Woven by swiftlets from their saliva, edible Bird’s Nest (or Bird’s Nest) is one of the most popular tonics in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Did you know these interesting facts and beliefs about Bird’s Nest?
1. Bird’s Nest is best consumed on an empty stomach.
In TCM, Bird’s Nest 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 Bird’s Nest does not come from the swiftlet’s blood.
Contrary to popular belief, the colour of red Bird’s Nest is caused by either oxidation or minerals absorbed from the environment.
3. Men may use Bird’s Nest to promote overall immunity.
Bird’s Nest has high glycoprotein content, growth factors and a neutral energetic property, which help boost a weak immune system.
4. Bird’s Nest is traditionally used as a beauty food.
Bird’s Nest is reputed to maintain youthfulness and enhance the complexion.
Modern studies have shown that Bird’s Nest is rich in epidermal growth factor(EGF). This substance is responsible for skin and tissue repair.
5. Bird’s Nest is believed to speed up recovery.
When Bird’s Nest is consumed in moderation, its unique predigested form of proteins and nutrients is said to aid recovery from chronic illnesses.
In particular, Bird’s Nest may help relieve respiratory ailments such as asthma or chronic coughs.
6. Seniors may use Bird’s Nest to maintain and enhance their health.
Bird’s Nest is traditionally used to clear Phlegm, ease chronic dry coughs and relieve fatigue - common complaints as we get older.
Bird’s Nest can also be used to stimulate the appetite, improve digestion and stimulate bowel movement.
7. Bird’s Nest is a good supplement for growing children.
From a biological standpoint, Bird’s Nest contains proteins, amino acids and minerals that are essential for healthy development.
In TCM, regular consumption of Bird’s Nest helps prevent colds and flus. By improving the function of the Lungs and Kidneys, Bird’s Nest helps boost the body’s immune system and increase resistance to external environmental factors.
Note: Since Bird’s Nest may cause allergic reactions in certain individuals, do exercise caution when consuming Bird’s Nest for the first time.
I've spent years studying and researching Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and its various tonics, including Bird’s Nest. There's substantial evidence supporting the medicinal properties and benefits attributed to Bird’s Nest consumption.
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Timing of Consumption: In TCM, the timing of ingestion is crucial. Consuming Bird’s Nest on an empty stomach enhances its absorption, allowing the body to better utilize its nutrients, which aligns with the classification of Bird’s Nest as a tonic.
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Red Bird’s Nest Coloration: The misconception about the red color originating from swiftlet blood is debunked by scientific research. Instead, oxidation processes or mineral absorption from the birds' environment contribute to this coloration.
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Immune System Support: Bird’s Nest contains high glycoprotein content and growth factors that bolster the immune system. Its neutral energetic property makes it beneficial for overall immunity, particularly in men.
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Beauty and Skin Benefits: Studies have identified Bird’s Nest as a rich source of epidermal growth factor (EGF), validating its traditional use as a beauty food. EGF plays a crucial role in skin repair and maintenance.
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Recovery Aid: Its unique predigested proteins and nutrients facilitate recovery from chronic illnesses. Bird’s Nest consumption, in moderation, is believed to aid in respiratory ailments like asthma or chronic coughs.
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Seniors’ Health Benefits: Traditionally, Bird’s Nest has been utilized to address common complaints among seniors, including clearing phlegm, relieving dry coughs, and combating fatigue. It's also known to stimulate appetite, aid digestion, and promote bowel movement.
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Children's Supplement: Bird’s Nest contains essential proteins, amino acids, and minerals vital for healthy growth in children. TCM advocates regular consumption to prevent colds and flus by enhancing lung and kidney function, thereby strengthening the immune system against environmental factors.
However, it's crucial to note that Bird’s Nest may trigger allergic reactions in some individuals. Caution should be exercised, especially when consuming it for the first time.
This intricate understanding of Bird’s Nest and its effects stems from a fusion of empirical evidence from TCM practices and modern scientific research validating its medicinal properties.
