Thứ Tư, 11 tháng 7, 2018

Health Benefits of Swiftlet Nest

Health Benefits of Swiftlet Nest
Health Benefits of Swiftlet Nest

The Swiftlet Nest comes from Swiftlet Nests, who build their nests in caves high up on cliff sights. The nests are built during the breeding season by the Swiftlet Nest over a period of 35 days. The size of the nests is small, around the size of your palm and this is the reason for the high cost.
Harvesting the nests is dangerous as it requires climbing up the cliff side to get into the caves. These days, in order to capitalize on the Swiftlet Nest trade, many people are opening the upper floors of their shop lots and allowing the birds to nest.
During the ancient times, the genuine Swiftlet Nest would only be consumed by rich and famous people due to its very rare and expensive price. However, over time Swiftlet Nest have become widely consumed by people regardless of age or importance.

Swiftlet Nest Color and Quality:

White Swiftlet Nest. There are a few types of Swiftlet Nest, the highest quality being White Swiftlet Nest which comes from the first harvest. The first Swiftlet Nest harvest is before the Swifts have a chance to lay their eggs and a second harvest is done after the young Swiftlet Nests have left the nest. The second harvest is considered a lower grade of Swiftlet Nest.
Red Swiftlet Nest, the color is caused by the bird’s diet and not the bird’s blood as originally thought.
Golden and Black Swiftlet Nest are thought to be the lowest quality due to the amount of feathers, plant and dirt particles embedded in the nests.
Swiftlet Nest Nutrition: Swiftlet Nest is mostly composed of water-soluble protein that is easily absorbed by human body. It also contains carbohydrates, fat, calcium, iron, phosphorus, iodine and it also rich in amino acids and antioxidants.

Health Benefits of Swiftlet Nest:

• Swiftlet Nest contains properties that helps regenerate skin and prevent premature aging. Regular consumption can make skin smooth and radiant.
• It is believed that an expectant mother consuming Swiftlet Nests would have a baby with fine and smooth complexion. Swiftlet Nest can also strengthen infant’s body and stimulate the growth of the brain.
• Swiftlet Nest is traditionally believed to raise libido.
• Swiftlet Nest can help strengthen the lungs and prevent respiratory problems.
• Swiftlet Nest is recommended to complement other treatments to combat degenerative diseases such as cancer.
• Recent studies in Hong Kong suggested that it may even be useful in the treatment of AIDS.
• Swiftlet Nest helps strengthen the body’s immune system and enhances metabolism of fat.
• Swiftlet Nest is recommended as a tonic for pregnant women, new mothers and elderly and to those recovering from extensive operation or injuries because it contains elements which can stimulate cell re-growth.
• Swiftlet Nest can alleviate tiredness and improve mental clarity when consume regularly.
Note: Not all Swiftlet Nest in the market are real and not any grade of Swiftlet Nest is strong enough to have any health benefits; it has to be the best grade and purchased through a reputable and trustworthy dealer. If you cannot afford to consume the finest grade, then there is no point in even taking the cheaper ones as they would have little or no medicinal value.

Caution:

• Be careful if you decide that you would like to have Swiftlet Nest soup. Many restaurants and shops sell soup with noodles shaped to resemble a Swiftlet Nest.
• Special care must always be taken to avoid Swiftlet Nest which show any signs of mold or mildew, as this can be dangerous.
• There are several unethical businessmen who use chemicals to bleach the Swiftlet Nest and claim to be selling pure Swiftlet Nest. Therefore, it is important for consumers to know how to identify chemically bleached Swiftlet Nest and avoid such purchase, as long term consumption of chemically bleached Swiftlet Nest can cause adverse health problems.

