Is there scientific prove for the nutritious value of Swiftlet’s Nest?

There are many studies that have proven the effectiveness of consuming Swiftlet’s Nest:

A Clinical Experimental prospective:

According to a recent medical research reported by Hong Kong Chinese University, the cell division enzyme and hormone of Swiftlet’s Nest can promote reproduction and rebirth of human cells. The Glycoprotein content directly stimulates cell growth in our immune system. As a result, body metabolism is enhanced and functional effects are greatly improved. Effective results of Swiftlet’s Nest are observed when they are consumed by adults (particularly women), children, elderly, and patients.

Chinese Medication's Point of View:

The following is a list of Swiftlet’s Nest benefits documented by TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) Practitioners:

1. Enhances rebirth of cells and tissues (Epidermal growth factor).
2. Enhances the body's immune system through promotion of cell division.
3. Strengthens the body's self-regulating actions and resistance to disease.
4. Improving heart functions and to reducing blood pressure.
5. Assist in prevention of cancer through rich antioxidants.
6. Aides in the regeneration and growth of cells.
7. Aides in the treatment of cancer patients
8. Regulate blood supply all around the body.
9. Improves the skin complexion.
10. Reducing fatigues.

Swiftlet’s Nest from a Nutrition Point of View:

Swiftlet’s Nest contains several organic nutrients including high water-soluble glycoprotein and amino acid. It is an excellent restorative food that is beneficial for any age or gender. The main nutrition contents of Swiftlet’s Nest are (glycoprotein) and amino acids (80%) (amide, humin, arginine, cystine, histidine and lysine) and various minerals 6%) such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iron and iodine.

Vietnamese hope to meet demand for Swiftlet’s Nest

In Vietnam, where the average income is $151 a month, Mai Vu and husband David Nguyen routinely spend $250 on Swiftlet’s Nest.

The couple account for the soaring appetite among Vietnam’s young and upwardly mobile population for one of the world’s most expensive foods, congealed saliva of Asian Swiftlet’s Nest. The country’s expanding middle class hungers for healthy food. Swiftlet’s Nest is believed to ward off diseases and feeds a growing demand for luxury products.

Is there scientific prove for the nutritious value of Swiftlet’s Nest?

‘‘It’s one of the most valuable products one can give to those who have everything,’’ said Vu, 28, who works at an international bank in Hanoi and was shopping for Swiftlet’s Nest for her toddler daughter at a new, upscale mall. ‘‘You want to impress people.’’

It’s good for you, plus it’s really damn expensive

Swiftlet’s Nest and Baijiu in Zhuhai, Guangdong

“It’s good for you. Food and medicine are inextricably linked everywhere in China"

God, I shouldn’t have come, I told myself in a hurried panic. What began as a pleasant enough baijiu-fueled traditional Chinese wedding quickly descended into madness as small bowls of Swiftlet’s Nest were distributed around the table, one by one. At last, my time had come. “It’s good for you. Food and medicine are inextricably linked everywhere in China,” my new friend, Alex, insisted as he filled my bowl to the brim. “Plus, it’s really damn expensive.” I was cornered.
Swiftlet’s Nest is rumored to have a history that stretches as far back as the Ming Dynasty, when the admiral Zheng He was stranded on a remote Southeast Asian island without any food or water. After failing to find anything vaguely recognizable, Zheng and his troops reluctantly settled on the ovular Swiftlet’s Nest scattered around the island. Certain that these delicate, air-filled nests would offer no sustenance whatsoever, they were pleasantly surprised by how rapidly their energy was replenished. Upon returning to Chinese soil, Swiftlet’s Nest were offered to the emperor as gifts. They became a regional sensation and at the height of the Ming era, domestic supplies could not keep up with impossibly high demand. Swiftlet’s Nest became a sought-after symbol of prosperity, class, and refinement. This reputation would stretch into the modern era. Much later, during the terror of Mao Zedong’s rule, the dish was banned for its decadence and association with “capitalist roaders.”

I was thankful for Alex’s history lesson; procrastination at its finest. I suggested a round of baijiu shots in a desperate attempt to distract from the scalding soup sitting in front of me. I soon regretted my decision. Though bird farmers are infamously private when it comes to their craft, one of our tablemates decided to tell me about the birds in excruciating detail. As it turns out, Swiftlet’s Nest are remarkable because the birds bind them together with saliva and pre-digested seaweed, as opposed to repurposed twigs and vegetation.
Wanting to get this over with, I impulsively went in for a bite, one that was probably far too ambitious for a first taste.

Meaty taste was unlike anything I had ever encountered

The soup itself wasn’t all that flavorful. Still, the second the spoon touched my tongue, I couldn’t help but be confused. The combination of a gelatinous, jelly-like consistency with a savory, meaty taste was unlike anything I had ever encountered. I wondered if uncooked bouillon cubes were anything like this. Individual nest strands were visible; translucent and slippery, they resembled thickened vermicelli noodles. I found myself chewing for at least a minute with each bite. Another round of baijiu shots felt appropriate.
I asked Alex why he wasn’t given a bowl. “Me? I would never,” he admitted while chuckling. “This was a lesson for you, little brother. At least your skin will look great in the morning.”