For centuries, Edible Bird's Nest (EBN) has been esteemed in traditional Chinese medicine for its substantial health benefits when served as a luxurious soup. This exotic delicacy is not only a symbol of opulence but is also acclaimed for its significant nutritional value and therapeutic advantages. Today, let's explore the scientific backing that highlights why this ancient remedy continues to be a staple in modern wellness practices.
Nutritional Composition of Edible Bird's Nests
EBN is highly nutritious, featuring a complex composition that supports various body functions[1]:
- Protein (56.2 – 61.5%): Includes all nine essential amino acids and more*, facilitating crucial bodily functions[2, 3].
- Carbohydrate (22.3 – 27.6%): Primarily involved in providing energy.
- Moisture (12.9 – 15.9%): Indicates freshness and purity of the nests.
- Fat (0.14 – 0.67%): Extremely low in fat, making it a healthy option.
- Bioactive compounds:
- Antioxidants[1]
- Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) for tissue growth[4]
- Glucosamine[1]
- Minerals: Calcium (Ca), Sodium (Na), Magnesium (Mg), Potassium (K), Phosphorous (P), and Iron (Fe) which are vital for various metabolic processes[5].
- Sialic acid which is crucial for cognitive functions[1, 4].
Discover the Comprehensive Health Benefits of Edible Bird's Nest
Explore the wide-ranging health benefits of Edible Bird's Nest (EBN) and how it can contribute to different aspects of your health:
Corneal Health and Wound Healing
EBN enhances the proliferative capacity of corneal keratocytes, crucial for eye health and efficient wound healing. The avian epidermal growth factor present promotes cellular division and phenotypical integrity, accelerating corneal repair[6].
Cognitive and Neuroprotective Benefits
EBN acts as a neuroprotective agent, particularly beneficial in combating diseases like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and Huntington’s. It supports structural and functional neuron integrity, reduces oxidative stress, and prevents neurotoxic effects through its high sialic acid content[7].
Bone Strength and Osteoporosis Prevention
Particularly useful for post-menopausal women, EBN aids in enhancing bone mineral density and structural integrity due to its rich chondroitin glycosaminoglycans (GAG) content, offering a natural alternative to hormone replacement therapies[8].
Skin Hydration and Complexion Enhancement
EBN's glycoproteins and amino acids support skin hydration through their significant impact on natural moisturizing factors (NMFs), like filaggrin. These elements help maintain skin water balance and reduce trans-epidermal water loss, promoting a healthier, more radiant complexion[9].
Supporting Pregnancy and Embryonic Development
The high levels of sialic acids in EBN play a crucial role in fertilization and embryonic development. These acids enhance sperm-egg interaction and are vital for the viability and health of the embryo, supporting a successful pregnancy[10].
The Bottom Line
Edible Bird’s Nest is more than a delicacy—it’s a nutrient-rich supplement that offers extensive health benefits, from enhancing cognitive functions and skin vitality to supporting bone health and pregnancy. Integrating EBN into your diet can profoundly impact your health and well-being, backed by centuries of traditional use and contemporary scientific evidence. Whether aiming to enhance mental clarity, improve skin health, or support a healthy pregnancy, EBN’s unique benefits make it an exemplary addition to a holistic health regimen.
*All 18 Amino Acids in Edible Bird's Nest[2]:
|
Alanine (Ala) |
Arginine (Arg) |
Aspartic acid (Asp) | Cysteine (Cys) |
|
Glutamic acid (Glu) |
Glycine (Gly) |
Histidine (His) | Isoleucine (Ile) |
|
Leucine (Leu) |
Lysine (Lys) |
Methionine (Met) | Phenylalanine (Phe) |
|
Proline (Pro) |
Serine (Ser) |
Threonine (Thr) | Tryptophan (Trp) |
|
Tyrosine (Tyr) |
Valine (Val) |
References
[1] Halimi N.M, Kasim Z.M, et al. Nutritional Composition and Solubility of Edible Bird’s Nest. September 2014. AIP Conf. Proc. 1614, Pg. 476 – 481. doi: https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4895243
[2] Azmi N.A, Lee T.H, et al. Differentiation Unclean and Cleaned Edible Bird’s Nest using Multivariate Analysis of Amino Acid Composition Data. January 2021. Pertanika J. Sci. & Technol. Vol 1, No. 29, Pg. 677 – 691. Doi: https://doi.org/10.47836/pjst.29.1.36
[3] Recommended Dietary Allowances 10th Edition. National Academy Press, Pg. 53, 1989.
[4] Bai W., Deng F., Zhang X. et al. The determination of epidermal growth factor in Edible bird's nest by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Appl Biol Chem 66, 36 (2023). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13765-023-00794-2
[5] Ang K.M, Seow E.K, et al. Classification of edible bird’s nest samples using a logistic regression model through the mineral ratio approach. Food Control, Vol. 137, 2022. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2022.108921
[6] Zainal A.F, Hui C.K, et al. Effects of edible bird's nest on cultured rabbit corneal keratocytes. BMC Complement Altern Med 11, 94 (2011). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-11-94
[7] Lee T.H, Wani W.A, et al. Edible Bird's Nest: The Functional Values of the Prized Animal-Based Bioproduct From Southeast Asia-A Review. Front Pharmacol. 2021 Apr 19. doi: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.626233
[8] Matsukawa N, Matsumoto M, et al. Improvement of bone strength and dermal thickness due to dietary edible bird's nest extract in ovariectomized rats. Biosci. Biotechnol. Biochem. 2011;75(3):590-2. doi: https://doi.org/10.1271/bbb.100705
[9] Lai Q.W, Guo M.S, et al. Edible Bird's Nest, an Asian Health Food Supplement, Possesses Moisturizing Effect by Regulating Expression of Filaggrin in Skin Keratinocyte. Front Pharmacol. July 2021. doi: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.685982
[10] Varki A. Sialic acids in human health and disease. Trends Mol Med. 2008 Aug;14(8):351-60. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molmed.2008.06.002