Swiftlet Nest Beauty and Health Benefits

Swiftlet Nest Beauty and Health Benefits
Swiftlet Nest Beauty and Health Benefits

The ancient Chinese prepared Swiftlet Nest for its nutritional and also medicinal value. The Chinese are already using the Swiftlet Nest in their cooking since 1,200 years ago. It believed to provide the anti-aging and the anticancer benefits for the body.
Swiftlet Nest is high in protein and carbohydrates. It also has the essential amino acids, hormones, and lipids. Swiftlet Nest also contain collagen and calcium. It gives a lot of health and beauty benefits including regenerating new cells, strengthening the bones, improve immunity, good for respiratory system and inhibit influenza infections.
Eu Yun Sang is a health and wellness company that leading in the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) industry. This company is adopting modern and also scientific approaches to produce their Traditional Chinese Medicine and other wellness products. According to Eu Yun Sang, here are the health benefits of consuming Swiftlet Nest:

1. Tonic

It has a lot of nutrients that can improve your health. It should be consumed before meals or empty stomach so the body can absorbs its nutrients.

2. Good For Immunity

For the one who have low level of immunity, this is a good supplement for you. People in China consumed Swiftlet Nest to promote a very good immune system for their body. The Swiftlet Nest contains glycoprotein, neutral energetic property and other minerals and vitamins that help to boost your immune system.

3. Beauty Care

Traditionally, Swiftlet Nest is a food that good for beauty and health. It improves the skin complexion and it has anti-aging properties as well. The women in China love to consume Swiftlet Nest because it is effectively maintain their youthfulness and giving them a very good skin. Swiftlet Nest has the properties called epidermal growth factor or EGF that help in repairing the tissue and promoting a very healthy skin by restoring it elasticity.

Good For All Ages

Someone who regularly consuming Swiftlet Nest soup will notice the health benefits such as stronger immunity and rarely having flu or colds, the skin appearance is radiant and younger, a speedy recovery to the wounds and scars, stronger bones and teeth, and their eye vision is getting better.
Swiftlet Nest soup is actually healthy for all ages. From the young ones to the adults, they can enjoy the Swiftlet Nest as their every day healthy supplement. Here are the summary of Swiftlet Nest goodness according to age and gender.
For The Children: Swiftlet Nest is one of the healthy foods that can improve the immune system of the kids. It will protect them from flu, cold, viral infections and it helps to alleviate asthma. It is great for the students as well because this food can give them the energy to reduce fatigue. They can improve their focus in studying at the same time.
For The Women: This is one of the healthy foods that improve the skin condition tremendously. It is rich in collagen, vitamins and protein that essential for the skin health. The skin will appear brighter, young and radiant. It can prevent the formation of wrinkles and aging signs.
For The Men: Swiftlet Nest is a good source for energy. It can reduce fatigue for men and give them energy at work. It is also good for their kidneys, lungs and heart because the Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) will contribute in promoting healthy cell for the organs.
For The Expecting Mothers: Pregnant women always have low immunity and Swiftlet Nest is a good supplement to strengthen their immunityduring pregnancy. It also a good source for calcium and help the mothers to have strong bones and teeth. It is also good for the fetus development because Swiftlet Nest has a lot of nutrients to offer. It also helps the mothers to recover after giving birth because this food provides energy and the EGF helps in recovering the body.
For The Elderly: This food improves eyesight and promotes a very healthy body for the elderly. It prevents the organ from any damages and prevents the cancer cell formations. It promotes a good digestion and provides energy for the elder to keep healthy and active. By consuming Swiftlet Nest regularly, it will improves their immunity against diseases as well.

The Nourishing Medicinal Benefits of Swiftlet Nest

The Nourishing Medicinal Benefits of Swiftlet Nest
The Nourishing Medicinal Benefits of Swiftlet Nest

Swiftlet Nest soups are prepared with nests of Swiftlets birds and are mostly consumed in Asia and several other parts of the world. But why exactly would anyone consider taking such soup? The answer is simple. The nests are nourishing and contain nutrients that act as medicines for general well-being.

Swiftlet Nest are Nutritious

It has been scientifically proven that Swiftlet Nest is made up of several minerals. However, glycoproteins which contain a combination of carbohydrate and protein properties are the major nutrients it contains.
The nests contain all the important amino acids which are the primary building blocks of protein. Specifically, six different types of Amino acids are found in Swiftlet Nest which are amide, humin, arginine, cystine, histidine and lysine. The entire level of mono-amino acids found in it is about 6 percent.

