Remedial Benefits and Usage of Bird's Nest

Bird's Nest from a Clinical Experimental Point of View
According to a recent medical research reported by Hong Kong Chinese University, the cell division enzymeand hormone of bird's 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 bird's nest are observed when they are consumed by children, elders, feedle and sick people.

Bird's Nest from Traditional and Modern Chinese Medication's Point of View.
(Chinese Medication Dictionary) Bird's 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 bird's nest has a (sweet and calm) character. Bird's 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 bird's nest remedial benefits.

Bird's Nest from a Nutrition Point of View
The main nutrition contents of bird's nest are carbohydrate (30%) and protein (5%) although its protein content can be compare to that of milk or eggs. Bird?s 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.

Bird's Nest from a Biochemical Point of View
The book (Evaluate Bird's Nest) written by a biochemist has also proven that protein contained in bird's nest have some bioactive elements which might have nourishing and replenishing effects on humans body.

The experts conclude that bird's nest has three main functions:

1. Enhances the rebirth of cells and tissues.
2. Improves the immune system functions of our body
3. Improves the body's tolerance toward the damage done by X-rays or other radioactive reagents.

Bird's 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.

Nutritional Values (Collocalia Fuchipaga)

Swallows make their nest from grass and mud, and their nest are certainly not edible. In contrast, Swiflets make their nest using their saliva, therefore the highly valued edible bird's nest are actually the dried saliva of Swiftlets.

Edible birds' nest is a water soluble glycoprotein with properties of a protein as well as of a carbohydrate. Its composition resembles that of salivary mucin with a high ash content of 2.5 percent. It contains 10.3 percent nitrogen and 17.4 percent carbohydrate with traces of phosphorus, asernate, sulphur and vitamin B1. The energy value per 100g edible portion is 345 kilocalories. The total protein content is about 85 percent with 0.3 percent of fat. Other minerals present are calcium and iron. 6 kinds of Amino acids isolated from birds' nest consist of amide, humin, arginine, cystine, histidine and lysine. The total content of mono amino acids is about 6 percent. It is possible that when taken with certain other foods through a cooking process may have a high nutritive and therapeutic value to human body. Recent studies in Hong Kong suggested that it may even be useful in the treatment of AIDS.

Amino Acid	Function
Arginine	Studies have shown that is has improved immune responses to bacteria, viruses & tumor cells; promotes wound healing and regeneration of the liver; causes the release of growth hormones; considered crucial for optimal muscle growth and tissue repair.
Cystine	Functions as an antioxidant and is a powerful aid to the body in protecting against radiation and pollution. It can help slow down the aging process, deactivate free radicals, neutralize toxins; aids in protein synthesis and presents cellular change. It is necessary for the formation of the skin, which aids in the recovery from burns and surgical operations. Hair and skin are made up 10-14% Cystine.
Lysine	Insures the adequate absorption of calcium; helps form collagen ( which makes up bone cartilage & connective tissues); aids in the production of antibodies, hormones & enzymes. Recent studies have shown that Lysine may be effective against herpes by improving the balance of nutrients that reduce viral growth. A deficiency may result in tiredness, inability to concentrate, irritability, bloodshot eyes, retarded growth, hair loss,anemia & reproductive problems.
Histidine	Found abundantly in haemoglobin; has been used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, allergic diseases, ulcers & anemia. A deficiency can cause poor hearing.
Amide	Primary linkage of all different kinds of essential amino acids and like. The basic unit to all different types of amino acids