What Is Bird Saliva Nest Soup, The New Skincare Trend That Has Grossed Us Out?
Bird saliva nest soup, commonly known as bird's nest soup, is made from the edible nests of swiftlets!
Among the various exotic ingredients that have made their way into modern beauty routines from ancient Asian practices, bird saliva nest soup stands out as both intriguing and controversial. This unusual delicacy, often referred to as the caviar of the East, has been a staple in countries like China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore, celebrated for its supposed anti-ageing and health-boosting properties.
What is Bird Saliva Nest Soup?
Bird saliva nest soup, commonly known as bird’s nest soup, is made from the edible nests of swiftlets, a bird species native to Southeast and East Asia. Unlike most birds, swiftlets construct their nests almost entirely from their hardened saliva, rather than using twigs and feathers. Once harvested, these nests are meticulously cleaned and solidified, making them ready for culinary and medicinal use.
Bird’s nest soup is revered for its rich nutritional profile and potential health benefits:
Anti-Ageing: In particular, it is said that this soup promotes the production of collagen responsible for giving the skin its elasticity, moisture and looks thus preventing wrinkles and minimizing fine lines.
Immune Boost: According to numerous reports, it contains sialic acid which strengthens human immunity against infections and other diseases.
Nutrient-Rich: The nutrients present in the soup include important proteins, and essential amino acids such as potassium, calcium iron and magnesium that are useful in facilitating the cell recovery process as well as rejuvenation.
Overall Wellness: Some people say it enhances the energy levels of users besides maintaining strong gut health and boosting libido.
Cultural Significance and Market Demand
Bird’s nest soup is not just a health supplement but also a sort of luxury present often exchanged during important occasions like the Lunar New Year in many Asian cultures. Its high price ranging from about $2,000 to $3,000 for only 500 grams is indicative of how much it is worth and the process behind its acquisition.
Controversy and Scientific Scrutiny
Although bird’s nest soup has been highly regarded for several generations now, there are only a few scientific studies providing evidence that it indeed nourishes the skin, enhances immune functions or promotes rejuvenation. Furthermore, swiftlet nests’ harvesting can destroy the environment as it entails over-gathering all that exists in an area.
Also Read: Korean Skincare Trends Of 2024: Your Guide To Radiant, Dewy Skin!
Potential Side Effects
Bird’s nest soup is generally considered safe; however, there are some risk factors associated with its consumption:
Allergic Reactions: Some people might not tolerate bird saliva proteins or impurities present in nests.
Contaminants: Careless picking and processing may encourage bacterial or fungal infection as well as heavy metal content.
Digestive Issues: Large amounts of protein may lead to digestive distress including diarrhoea.
Bird saliva nest soup due to its long cultural heritage and claimed medicinal advantages has continued to mesmerize beauty enthusiasts globally. Nevertheless, its expensiveness, potential environmental consequences and lack of supporting scientific data suggest the need for caution when using it since it may have some benefits thereby warranting close examination.
First Published: July 24, 2024 12:43 PM