The entire protein in the nest constitutes about 85 percent, and fat of 0.3 percent. Also, Swiftlet Nest contain 2.5 percent ash, nitrogen of 10.3 percent, and carbohydrate that is up to the level of 17.4 percent. Furthermore, it contain a significant level of vitamin B1, sulphur, arsenate and phosphorus.
During consumption, the energy value per 100g portion is placed at 345 kilocalories. Other minerals found in the nest are iron and calcium. Calcium can build strong bones and teeth in children and adults.

Natural Source of Food and Nutrition

Swiftlet Nest is an absolute source of unique food and nutrition and it is 100% natural. They are the nests of Swiftlets which are built mostly during breeding seasons to raise their young ones. The nests are made up of the bird's saliva which contains several nutrients that is beneficial to humans.
Swiftlefts nests are absolutely safe to eat for anyone: babies, kids, and teenagers, adults male or female, young and old. The soup is absolutely safe for pregnant women too.
Also, the soup is strongly recommended for those convalescing. The nutrients in the nests can speed up the recovery process and makes healing faster. Since the soup is a rich source of food and nutrition, it is important to carefully examine all the nutrients that it contains.

What Your Body Benefits When You Consume Swiftlet Nests

The following are some of the major benefits of consuming the soup:

Renews Cell

Several research findings have strongly indicated that it contain collagen (an active protein molecule). Collagen stimulates the renewal of cells in the epidermis. Also, collagen bolsters cells immunity and boost resistance of the body toward harms that are caused by exposure to X-rays. Collagen speed up the healing of wound, stimulates healthy hair growth, improves development of the brain and prevents bone diseases.
Improves Body Wellness: one of the first major benefits of the soup is that it improves general body wellness. It strengthens every aspect of the body, bones, tissue and cells. Regular consumption of the soup will make you feel absolutely healthier. It energizes the immune system and leaves you with lower risk of contracting any disease.
Also, the soup fortifies the entire human immune system, makes the weak and old stronger; improve respiratory system in children and adult. Also, it helps children and adult learn better and faster by boosting their level of concentration. Additionally, regular consumption of the soup boosts libido.
Balanced Diet: it contain major nutrients that can replenish the body as balanced diet. It contains water, carbohydrate, calcium, iron, fat, nitrogen, protein and all the major amino acid necessary for proper functioning of the body. As such, the soup are considered a balanced diet that can be eaten by anyone.
Builds Healthy Beautiful Skin: it stimulate healthy growth of the skin which results in a radiant and adorable skin. This was one of the first nutritional benefits of the nests that were discovered. The wives of ancient Chinese Emperors were known for consuming Swiftlet Nests soup in order to maintain their beauty and dazzling skin.
Several research findings have further revealed how the nutrients in Swiftlet Nests stimulate healthy skin growth and appearance. Swiftlet Nests prevent and treat premature skin aging. Swiftlet Nests incite cell division, build tissue, controls the endocrine system, clear off wrinkles and makes the skin glitter with beauty and youthfulness.
Reliable Source of Nutrients for Pregnant Women: it has been scientifically proven that Swiftlet Nest is a rich source of nutrients for pregnant women and their unborn children (fetus). During the pregnancy (pre-natal) period, eating the soup will replenish and strengthen the body of the pregnant woman.
Women that consume Swiftlet Nest during pregnancy always recover faster and better after childbirth. Such women experience lesser or no loss of hair, become stronger, and experience better sleep after childbirth.
As a rich source of calcium for pregnant women, Swiftlet Nest fortifies liver and lungs and enhances metabolism. The unborn child too also benefits from the soup the mother consumes. Pregnant women that eat the soup give birth to healthier babies with beautiful smooth skin
Aid Digestion: the soup is a strong solution for indigestion. The nest contains several nutrients one of which is enzymes. Enzymes can easily act on food in the stomach to quicken the digestion process. Digestion releases the nutrients in food so the body can absorb and benefit from such nutrient. Also, Swiftlet Nests accelerate the rate of metabolism.
Supplement to Other Food: it can be taken as supplement to other food mostly for children suffering of malnutrition. People placed on a particular diet for health reasons can consume Swiftlet Nests as a supplement to their recommended diets. The nutrients in Swiftlet Nest can supplement nutrients in other foods and replenish the body better and faster.

