Made from the edible saliva of certain species of swiftlets, Bird’s Nest has been consumed and used as a health tonic since the Tang and Sung dynasties of ancient China. Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that the ingredient is a neutral-energy tonic that aids to reinforce energy, nourishes the lungs, spleen and improve the complexion.
So is that the tiny bottle of bird’s nest really the solution to all your skin problems? We’ve dug deep into medical studies and research papers to uncover the truth behind this delicacy.
Bird’s Nest is made out of mostly glycoprotein which are cells that have diverse functions in all areas of the body, it also contains 18 amino acids, some of which cannot be manufactured by the human body, carbohydrates, and mineral salts. Aficionados tell of it’s rejuvenating and healing properties with the highest grades of Bird’s Nest commanding up to $5,000USD.
And it seems that science agrees with tradition this time, several studies have found that Bird’s Nest consumption aids in the regeneration and differentiation (the process in which cells which are less specialised develops or grows into a more specialised one) of cells.
A joint study done by several Chinese universities tested the effects of common chemotherapy drug, cyclophosphamide which suppresses and slows the immune system, on mice and the effects of the consumption of Bird’s Nest with relation the slowdown of the immune system.
The study found that Bird’s Nest consumption, “effectively accelerates the proliferation of B-cells and the antibody secretion of cells.”
T-Cells releasing chemical signals to help a B-Cell divide to connect with invading viruses. The B-Cells then turn into Plasma cells to release antibodies.
The study concluded that the consumption of Bird’s Nest was most likely the cause of the “involved in the proliferation and activation of B-cells and the antibody secretion of cells.” Which indicate that consuming Bird’s Nest may help to relieve the immune suppressing effects caused by chemotherapy.
Other studies like this, suggest that Bird’s Nest consumption can help the prevention of certain influenza viruses and delay conditions such as Parkinson's Disease!
It plays a part in the quest for great skin by promoting the growth of skin cells, namely - keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Keratinocytes are responsible for a healthy skin barrier and help your skin look supple and smooth while fibroblasts help with synthesizing extracellular matrix and collagen - the framework of the skin.
Lab tests done by Oryza Japan showed that the consumption of Bird’s Nest helped to reduce Trans Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL), a process where the outermost layer of our skin loses water to the surrounding air through evaporation, as much as by 30% Results showed tremendous improvement on skin moisture where transepidermal water loss is reduced by 30%
The test also used a DermaLab Ultrasound Imaging System done on test subjects also found that dermal collagen score of test subjects increased by 7% a month after the daily consumption of Bird’s Nest.
As amazing as Bird’s Nest might be for health, it is not a cure-all and does not replace the effects of medicine or a good diet. However, using it as a supplement or tonic would do wonders for your health and beauty. Does it deserve the reputation that it has? Science says yes.
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