Swallow Bird Nest is
an edible nest created by the Swallow Bird Nest using its saliva, along with
other items for the purpose of breeding.
The shape of the nest is created to look like a shallow cup that is
placed on the walls of caves. The nest
has high nutrients especially proteins, calcium, potassium, and other minerals,
which are traditionally used for digestion, improving immune system, or
alleviating symptoms of asthma. Swallow Bird Nest must be cleaned of all large
impurities prior to consumption. These impurities can include feathers, twigs,
and mud. The cleaning process is extremely time consuming and requires a lot of
skill in performing. As the process is extremely tedious, there are certain
individuals who will use chemicals, including chemical bleach, to clean the Swallow
Bird Nest. Most chemicals are unhealthy and unethical to us. Thus, when purchasing Swallow Bird Nest, make
sure that it is a pure product with no chemical processing.
Q. What is Swallow Bird Nest?
A. Swallow Bird Nest, produced by Swallow Bird Nests (Collocalia species) is
a glutinous secretion, also known as “nest cement”. The glycoprotein matrix is
used 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 Swallow Bird Nest. A Swallow Bird Nest Swallow Bird
Nest is built primarily for laying eggs and housing the baby Swallow Bird Nests.
After the eggs have been laid and hatched, the baby Swallow Bird Nests will
remain in the nest for at least 45 days until it is able to fly away
independently. The Swallow Bird Nest becomes abandoned and will never be
re-used. If not harvested, scavengers such as ants, lizards and cockroaches
will consume the Swallow Bird Nest.
Q. How did Swallow Bird Nest originate?
A. The Chinese have been consuming Swallow Bird Nest since more than 1,500
years ago. Swallow Bird Nest was often used for trading in exchange for
porcelain from the Tang Dynasty. During the Ming Dynasty (1368 A.D. to 1644
A.D.), the famous navigator, Admiral Zheng He, was sent by the emperor to
develop trade routes to the southern sea. Amongst the rare and exotic products
that he brought back was Swallow Bird Nest. Ever since then, a progressive
familiarity of the Swallow Bird Nest evolved through time and more Chinese have
had the chance to taste Swallow Bird Nest. Since ancient times, Swallow Bird
Nest has been known as a precious health tonic with medical and health
enhancing effects. Due to the complex and expansive procedures involved in
procuring Swallow Bird Nest, its rarity and premium value have earned the title
of “white gold”. It is also listed as one of the “eight delicacies” with other
precious products such as sea cucumber, shark’s fin, fish maw, bear’s paw and
deer tendon etc. |
| FAQS about Swallow Bird Nest |
Q. What is the look, smell, feel, of pure Swallow Bird Nest?
A. Pure Swallow Bird Nest has a translucent look and free from impurities
under examination of the naked eye. All Swallow Bird Nest varies in shape and
sizes so a uniformly shaped Swallow Bird Nest is likely to have been
unnaturally altered during the cleaning process. Pure Swallow Bird Nest
originally smells similar to the scent of egg white. Pure Swallow Bird Nest
should be dried to avoid natural accumulation of sodium nitrite. (The sodium in
Swallow Bird Nest, nitrogen in air and water will react to form nitrite). Pure Swallow
Bird Nest is quite fragile and can be broken easily.
Q. Why are some Swallow Bird Nest different in colour?
A. Swallow Bird 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 Swallow Bird Nest. It is inadvisable to consume
heavily-coloured Swallow Bird Nest.
Q. How do I store Swallow Bird Nest?
A. Swallow Bird Nest can be stored in any container that is dry and preferably
airtight. Swallow Bird Nest can be kept at room temperature or even in the
refrigerator. YUPINZHEN Swallow Bird Nest is the driest Swallow Bird Nest on
the market and our Swallow Bird Nest can be kept at room temperature for ten
years or more.
Q. How often can I eat Swallow Bird Nest? Can I eat too much Swallow Bird
Nest?
A. Swallow Bird Nest can be consumed daily. An average person can consume
anything between 3g to 5g of dry Swallow Bird Nest. Any excess consumption will
be discharged by the body.
Q. Who is unsuitable to eat Swallow Bird Nest? Who is suitable?
A. Swallow Bird Nest is suitable for all age groups but some small minority
of people who are allergic to protein may find it unsuitable.
Q. How to prepare Swallow Bird Nest?
A. Soak Swallow Bird Nest in warm water for 15 minutes, then change the
water and soak for another 2 to 3 hours till the Swallow Bird Nest expands and
softens. Double-boil the Swallow Bird Nest with the water over a medium fire
for about 2 to 3 hours. For those with a sweet tooth, add rock sugar and the Swallow
Bird Nest is ready to serve. For those with a more savoury palate, chicken or
ham broth can be added but note that salt should only be added just before
consumption as it will cause the Swallow Bird Nest to be disintergrated during
boiling.
Q. What is the ideal time to consume Swallow Bird Nest?
A. It is best to consume Swallow Bird Nest in the morning and at night
before consuming other food. This will ensure that the nutrients are easily
absorbed into the body. If on a diet, it is recommended that the Swallow Bird
Nest be consumed in the morning before consuming other food. Adding honey to
the Swallow Bird Nest for consumption at night before sleep also aids in the
absorption of the nutrients. In addition, it can promote better sleep and
improve complexion. The ideal way to consume Swallow Bird Nest is to take in
small quantities at frequent, regular periods.
Q. What are the scientific benefits of consuming Swallow Bird Nest?
A. Scientific documentations regarding health effects are very limited in
published literature. It is not until recently that the biological effects of Swallow
Bird Nest are being investigated and evidence-based studies are being
conducted. Several studies have found that Swallow Bird Nest may enhance cell
proliferation and differentiation and various beneficial effects have been
reported in vitro as well as in vivo. While these studies point towards the
potential use of Swallow Bird Nest in the treatment or even prevention of
several diseases, the mechanisms of action of Swallow Bird Nest remain largely
unknown and more explorations are needed. International scientists have
separately reported preliminary findings on seven broad areas of health
benefits:1. Possibility in activating and proliferating human stem cells, thereby enhancing cellular renewal and ultimately whole body rejuvenation.
2. Possibility in protection against viral infections through binding of specific sialic acids
3. Possibility in promoting brain development and enhancing learning and memory through specific siaylated glycoproteins.
4. Possibility in strengthening of the lungs through thickening of the dermal layer lining the respiratory system.
5. Possibility in having would healing properties, especially eye wounds.
6. Possibility in the inhibition of expression of specific genetic elements involved in aging via down-regulation of specific bio-molecular pathways that lead to cellular deterioration and overall aging.
7. Possibility in the regulation of calcium in biochemical pathways, thereby improving bone strength and bone density, including protection against osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.
Q. What are the concerns when buying or consuming Swallow Bird Nest? What
is the solution?
1. Contamination by chemicalsA. Of particular concern is nitrite which is derived mainly from the faeces of the swiflets. Ingestion of excessive nitrites had been linked to cancer. This is the main reason why China had imposed a ban on the import of Swallow Bird Nest in July 2011.
2. Contamination by germs
A. Viruses, bacteria and fungus could contaminate Swallow Bird Nest in the wild or in the factory during processing. In Apr 2013, the bird flu virus H5N1 was reported to be present in dead Swallow Bird Nests from certain Swallow Bird Nest’s farms.
3. Adulterated products
A. For business gains, adulteration of Swallow Bird Nest commonly takes place. Adulterants used include pig skin, agar, red seaweed and karaya gum. In order to camouflage adulterants and waste matters, bleaches are often added.
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