Source of Traditional Chinese Medicine

For many centuries, Swiftlet Nests have been a unique source of traditional Chinese medicine. It has been used for the treatment of several ailments, diseases and during convalesce. It is widely believed that the nest acts as anti-aging and anti-cancer properties.
Also, the Swiftlet Nest soup is strongly recommended for the treatment of asthma, cold, cough, influenza, weak blood, and cancer. Also, it has been found to be potent in boosting libido, enhancing physical strength, and absolutely effective as a health tonic. Also, the soup is taken in order to increase lifespan and for the treatment of cough and asthma.


Health Benefits of Swiftlet Nest

Health Benefits of Swiftlet Nest
Health Benefits of Swiftlet Nest

Swiftlet Nest has been an esteemed food tonic due to its highly evaluated function of being nutritious (water soluble protein, carbohydrate, iron, inorganic salt and fiber) and of medical benefit (anti-aging, anti-cancer and immunity-enhancing).
One of the major glyconutrients in Swiftlet Nest is sialic acid (9.0%). Sialic acids have beneficial effect on the neurological and intellectual of infants. As an excellent immune system moderator, sialic acid affects the flow resistance in mucus which in turn repels bacteria, viruses and other harmful microbes. In terms of nutritional contents, the main components of Swiftlet Nest includes water-soluble proteins, carbohydrate, trace elements such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, sodium and potassium and amino acid which play a vital role in promoting body health.

The health benefits of Swiftlet Nest can be summarised as follows:

1. Improves Skin Complexion

This is the best known fact about Swiftlet Nest consumption. It is reputed to maintain youthfulness and improve skin complexion. Someone who consume Swiftlet Nest on a regular basis often radiates a clean and clear facial complexion.

2. Improves Body Immunity System

If you consume Swiftlet Nest on a long term and regular basis, it helps to improve general body well being. It strengthens every aspect of the body: bones, tissue and cells. Naturally, you will feel healthier. It energises the immune system and leaves you with lower risk of contracting any disease. Swiftlet Nests fortify the entire human immune system, making the weak and old stronger and improving the respiratory system in children and adult. Studies have shown that Swiftlet Nest is rich in epidermal growth factor(EGF). This substance is responsible for skin and tissue repair.

3. As a health supplement for Pregnant Women

Swiftlet Nest provides a rich source of nutrients for Pregnant Women and their unborn children (fetus). During the pregnancy or pre-natal period, eating Swiftlet Nest will help to strengthen the body of the pregnant woman. Women that consume Swiftlet Nest during pregnancy always recover faster and better after childbirth. Such women experience lesser or no loss of hair, become stronger, and experience better sleep after childbirth. The unborn child too also benefits from the Swiftlet Nests the mother consumes. Pregnant women that eat Swiftlet Nests give birth to healthier babies with beautiful and smoother skin.

4. A good supplement for growing children.

Swiftlet Nest contains proteins, amino acids and minerals that are essential for the healthy development of growing children. Regular consumption helps prevent colds and flus. By improving the function of the Lungs and Kidneys, Swiftlet Nest helps boost the body’s immune system and increase resistance to external environmental factors.

5. As a treatment for ailments

For many centuries, Swiftlet Nest has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for treating certain ailments. It is strongly recommended for the treatment of asthma, cold, cough. It is widely believed that Swiftlet Nest has anti-aging and anti-cancer properties.


What is Swiftlet Nest, secret unveiled

What is Swiftlet Nest, secret unveiled
What is Swiftlet Nest, secret unveiled

Hi there, if you have never come into contact with Swiftlet Nest before, youmust be wondering what’s all this fuss about Swiftlet Nest. What is Swiftlet Nest, really ? What is so great about Swiftlet Nest and why is it so expensive.  Well, Swiftlet Nest or to be more exact Swiftlet Nests are actually nests woven by the secreted saliva of certain swiftlet species during their breeding seasons. It is widely consumed as a health food due to its high beneficial effects to human health and has been considered to be one of the most precious food items by the Chinese for thousands of years.  It is frequently being referred to as the “Caviar of the East” because  it fetches a premium price and regarded as an esteemed food product in the East.

