

Stress is a not a pleasant condition and it must be quickly resolved, if not, it will accumulate and lead to a new problems. Managing stress is about shifting the way of thinking from the difficult challenges in life to be the best thing in your life. Below are the key points that you should focus on:

Positive thinking

Eliminate negative thoughts and feelings. Also try not to get carried away by your emotions. By removing prejudices and assumptions, you can free yourself from spiraling down negative thoughts and restore your mood, which will shape your external conditions. Also, positive thinking keeping you to not thinking about your limitations, which will slow down your effort to find a solution to a problem.

Sharing

Helping others in need will present you kindness. By giving and investing to other, it will create positive and calming feelings for you and others. Act of kindness to others is a nourishment for your being.

Be grateful

Focus on what you have today, not on your unfulfilled wish. Appreciate what God has given to you, health, family, and friends. Spend some time with them. At the end of the day try to recall and share with your loved ones what positive things that happen on that day, this practice will recharge your emotion.

Eating healthy foods

In a stress condition the body uses more nutrients; therefore, it is very important to make sure our bodies met its nutrients. Do not be carried away by the desire to eat a junk food and always choose healthy foods.
Furthermore, there are specific nutrients that can help you manage stress (Combating Stress with a Balanced Nutritional Diet - www.stress.org.uk) which are magnesium and calcium. Magnesium affects the attitude in dealing with restlessness and anxiety. Magnesium is needed for muscle relaxation, fatty acid formation, making new cells and heartbeat regulation. Additionally, if you are experiencing stress in the long term, it is recommended that you eat plenty of foods that are a good source of calcium.
Swallow Bird Nest contains high minerals such as calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium (Marcone, Massimo F - “Characterization of the Swallow Bird Nest the Caviar of the East). From these facts we can suggest that the consumption of Swallow Bird Nest can help you manage stress as well as other magical benefits.
Managing stress is a comprehensive activity both physically and mentally. Besides a good nutritional balance, it is also important to be strong psychologically. It is not easy, it need your commitment and discipline.

Prevention of Hypertension with Swallow Bird Nest

Causes

High blood pressure or hypertension is a chronic medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is elevated so that the heart works harder. High blood pressure is marked by over the level of 140-90 number. Causes of high blood pressure include genetics, obesity, high salt consumption, cholesterol intake, lack of exercise, stress, etc.

Complications diseases

Hypertension is a disease capable of causing systemic disturbances in the body's organs. It is a major cause of heart diseases. In addition, hypertension causes disorders in kidney system, and stroke.

Prevention of Hypertension with Swallow Bird Nest

Prevention of hypertension with Swallow Bird Nest

The prevention can be started with a healthy behavior, such as: lower intake fat and cholesterol, reduction in obesity, exercise or yoga, stress busting therapy, and a healthy diet. It is believed that there are also special nutritious foods to lower blood pressure such as garlic and Swallow Bird Nest.
Efficacious garlic lowers cholesterol; regulate blood circulation and heart function. The Swallow Bird Nest is also equally effective. It helps accelerate blood circulation. Such good benefits will improve heart function and will ultimately help lower blood pressure.
As we have described in my article "Swallow Bird Nest as Part in Holistic Healing", in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Swallow Bird Nest is considered to have “cooling” element, in contrast to ginseng which is “hot” nature.
Therefore, consuming Swallow Bird Nest is suitable for people with hypertension. However, keep in mind that they cannot completely replace the anti-hypertensive drugs, eat them under the guidance of your doctor.

Correct way to soak and stew Swallow Bird Nest

To stew Swallow Bird Nest, you need a stewing bowl and a pot that can place the entire bowl (ceramic pot or stainless steel pot are fine). Place the soaked and cleaned Swallow Bird Nest into the stewing bowl, add suitable amount of hot water (around 80°C), cover well and place the entire stewing bowl into the pot. Pour boiling water to half of the height of the stewing bowl and simmer.

What is Swallow Bird Nest made of?

Made from the saliva of Swallow Bird Nests, the nests are expensive due to the difficulty in harvesting and the many benefits it brings. Lots of Asian celebrities consume this daily to look beautiful!
Lots of Asian celebrities consume Swallow Bird Nest daily to look beautiful.
Swallow Bird Nest is believed to boost the immune system and raise the libido. Women believe that eating it daily enhances their complexion, making it a perfect gift for mums.
Swallow Bird Nest contains high levels of protein, calcium, iron, potassium and magnesium. In fact, Swallow Bird Nest itself is almost tasteless; it requires additional effort to render it tasty.

