Swallow's nest has long been processed into food with high selling prices. This of course cannot be separated because the benefits of swallow's nest is good for health so it should not be wasted.
The swallow's nest is made of saliva which will gradually harden by itself. Typically, swallows reside in the cave, so the saliva can function as an adhesive nest to the ceiling or top wall of the cave so that it does not easily fall.
Swallow saliva is certainly not like saliva in general. This saliva is made of protein, which also contains calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium.
Benefits of swallow's nests for health
In general, the nests produced by swallows are more popularly processed as soups. There are also those who process it into dessert, as a drink.
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that eating swallow's nests can counteract aging, stimulate healthy cell and tissue growth, increase concentration and fight cancer.
Here are some of the health benefits of swallow's nests:
1. Being an important source of minerals
Swallow's nest contains several important minerals to maintain a healthy body. Among manganese, zinc, calcium and copper. Manganese mineral is responsible for helping bone growth, launching the metabolic processes of carbohydrates, cholesterol and amino acids in the body. Manganese also has the function to activate and ensure that enzymes work properly in the body.
Copper minerals have a role for heart health by lowering cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Copper can also optimize immune function and increase collagen production.
2. Contains high antioxidants
In a study published in the journal Letters In Health and Biological Sciences said that swallow nests, including foods high in antioxidants. The function of these antioxidants is to fight the effects of free radicals.
3. Rich in essential amino acids
Swiftlet's nest saliva is made from special proteins that contain a variety of amino acids. These amino acids include aspartic acid and proline which are useful for cell regeneration.
Cysteine and phenylalanine, to improve working memory, working of nerve impulses and absorption of vitamin D from sunlight. The amino acid tyrosine serves to speed recovery after illness.