History of Swiftlet Nest

There were many versions on the history of Swiftlet Nest, but the mostadmiral cheng ho
interesting one attributed the discovery of Swiftlet Nest to Admiral Cheng Ho of the Ming Dynasty. According to the legend, Admiral Cheng Ho encountered a big thunderstorm during one of his sailing expedition across the south east asian sea during the 15th century. He and his subordinates were stranded on a malay island and they were seriously short of food supplies. In their search for food, they found these Swiftlet Nests stuck to the side of the cliffs. As they were desperately in need of food and nourishment, they boiled these Swiftlet Nests in water and consumed them to fill their stomachs.
After consuming these Swiftlet Nest soup for a while, Admiral Cheng Ho realized that the soldiers were getting more energized, and some sick soldiers were even recovering faster from their illness. Some even gained healthier complexions. Realizing the health benefits of these newly found Swiftlet Nests, Admiral Cheng Ho brought some back to present to the Emperor. Since then, Swiftlet Nest became a food delicacy in the palace, serving primarily the royal families. The emperor’s wife and concubines will especially consume Swiftlet Nest regularly to maintain their beauty and youthful looks.

White-Nest Swiftlet and Black-Nest Swiftlet

Not all nests produced by swiftlets are edible. The nests of the white-nest swiftlet (Aerodramus fuciphagus) and the black-nest swiftlet (Aerodramus maximus) are constructed from the saliva of the swiftlets and these specifies actually produce the Swiftlet Nests. There are other swiftlet species that construct their nests largely out of vegetation such as grass, feather and mud and these nests necessarily do not have any commercial values. In Malaysia, the nests of the white-nest swiftlet and the black-nest swiftlet are heavily harvested.

White-Nest Swiftlet

The white-nest swiftlet is a small bird of the swift family which can be white-nest swiftletfound in South East Asia. Its nest is made of solidified saliva and is harvested and used to make Swiftlet Nest soup. It is roughly about 11 to 12 cm long and weighs 15 to 18 grams. The plumage is blackish-brown above, paler on the under parts. The rump is slightly paler than the rest of the upper parts. The tail is slightly forked and the wings are long and narrow. It’s bill and feet are black.

Black-Nest Swiftlet

The black-nest swiftlet also makes it’s nest from solidified saliva. black-nest swiftletIt shares a lot of similarities with the white-nest swiftlet except for a few differences. A white-nest swiftlet has shorter wings, a deeper tail-notch, and a darker underpart compared to its close homolog, black-nest swiftlet.

Swiftlet life cycles

The life cycles and of swiftlets and their behaviours in various habitat conditions have been observed and studied in detail over a long period of time. Swiftlets are known to be monogamous and breed with high nest site fidelity (Viruhpintu et al., 2002). Swiftlets start to breed roughly at the age of one-year-old (Nguyen, Quang & Voisin, 2002). However, the breeding cycle and the associated breeding activities such as the nest-building, egg laying, egg incubation and young rearing may vary across different species and geological regions. These variations could be influenced by climatic factors such as the amount of rainfall, air humidity, and food availability (Langham, 1980).
Generally speaking, the breeding cycle of a swiftlet species is approximately 92–120 days with a clutch size of two eggs (Langham, 1980; Lim et al., 2002; Viruhpintu et al., 2002). Black-nest swiftlet produces a single egg clutch with an approximate egg size of 16-25 mm; while white-nest swiftlet normally lays two eggs per clutch with approximate egg size of 10-15mm. The incubation and fledging periods for both white-nest swiftlet and black-nest swiftlet were 23±3 days and 43±6 days, respectively (Langham, 1980; Lim et al., 2002; Medway, 1962). Swiftlets breed throughout the year but mostly from October to February (Langham, 1980). Swiftlets take approximately 30-45 days to complete a single nest during the breeding season and about 60-80 days in non-breeding season (Aowphol, Voris, Feldheim, Harnyuttanakorn & Thirakhupt, 2008). According to Marcone (2005), nests are built almost exclusively by male swiftlets in approximately 35 days; however Lim et al (2002) reported that both male and female participate in the nest building.