To stew Swallow Bird Nest, you need a stewing bowl and a pot that can place the entire bowl (ceramic pot or stainless steel pot are fine). Place the soaked and cleaned Swallow Bird Nest into the stewing bowl, add suitable amount of hot water (around 80°C), cover well and place the entire stewing bowl into the pot. Pour boiling water to half of the height of the stewing bowl and simmer.

Water level in the stewing bowl

The level of other ingredients and boiled water (or other nutrients) added to the stewing bowl shall not exceed 70% of the stewing bowl. This is because during the process of stewing, all ingredients being heated will expand and increase the water level. If the water level before heating is too high, it may lead to overflow and wastage.

Control the degree of heating

The mitogenic stimulation factor in Swallow Bird Nests stays active around 80°C, thus boiling would lead to reduced effect. Swallow Bird Nests should stewing over water in low heat. This keeps the temperature around 80°C and thus prevent damaging proteins in the Swallow Bird Nest and reserve the aroma and nutrients. Thus, when stewing Swallow Bird Nest, hot water should be used both inside and outside the stewing bowl and it should be stewed. If time is not allowed, it is the safest and most convenient way to use electronic stewing pot and set it to low stewing.

Nutrition Of Swallow Bird Nest

The Swallow Bird Nest in question are constructed by species of swift birds that live throughout regions of southern Asia. Known as “walet” in Indonesian and Malay languages, these cave swifts have traditionally built their nests on the high walls of massive limestone caves in places like Niah, Gomantong, and Borneo. The male walet work tirelessly during a thirty-five-day period of the breeding season to build their nests entirely from saliva. The glue-like saliva is woven like fiberglass by the birds into small cup-like nests, which dry to be thin and translucent. Harvesters separate the nests into three categories of quality: White nests, also referred to as “white gold,” are the most pure of the three because they lack contaminants like feathers and twigs. These white nests are the first of the season to be picked – once the cave walls are stripped of the white nests, pickers wait for the birds to build new ones so that those too can be harvested. “Yellow” and “black” nests may be the birds’ second or even third attempt, and signify an impure product. It is also suggested that white nests have higher nutritional and medicinal value than the other two varieties.

Swallow Bird Nest from a Clinical Experimental Point of View

According to a recent medical research reported by Hong Kong Chinese University, the cell division enzyme and hormone of Swallow Bird Nest can promote reproduction and rebirth of human cells. The Glycoprotein content directly stimulates cell growth in human’s immune system. As a result, body metabolism is enhanced and functional effects are greatly improved. Effective results of Swallow Bird Nest are observed when they are consumed by children, elders, feedle and sick people.

Nutrition Of Swallow Bird Nest

Swallow Bird Nest from Traditional and Modern Chinese Medication's Point of View.

Swallow Bird Nest is used as restorative and remedial food since the Ching dynasty as recorded in (Major Herbs Guidebook) and (Major Herbs Digest). Previous clinical researches have concluded that Swallow Bird Nest has a (sweet and calm) character. Swallow Bird Nest contributed medical benefits to lung, stomach and kidney neural system. Several ancient medicine books such as (New Major Herbs), (Southern Mountain Chronicle) and (New Herbs Revised) all recorded plenty of detail of Swallow Bird Nest remedial benefits.

Swallow Bird Nest / Edible Birdnnest from a Nutrition Point of View

The main nutrition contents of Swallow Bird Nest are carbohydrate (30%) and protein (5%) although its protein content can be compare to that of milk or eggs. Swallow Bird Nest also contains plenty of calcium and phosphorus, as well as some iron and iodine. There are still some other untraced compositions that may have medical benefits; hence we can not judge its value by the main nutrition contents alone.

Swallow Bird Nest from a Biochemical Point of View

The book (Evaluate Swallow Bird Nest) written by a biochemist has also proven that protein contained in Swallow Bird Nest have some bioactive elements which might have nourishing and replenishing effects on humans body.

Swallow Bird Nest is an excellent restorative food with a sweet and calm character; it is good for any age or gender

Ladies: Frequent consumption result in fairer skin, helps to stay young and look radiant.
Pregnant Women: Consumption during pregnancy will improve immune functions of the fetus and the mothers will be able to recover easily after giving birth.
Elders: Clears phlegm, strengthen lungs and kidneys, improves spleen as well as enhances appetite.
Children: Enhances immune ability, not inclined to get colds or flu
Men: Improves kidney and strengthens lungs, so not inclined to get weak.

