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The spit of birds may be used to make one of the world's most expensive foods, but it's not just the rich who can afford this rare delicacy. Despite its high price, bird spit nest drink has gained traction among young consumers who believe it's the fountain of youth.Swiftlets that breed in Southeast Asia's dark caves eschew twigs and straw for their nests, constructing instead interwoven strands of solidified saliva. These hardened nests are then sold to Chinese, whose appetite for the expensive byproduct of bird spit is driving the global edible bird's nest industry to $5 billion, with Indonesia leading the way as the country exports more of the product than Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore put together.Most of the nests are exported to China, where they're often transformed into a sweet and gelatinous soup, and a beverage that's believed to prolong life and improve strength. Historically, the drink was reserved for China's elite, including its imperial family and wealthy aristocrats. But it's now widely available across the region in bubble tea shops, gas stations and even some 7-11 outlets.Bird spit nest is a common ingredient in traditional Chinese cuisine, and has been consumed for centuries. It is also touted as a health food, said to improve digestive health, strengthen the immune system and boost libido.But is there any scientific evidence behind these claims? While https://nestvui.com/bang-gia-to-yen-sao/ have questioned the nutritional value of the dish, others have found that it can help alleviate stomach ailments, promote healing and treat diabetes.The spit-like substance is rich in protein, calcium and iron. It's also known to possess antioxidant properties and help with digestion. In fact, the Chinese medical community has been using it to cure certain diseases for centuries, such as spleen and kidney disorders.A study published in the journal Immunopharmacology in January 2016 successfully tracked how consuming swallow's nest boosted white blood cells, which produce antibodies that help fight infections. The researchers found that the peptides in bird's nests jump-start the proliferation of white blood cells, and can even reverse the damage caused by certain chemotherapy treatments, such as reducing the number of healthy immune cells that get destroyed.The research is a positive step for the edible bird's nest industry, which has been criticized by animal rights activists who say that the consumption of wild birds is cruel and unsustainable. But companies like Golden Nest offer sustainable swallow farms that prioritize animal welfare. While the farms don't allow for the free-range of the birds, the birds are housed in multistory concrete structures that mimic the environment of their natural habitat, and the farms are staffed by veterinarians to ensure the safety of workers. The farms also prioritise ethical and responsible production, as well as a commitment to quality. This is why the firm only works with certified and approved suppliers. They also work to certify that their products are halal, a requirement for Muslim consumers.