Cave Swiftlet Nest versus House Swiftlet Nest

Swiftlet Nest are aerial insectivores, which take prey like flies on
the wing. They roost and breed in caves. During the day they leave the caves to forage for food, and return to roost at night. They are monogamous and both partners take part in caring for the nestlings. Males perform aerial displays to attract females and mating occurs at the nest. The breeding season overlaps the wet season, which corresponds to an increased insect population. Basically Swiftlet Nest may be categorised as cave Swiftlet Nest or house Swiftlet Nest based on the habitat of the swiftlet.
Cave Swiftlet Nest
The cave Swiftlet Nest comes from the natural habitat of the Swiftlet Nest. Swiftlet breed naturally on limestone caves anNiah Caved clings to the surface of the walls and ceilings of these caves. From research studies, it was found that swiftlets construct their nests at different areas of the cave wall to avoid interspecific competition for nestling space, and both the black-nest swiftlets and white nest swiftlets select their nestling areas by unique characteristics and not randomly. It was also found that the white nest is commonly distributed at low altitude natural cave up to 1280 m highland while black-nest swiflet normally roosts from sea level to a height of 1830 m (Lim et al., 2002). Researchers speculated that the black-nest swiftlet is able to fly and live at higher altitude due to its larger body and larger wings.
Most edible swiftlets live in the tropical Indo-Pacific region and do not migrate. These birds usually remain in one cave or other roosting/nesting site. Examples of cave sites include the Niah Caves and Gunung Mulu National Park, which are both located in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo.
The caves are also well known for the birds’ nest industry. They are also a popular tourist destination in Sarawak. Every section of the ceiling in the caves where there are birds roosting is privately owned and only the owner has the right to collect the nests. Collection is done half-yearly (usually in January and in June). The collector will climb up hundreds of feet on a single pole to the cave ceiling and scrapes off the nest in flickering candlelight.
House Swiftlet Nest
House Swiftlet Nests are basically Swiftlet Nest that are collected from Nesting Housethe man-made habitat of Swiftlet Nest. With the escalation in demand for Swiftlet Nest, the natural sources of Swiftlet Nest from limestone caves have been supplanted since the late 1990s by purpose-built nesting houses.
In swiftlet farming industry, man created an artificial house that resembles the natural habitat for swiftlets to roost. Studies on swiftlet nesting behaviours in natural habitat provide important information to improve the breeding environment of swiftlet houses. Man-made swiftlet houses are cave-like environments that allow the swiftlets to construct nests. Swiftlet houses can be found all over Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand due to the active swiftlet farming industry of both white-nest and black-nest swiftlets. Generally, swiftlet houses are normally built close to the coast or far inland to create suitable conditions for swiftlet farming. Several elements such as light intensity, temperature, air velocity and humidity were controlled and optimised in order to replicate a suitable living environment for the swiftlets. The main entrance hole of a swiftlet house is usually designed near the top of the structure in order to avoid direct sunlight and to limit the light intensity of the structure (Sankaran, 2001). Normally, the building is constructed as a closed structure with only a limited number of ventilation holes. Air movement will cause evaporation to reduce the humidity level and air temperature inside the building. The temperature is controlled by the air ventilation while humidity is controlled by the installed humidifiers and the pools of water provided inside the structure. Temperature and humidity are important to ensure nestling success and produce good quality nests.
This has become an extraordinary industry, mainly based on a series of towns in the Indonesian province of North Sumatra, which have been completely transformed by the activity.
From there the nests are mostly exported to the markets in Hong Kong, which has become the centre of the world trade, though most of the final consumers are from mainland China.

Swiftlet Nest Drink - Is it really healthy?

Swiftlet Nest Drink - Is it really healthy?
Swiftlet Nest Drink - Is it really healthy?