Swallow Bird Nest Mythbuster Edition: Cave and House Nest Myths

The Swallow Bird Nest is made from Swallow Bird Nest’s saliva. In the nature, the nest found in dark caves and difficult to reach. But today, people are able to create an artificial habitat. The building is created to be in similar condition with that of the natural cave. There are differences between the cave nest and the house nest. The differences are the texture, the color and the shape of the nest. Of these differences, there are myths that are believed by the people regarding this both types of Swallow Bird Nest. Here are the myths:

Colors

The cave nests have more variety in colors like red, yellow, and white. While the house nest also has red, yellow, gray and white. But, the red nest are more often found in a cave and are rarely found in the house therefore the red nest are most known as cave nest.
The myth is that the cave nests containing rust obtained from cave wall. Color variations are caused by the environment around the nest. As we have explained in the article about the myth of red nest, all nests are originally white and will stay white without any biological trigger. White nest will gradually turns into red color because of the unique climate condition and natural organic activities within the cave.

Nutrition

Other uncertain claim related to nutrition is that cave nest has different nutrient content from that house nest. According to the research by Azilawati Mohd Ismail, et al (2013), showed the similarities in the structure of the amino acid substances contained in both types of swallow nest.

Nitrite

Next is about the content of nitrite, in which the cave nest contains higher nitrite than the house nest. Paydar M (2013) confirmed that nitrite affects the color of the cave nests, dark color implies more nitrite. That means that cave nest contain more nitrite than the house nest. But, the presence of nitrite is caused by environmental factors, not directly derived from the birds. But no need to worry because nitrites are easily gone when rinsed with water.

Types Of Swallow Bird Nest

They are actually the saliva nests constructed by esculent Swallow Bird Nests that are native in Thailand, Indonesian, Malaysia and south of China. According to the environment in which the Swallow Bird Nest are formed, they can be classified into cave nest and house nest.

Introduction Of Swallow Bird Nest

Swallow Bird Nest is a delicacy in Chinese cuisine. A few species of Swallow Bird Nest, the cave Swallow Bird Nests, are renowned for building the saliva nests used to produce the unique texture of this soup.The Chinese name for Swallow Bird Nest, yàn wō (燕窝）, translates literally as "Swallow Bird Nest". When dissolved in water, the Swallow Bird Nests have a gelatinous texture used for soup.
The Swallow Bird Nest are among the most expensive animal products consumed by humans. The Swallow Bird Nest have been traditionally used in Chinese cooking for more than 400 years, most often as Swallow Bird Nest.
The most heavily harvested nests are from the Swallow Bird Nest or White-nest Swallow Bird Nest and the Black-nest Swallow Bird Nest. The white nests （house nest) and the cave nest are supposedly rich in nutrients which are traditionally believed to provide health benefits, such as aiding digestion, raising libido, improving the voice, alleviating asthma, improving focus, and an overall benefit to the immune system.
The Swallow Bird Nest are built during the breeding season by the male Swallow Bird Nest over a period of 45 days. They take the shape of a shallow cup stuck to the cave wall. The nests are composed of interwoven strands of salivary laminate cement. Both nests have high levels of calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium.
Hong Kong and China are the largest importers of Swallow Bird Nest. In Hong Kong a bowl of Swallow Bird Nest would cost USD 30 USD to USD 100. A kilogram of white nest can cost up to USD 4,500, and a kilogram of “red blood” nest can cost up to $10,000 USD.

Types Of Swallow Bird Nest

The Swallow Bird Nest were traditionally harvested from caves called as Cave Nest, principally the enormous limestone caves at Gomantong and Niah in Borneo. With the escalation in demand these sources have been supplanted since the late 1990s by purpose-built Swallow Bird Nest houses, usually reinforced concrete structures following the design of the Southeast Asian shop-house. These Swallow Bird Nest houses are normally found in urban areas near the sea or forest in Malaysia, Indonesian, Thailand and Vietnam, since the Swallow Bird Nests have a propensity to flock in such places. This has become an extraordinary industry call as Swallow Bird Nest farming, mainly based on a series of towns in Malaysia which have been completely transformed by the activity. From there the nests are mostly exported to Hong Kong, which has become the centre of the world trade, though most of the final consumers are from mainland China.
Swallow Bird Nest sold in the market are classified into different grades according to their shapes. Premium whole white Swallow Bird Nest, whole "bloody" Swallow Bird Nest, whole Swallow Bird Nest strips are first-grade. Swallow Bird Nest shreds, Swallow Bird Nest in compact cake or ball forms; and Swallow Bird Nest fragments receive a lower grading.
Although Swallow Bird Nest are classified into different grades, their nutrition values are almost same. From modern medical point of view, Swallow Bird Nest are rich in proteins and amino acids, which serve to treat malnutrition, gastric ulcer, anemia, heart failure and coarse skin. While from the Chinese medical point of view, Swallow Bird Nest nourish the whole body, improve skin texture, strengthen the Spleen and benefit the Stomach. Besides, research points out that Swallow Bird Nest produce hormones that speed up cell division. Hence they encourage cell regeneration and immune response triggered by T-cells.

Types Of Swallow Bird Nest according to environment;

1. Cave Nest
Cave Nest - Cave Nest is found in caves, the coulour is yellow or gray with a firm texture. We can get cave nest in Sabah and Sarawak.
2. House Nest
Found under the beams of houses purposely build for the Swallow Bird Nests, they have regular edges and are white in colour. There aren't many fine feathers and there isn't any impurity. They are looser, softer and smoother in texture.

Types Of Swallow Bird Nest according to shape;

1. Whole Swallow Bird Nest
2. Swallow Bird Nest StripsIncomplete Swallow Bird Nest that cannot be made into half-bowl shape are pressed into strip.
3. Broken Swallow Bird Nest

Swallow Bird Nest as Part in Holistic Healing

Holistic healing is taking a holistic approach for diseases treatment and for a more balanced lifestyle. What distinguishes holistic healing from alternative medicine and other medicine is that holistic healing put primary focus on overall physical health, and not specific sickness.

To understand more about holistic medicine, the following are examples of holistic treatment methods which have been widely known:

Aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy is the use of plants and aromatic spices (essential oils) for the treatment. Aromatherapy stimulates the brain and affects the mental mood. A good state of mind would affect overall good physical being. We also know that stress of bad mental state can reduce antioxidant production and lead to illness.

Ayurveda medicine.

Ayurveda healing system is a traditional treatment methods originated in India. Ayurveda Treatment includes therapy associated with physical, mental, and spiritual. Treatment techniques include dietary therapy, herbal medicine, specific exercises and spiritual practices, aimed to achieve a balance.

Natural diet.

Related with eating natural foods / organic, natural supplements, etc. Eating the right food will provide the right nutrition that our body requires to function.

Exercise.

This method is related to the physical aspect combined with the spiritual. Various techniques include pilates, dance, qigong, tai chi, yoga, etc. Exercises has been proven to release stress/tensions, regenerate cells faster, increase immune system, and help in cholesterol or heart disease problem.

Spiritual counseling.

This method is still a taboo in some part of the world, for example: psychic. However, currently, there is method that has been accepted by society, which is hypnotherapy.

Acupuncture.

The term acupuncture describes procedures involving stimulation of anatomical points on the body by a variety of techniques including applying needle.

Energy-based therapies and meditations.

This method uses breathing method to channel the energy (or chi in the China) to balance the energy at various important body points and clear the toxin in each of them. This method is practiced everywhere, Chinese called these points meridian and other called it Chakra.

Vibrational medicine.

This method that combines east and west medication. The east medication believe that human body performs best in certain frequency. Using the various vibrational tools, this therapies attempt to adjust our body frequency to optimum state.

Homeopathic.

Homeopathic remedies are based on the concept of taking minute amounts of natural substances to stimulate the body's own defenses against specific symptoms and imbalances.

Bodywork.

Go to the gym. The goal is to raise fitness and improve the quality of muscles. With this method not only getting a healthy body, but also increase self-confidence and social relationships.

Prayer and worship.

The purpose of this method is to calm the mind and together concentrate on healing to God. With focus, confidence, and support, self-motivation expected to increase.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Restoring the qi is the ultimate goal in restoring overall health and well-being to the individual. Chinese believe human body can be in “cold” state and “hot” state. To have a good chi or energy flow, one body should be balance. Some TCM product such as cordyceps are characterized as hot, while other like Swallow Bird Nest is characterized as cold. For example, a woman body during pregnancy is considered hot, that’s why she needs to take Swallow Bird Nest to cool it down to rebalance the body system.
Consuming Swallow Bird Nest is a relevant holistic healing approach. The consumption of nutritious Swallow Bird Nest is not only good for your health but also for your immunity, vitality, and beauty. Swallow Bird Nest is a nutritious food that comes from nature. This is in line with the spirit of holistic healing that is back to nature, natural food, natural medicine.

Swallow Bird Nest / Yàn wō / 燕窝

Swallow Bird Nest is produced by Swallow Bird Nests (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 sub lingual glands located beneath the tongue of the Swallow Bird Nest.