Also known as Birds Nest Drink, I recently got some from family, who bought it from Costco. It's by Golden Nest and claims to have 100% genuine swallow Swiftlet Nest. I tried a pre-chilled bottle and it tasted fine with some soft chunks of what I assumed to be the actual Swiftlet Nest. Regarding the drink itself, I felt it was a bit sweet, and there is 14 grams of sugar.
I've heard a lot about Swiftlet Nest drinks, especially the supposed health benefits. But I've never really done my own research, so here's everything that I've read and learned so far:

What is it?

• It's the saliva of the nest of the swiflets.
• Male swiftlets build the nest with the saliva, which forms a type of salivary glue (imagine a cement) for their nest.
• Different varieties and grades of Swiftlet Nest are available.
• Harvested Swiftlet Nest can be cooked into a soup or drink.
Harvesting and Cleaning Process:
• Traditionally harvested in limestone caves by climbing up tall ladders... quite dangerous!
• Cleaned by removing twigs and feathers that are also part of the Swiftlet Nest.
• The popularity has created "farms" of concrete builds designed to breed and harvest Swiftlet Nest.
• Popularity has attracted counterfeits: even China has banned some imports of Swiftlet Nest.
• Cleaning fresh Swiftlet Nest is best done with cold water, as opposed chemicals that deplete nutritional value.
• Not considered (by me) to be unethical to swallow because it's harvested after the bird's leave and abandon the nest.

Pricing:

• Swiftlet Nest can cost up to $4,500/lb.
• Costco Sells Swiftlet Nest Drink: 8 x 8oz bottles for $20.
• Different grades of Swiftlet Nest can fetch different prices.

Reasons for Swiftlet Nest

• Health benefit reasons, discussed in more details below.
• A sign of luxury, similar to shark fin soup.
• At a restaurant during a business meeting, Swiftlet Nest is ordered a sign of good faith.

At Home Preparation and Consumption:

• Suggested best time to consume is on an empty stomach: either in the morning or right before bedtime.
• Experts recommend 3 grams for those between 1 to 12 years. 5-10 grams for everyone else.
• Don't cook over 100C, which would destroy nutritional value.
• Soup should be prepared in a double boiler for 20 minutes max.
• Can be prepared with rock sugar, ginseng, red dried dates, dried longans, fresh ginger, egg white, pandan leaves.
• Soak dried Swiftlet Nest overnight in cold water to soften and expand.
Health Benefits:
• Little research has been performed on biological function of Swiftlet Nest.
• Saliva has high levels of calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium.
• High in Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), beneficial for skin.
• Has all the essential amino acids
• Used in traditional Chinese medicine
• Believed to have anti-aging (remove wrinkles) and anti-cancer properties
• Believed to improve concentration and raise libido.
• Good for Pregnant Women: helps with stretch marks due to collagen, can help reduce risk of pre-eclampsia.

Risks:

• Not recommended for pregnant women during the first trimester.
• Some people have negative reactions: anaphylaxic.
• Try a small amount first, to test for allergies!

How To Cook Swiftlet Nest Dishes And Swiftlet Nest Soups

How To Cook Swiftlet Nest Dishes And Swiftlet Nest Soups
How To Cook Swiftlet Nest Dishes And Swiftlet Nest Soups

Buying Swiftlet Nests in Singapore? And eating Swiftlet Nests on a regular basis? How about learning new ways to cook Swiftlet Nests from Chef George!

How To Cook Steam Egg Swiftlet Nests

Steam Egg Swiftlet Nests. A really simple and homely dish. Mmmm……who says Swiftlet Nests can’t be savoury?
Recipe for 4 to 6 servings
• 1 piece of dried Swiftlet Nest about 8gm (soaked)
• 2 eggs
• 250ml chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons chinese rice wine
• A dash of pepper
• Follow instructions in video above, steam for about 8 to 10 mins.