Swallow Bird Nest are among the most expensive animal products consumed by humans. The nests have been used in Chinese cooking for over 400 years, most often as Swallow Bird Nest

Benefits of consuming Swallow Bird Nest

1. Amino Acids - Help to repair body cells and generate new cells
2. Antioxidant - Helps to eradicate free radicals in the body. Prevent or slow the oxidation damage to our body. Health problems such as heart disease, muscular degeneration, diabetes, cancer, etc. are all contributed by oxidation damage. Antioxidants may also boast our immune defense and therefore lower the risk of cancer and infection.
3. EGF(epidermal growth factor) - Anti aging effect, making regular Swallow Bird Nest consumers young and radiant looking
4. Source of protein

Type of Swallow Bird Nest - Unprocess

Saliva Nest
Around 90% edible
Saliva Nest (Aerodramus fuciphagus) provides the best nourishing effect to human bodies and has higher nutritional value than other categories Swallow Bird Nest. It produces aroma of eff white after cooking. Texture is smooth and soft.
Feather Prime Swallow Bird Nest
Around 50% edible
Effect is less prominent compared to saliva nest. Produces a crispier texture after stewing.
Grass Swallow Bird Nest
Around 10% edible
Cheaper and thus welcomed by beginners. Textures is soft and smooth. Since the nests are built by saliva and grass, the nests contain little fiber of fresh grass.

Swallow Bird Nest / Yàn wō / 燕窝

Swallow Bird Nest different in colour

The colour of Swallow Bird Nest influenced by the environment, food and climate, hence swallows produce nests in different colors.

Best time to consume Swallow Bird Nest

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

House Swallow Bird Nest Vs Cave Swallow Bird Nest

The harvesters often face considerable danger when harvesting these Swallow Bird Nest. Since cave Swallow Bird Nest are formed by free, naturally-living Swallow Bird Nests, some people consider them to be more valuable than Swallow Bird Nests found in houses. Thus, cave Swallow Bird Nest often fetch a higher price as compared to house Swallow Bird Nest.
However, unknown to many consumers in the market, cave Swallow Bird Nest generally contain more foreign materials and feathers than house nests. Besides, cave Swallow Bird Nest are exposed to the risk of heavy metals contamination from external environmental factors. So, consume cave Swallow Bird Nest at your own risk!

Red Swallow Bird Nest

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

Identify fake Swallow Bird Nest

Beware that you might end up buying fake Swallow Bird Nest. Not only you didn't the nutritious of real Swallow Bird Nest, it may harm your body. Below are some simple guidance for you to identify real Swallow Bird Nest.
Make sure it is highly in translucent!

Swallow Bird Nest Mythbuster Edition: The Red Nest

In previous post we have explain about the colors of the Swallow Bird Nest. The colors are white, yellow, and red. The color of the Swallow Bird Nest can be different depending on the location of where they are located or cultivated.

Myth 1: Natural Red Swallow Bird Nest Simply Does Not Exist

Recently many believe that all red Swallow Bird Nest in the market is fake and artificial. While I have to admit that there are some ill practice that convert white nest into red nest by using coloring (red dye), we should not be too fast to jump into conclusion that red nest does not exist. There is no doubt the red nests exist. In fact the existence is the exact reason why people attempt to make the fake ones in the first place. A lot of cave nest are usually red.

Myth 2: the Red Color of the Nest Comes from Bird’s Blood

One of the myths that commonly believed by society suggest that red Swallow Bird Nest was made by sick or dying swift, that cough its blood while building the nest. Because of this misconception the name red Swallow Bird Nest is interchangeable with “Blood nest”. Blood nest rarity and its exotic story have positioned the product as most premium and most expensive category. Nevertheless the factual story is slightly different. All nest is originally white and will stay white without any biological trigger. White nest will gradually turns into red color because of the unique climate condition and natural organic activities within the house of the cave. Moreover such optimum condition is rarely obtained, a main reason why natural red Swallow Bird Nest is seldom.

Myth 3: The Red Color Comes From Iron and Rust

As discussed above, red color is a product of organic process and not chemical process such as rusting iron or other metal found in the cave/house. This is simply not true. But if such metal contamination process occurs and influence the nest color, it is not the original red color it should have. I am personally doubtful of the safety as well of this product.
A lot of people believe that red nest have higher nutritional content. While there is no extensive study that have comprehensive conclusion about this, we also cannot dismiss it as a myth. Testimonies about red Swallow Bird Nest usually include feeling invigorated, better blood circulation/flow, etc.