How To Cook Pumpkin Scallop Swiftlet Nests Porridge

Think Autumn Harvest And Sweet Golden Pumpkins Come To Mind. Gifts Of Love From Mother Earth.
This Autumn, our featured dish is a pot of wholesome, nutritious, tasty and rich Pumpkin Scallop Swiftlet Nests Porridge. Warms the heart and soul. A simple yet healthy meal for all in your family!
Ingredients for 4 portions
• 5gm of dried Swiftlet Nests (or, half of a large whole nest), soaked, drained and loosened
• 5 medium to large size hokkaido dried scallops, soaked and peeled into shreds
• 200gm pumpkin, washed and chopped into small cubes
• half cup white rice, washed and drained
• 1 litre of water
Recipe:
• Prior preparation time (before cooking) includes soaking the Swiftlet Nests in water (about 2 hours),soaking the dried scallops in water (about 2 hours), chopping the pumpkin (5 mins).
• Place water, rice, pumpkin and dried scallops in a pot and bring to boil on an open stove.
• Lower the heat and cook for about 30mins, or until the soft porridge is cooked, stirring occasionally.
• Once porridge is soft, add in the softened Swiftlet Nests and cook for about 5 mins, stirring occasionally, or until the Swiftlet Nests turn soft and gelatin.

Tips:
• Using an electric cooker for porridge will do too.
• Hokkaido scallops are rich in flavors and there is no need to add salt to taste.
• If you are using Japanese pumpkins, they are harder and takes a little more time to soften.
• Pumpkins are sweet and rich in flavor too, and makes the porridge creamy.
Enjoy cooking your pot of Golden Pumpkin Porridge for your family!

How To Cook Soft Brown Rice Swiftlet Nest Porridge

TeoChew Porridge?
Looks like it, but with a twist!
Healthy plain Swiftlet Nest porridge, cooked using soft brown rice. Warm and nutritious.The special soft brown rice from Cambodia is rich in nutrients, magnesium,selenium, and various vitamins B. The premium white house Swiftlet Nests are from Indonesia, full of proteins and amino acids. Combined and cooked into a nice warm pot of porridge.
A wholesome meal for all in the family. Great for breakfast or lunch! Enjoy the Swiftlet Nest porridge with simple side dishes like stir-fried vegetables, stewed pork, steamed fish or eggs.
Interested in FREE soup cooking demo and tasting at your home? Or what about having your own Swiftlet Nest party? Learn more here.

How to prepare dried Swiftlet Nest for cooking

1 whole nest is sufficient to prepare 4 rice/dessert bowls of thick Swiftlet Nest soup as illustrated in the recipe below.
Soak dried nests in a bowl of clear tap water for at least 4 hours.
Once softened, strained from bowl and are ready for cooking.
Strands can be loosened individually if preferred finer and smoother texture.
Step 1: Pandan flavoured soup
Boil a small pot of water using approximately 4 rice bowls of water. This portion is for thick soup using 2 whole nests, use more water if diluted soup is preferred. Generally, use 2 rice bowls of water for 1 whole Swiftlet Nest.
Add in pandan leaves and boil for about 3 minutes until water turn light green and the aroma of pandan fragrance comes out.
Remove pandan leaves.
Step 2: Double Boil softened dried Swiftlet Nests in soup
Place the softened dried Swiftlet Nests into the pandan soup.
Double boil for about 15 to 20 minutes for best chewy, jelly soft texture. Avoid boiling too long as nests would become too soft.
Add desired amount of crystal rock sugar to taste.
Step 3: Serve your soup
Based on the above portions of Swiftlet Nests and water, this pot of warm cooked soup can serve 4 rice/dessert bowls of thick Swiftlet Nest soup.

Tips on cooking and consuming Swiftlet Nests

Tip 1: For fast and best results, use a double boiler for cooking Swiftlet Nest soup.
Tip 2: Swiftlet Nests are best consumed at night (between 10pm to 11pm) before bedtime, or early in the morning on an empty stomach as these are the optimum periods when the body readily repairs itself or absorb nutrients.
Tip 3: Anti-aging effects and smooth youthful looking skin come with long term regular consumption of Swiftlet Nests. Consume about 50ml on a daily basis. A single piece of Swiftlet Nest ($30) can be used to cook a small pot of 500ml soup. 50ml of soup is only $3! That’s $3 a day!
Tip 4: Although Swiftlet Nest soup are best consumed when freshly cooked, it can be stored in closed containers in fridge for up to 10 days, and consumed over a period.
Tip 5: Swiftlet Nest soup can be drank warm or cold! Swiftlet Nest dishes can be sweet or savoury!